EDITOR'S PREFACE.

The first edition of this volume having been exhausted and a second required, it was deemed advisable by the Department to revise the work and make it uniform with the later volumes. In accordance with such design, the form of the book has been substantially modified in several respects; a new index, with full notes of reference, has been prepared, together with tables of cases reported and cited, acts of Congress, and Revised Statutes, cited and construed, Reversed or

modified decisions have been noted, with proper reference to the later authority. Several important decisions are also included the present edition that did not appear in the former, while none been omitted.

importance have

S. V. PROUDFIT.

Secretary's Office, Washington, D. C., June 30, 1887.

PREFACE.

It is desirable and important that the decisions of the Land Department illustrating the administration of the land laws of the United States should be published in an authentic manner, and in permanent form convenient for reference. This will enable the several divisions of the office to refer readily, not only to the decisions originating in the appropriate business of each, but with equal readiness to consult the decisions of all the other divisions, and of the Department; and, it is believed, will greatly systematize and facilitate the operations of the office.

For the purpose indicated, the present publication, commencing with the beginning of the present administration of this office and extending to this date, is directed.

It is intended to continue the publication hereafter at stated periods. DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR,

GENERAL LAND OFFICE,

June, 1883.

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