Dear Arthur: I must confess that I share your sadness concerning the first item of information contained in your letter of the eighth. I had certainly looked forward to the arrival of Whitney Jilt's calf--it was more than hard luck that her first born should be stillborn.1
With respect to the planting, you know we are anxious to put a mixed clump in an area north of your new stable corral so as to screen the metal buildings that will be put in somewhat further to the eastward. The one place where I think no more trees should be planted is generally in the area in the front of the house. Mamie is looking forward to using the picture window as a vantage point from which to view the mountains out to the westward. We don't want any kind of planting in the sector necessary to give her a good broad sweep of those hills.2
As Mrs. Whitman told you this morning on the phone, I think you should let your butcher go ahead and finish the cutting up of the steer. I personally think that the hanging--at least for the hind quarters--has been for far too short a period. But on the other hand, I had supposed that we had a really fat steer, and I also supposed that the butcher should know more about his business than I do. I am afraid that if what he says is true, that the beef is not going to measure up to the great expectations that George had for it.3
I am enclosing a note I have just received from Admiral Strauss, together with a copy of my reply.4
With warm regard, As ever
