LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL 
Department of the Interior, 
United States Geological Survey, 
Washington, I). C, February 18, 1904. 
Sir: There is presented herewith, for publication as a bulletin, an 
account of the origin, development, and present organization of the 
United States Geological Survey, with short summaries of its various 
operations during the first quarter-century of its existence. This bul- 
letin has been prepared in accordance with your instructions, and it is 
believed that it will be read with interest generally, both in this coun- 
try and abroad, as a brief record of the rise, growth, administration, 
and work of an important branch of the public service. 
Very respectfully, 
H. C. Rizer, 
Chief Clerk. 
Hon. Charles D. Walcott, 
Director of United States Geological Survey. 
