March 12,1945. 
 
Dear Professor: 
Thanks for yours of the Sth,conoerning phenology. It just 
hadn't occurred to me that the multi-nodal pines might have a 
tricky growth curve. Kaufman's data do not show this plainly, 
probably because there are too few spots on the curve. I havent 
had much experience with that sort of growth. On some of our light 
sands (merrimc,for example) Pinus rigida will produce two nodes, 
apparently induced by a mid-sunmer drought period. At Stephentown 
we dont have this phenomenon--atmospheric and soil moisture seem 
to be adequate thruout the growing season. Lesultmy P.ripida and 
P.banksiana are uni-nodal as far as their growth period is concerned. 
I wonder what the actual growing time is--lO0 days less how 
much of a rest? Guess I'll never know. Had some scheme Yorked out 
on Pitch Pine some time ago,but never got around to do the work. 
I am a bit hesit-nt about retting mixed up,officially,with 
the USFS. The men who do their research usually have to submit 
all their ideas and plans to the-Director. That means that the 
Forest Service would have a oroprietary interest in qny such data. 
Maybe the Lake Otetees men ere more liberal-minded tan those in 
the old Northeastern station used to be. WitL >e its "onee burned,

twice shy". Cue s we better continue the red pine study on the 
present basis. It could and should be expanded after the war. In 
fact,the whole phenology business needs to be put on a soundrerional 
basis,if we are ever to get anywhere with it. That would roqujre 
sponsorship from some regional or national orranization.  e'll have 
to get along as best we can for the duration. 
As ever, 
David B. Cook. 
Dbc/do