Ewart writes that Watson has started for Shetland with sufficient introductions. Ewart's paper will appear in the Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. He asks what Elwes wants done with the Shetland hoggs when shorn and with the wethers.

Elwes writes that he has just returned from Formosa and invites Ewart to visit him in time for the shearing of the ewes. He will also invite Lort and Bateson to settle which rams are to be kept for future experiments.

Elwes writes that some of his sheep have already been shorn owing to the prevalence of fly on them. He asks Ewart to confirm when he will be visiting, as he wishes to choose which ram lambs to keep as soon as possible. He would like to stay with Ewart and see the Shetland sheep at his friends' place on his way to Aberdeen.

Elwes asks Ewart to confirm when they will meet to decide which sheep to show at Bristol, as he must shear his rams. He bought some sheep on Anglesey and asks whether Ewart would like a ram of the same breed.

Author's signature not present; letter may be incomplete.

Elwes asks Ewart to let him know when he can visit his sheep. He has shorn the rams but the brown Siberian will have to be killed as he has a cancerous growth on his jaw. He describes what sheep cross-breeding he intends to do and states that he must move the Wallachian sheep from Hungary.

The letter is undated.