Elwes, Henry John, 1846-1922 (traveller and botanist)

Elwes enquires whether Ewart thinks it worthwhile to import any sheep from the Faroes, and if so, could Lord Bute or Cowan take them, as he has no room. He refers to a letter from a Mrs Taylor which mentions crossing a fox-coloured ram with a black ewe. He reports that Ewart's Blackfaces are the most profitable of his sheep so far, except for their wool. He will be selling the remainder of Ewart's hoggs.

Elwes writes that he has written a letter which he would like Ewart to send to The Field, in defence of a statement made by Ewart which involves Elwes. He describes the skins of some cross-bred sheep which he has bought and will send to Ewart.

The letter is undated, although marked 'Tuesday'.

Elwes writes that the Zoological Society no longer wishes to keep his three-year old Soay ram, and he wonders whether the Edinburgh Zoological Society might like him. He asks whether Ewart knows of anyone who will make him cloth made from Moorit wool.

Elwes writes that he has enclosed a letter concerning Merino rams in Australia. He recommends the book 'Tutira, A History of New Zealand Sheep Farm' by Guthrie-Smith and confirms visiting arrangements for Ewart and his wife.

Elwes writes that he is sending some remarks about the report of the Committee on wool, of which Ewart was chiefly the author. Elwes believes that the Committee fails to realise that with the possible exception of the Merino and Shetland, wool is of minor importance to the breeder, and that no definite type of wool suitable for any specified purpose is indicated. He does not feel that the Welsh farm or Fochabers are suitable for experiments on crossing because they are low country farms.

Elwes writes that he has been helping Wallace with his account of Shetland-Soay sheep in his new edition of Farm Live Stock and expresses his distress at the difference of opinion between Wallace and Ewart. Elwes reports that Wallace is willing to make amends and offers to help in any way he can. He concludes by remarking on his failing health and offers Ewart a book from his library as a keepsake.

Elwes writes that he will settle with the people of Shetland how many sheep to send and when. He also wants sheep from Fairisle and Foula. Balfour of Dawyck wants some sheep sent along with them, and Elwes asks Ewart if he knows of any place near Leith where the sheep could rest for a week en route. He writes that Wallace is hoping to get a grant to carry out cross-breeding experiments at the University and has suggested working together.

The letter is undated.

Elwes is sending Ewart the fleece of a Cheviot-Shetland cross from Shetland and that he will also receive a fleece of a first-prize shearling Welsh ewe. He is also enclosing photographs of sheep showing four generations and asks Ewart's advice on what would be the most interesting cross out of them. He asks when Ewart and Wallace are going to examine the wools.

Elwes asks Ewart to enquire after the whereabouts of a lost book.

The year is not written on the letter.