Transcription:
ARNOLD ARBORETUM. 2 provisionally we have decided to call it, in case it is made, the Stanislaus Reservation. If you cal.
suggest a better name, as I am sure you can, let me have it at once; and please do not mention to any one that there is any
question of probability of such a reserve being recommended or made. We have got to act promptly and secretly in these matters
or the politicians will overwhelm us. It won't do therefore to have the matter discussed by any one. I should be a pretty
spectacle indeed telling you what to write about western forest. and if I was going myself to write anything on the subject
you are the person to whom I should turn for ideas and inspiration. I am sorry I have not a spare copy of Volume ix. of the
Tenth Census Reports which I fear has long been out of print. They certainly have a copy at the Academy and Miss Eastwood
I know will lend it to you and allow you to keep it as long as you care to. I do not know why you assume that I do not want
any notes you may have about the number of needles illegible tassels that illegible on the branches, etc. , etc. I particularly
want these, especially the time the leaves of conifers remain on the branches, this being a matter which has generally been
overlooked. I believe that the length of time Pine leaves endure affords a good specific character and it certainly ought
to be noted if possible. I am writing to the publishers to ask why you have not received your copy of The Silva. Our next
woodland walks will be in 02217