Letter from T[heodore] P. Lukens to John Muir, 1901 Jan 12.

[letterhead]Pasadena CalJan 12 - 1901Dear Mr MuirI have received your valued letter, and am delighted to know I have done something to help you, for you have done so much to help me in my eagerness to learn something of Forestry, if I could only have a few days in each year with you in the Forests, I would get along well So many people have asked me, and I have asked others, is there nothing descriptive of the Conifers of Cal, compact and with no other matter, so that it can be carried in the Mountains to enable one to become acquainted with the Conifer, if there could be a small book giving the Botanical and comon name Range Distinguishing character of growth Foliage, especialy number of needles of pines Fertile Cones, distinguishing features and how borne on the trees02832 [letterhead]Male cones or flowers Length of time cones are maturing Seeds, collor, shape, winged or not in fact every feature should be mentioned, for the very thing left out might leave the student in darkness, as it often has me. I am not competent to prepare such a work, but can assist with some Photos, and then they work to be useful and reliable should be over the signature of John Muir, then all will have confidence in it. Can you take the time to describe the Conifers for me, and I will do the rest and submit to you before publication. With kindest regards to all in which my people all join I amEver you Greatful FriendT. P. Lukens0283