vi COST OF LIVING IN THE UNITED STATES 
such changes and additions as seemed necessary to clarify 
the explanation. In addition, the figures themselves have 
been revised to include all significant data available at the 
beginning of 1926. 
Taken in conjunction with the Board’s study of “Family 
Budgets of American Wage Earners,” the present volume 
affords a comprehensive review of existing cost of living data 
in this country and should prove a valuable guide in under- 
standing and evaluating the significance of this important 
part of modern economic knowledge. 
This volume is the result of an investigation conducted by 
Miss M. L. Stecker and assistants, of the Conference Board’s 
Research Staff, under the supervision of the Board’s Staff 
Economic Council. 
In the preparation of its studies the National Industrial 
Conference Board avails itself of the experience and judg- 
ment of the business executives who compose its membership, 
and of recognized authorities in special fields, in addition to 
the scientific knowledge and equipment of its Research Staff. 
The publications of the Board thus finally represent the 
result of scientific investigation and broad business experi- 
ence, and the conclusions expressed therein are those of the 
Conference Board as a body.