Cecil, Arthur, Lord, 1851-1913 (captain)

Cecil mentions that he has forwarded a letter to Forsyth showing that the Atholl horse is in demand. He enquires after 'young Willie' (presumably Cecil's son), who is currently staying with Ewart. He reports that there are two foals from 'Herd Laddie'. He confirms that the horse 'Glen' is the full brother of 'Highland Laddie' out of Coulmore's old 'Polly' by 'Alan Kingsburgh' (Lord Lovat's stallion).

Forsyth states that he is replying to both Ewart's official and private letters, and that he is forwarding his official letter on to Arthur Cecil (possibly relating to an application for funding). Forsyth states that he believes the 'Widow' should be served by Ewart's stallion, but acknowledges that others may have different opinions.

Cecil describes the estimate he has provided to the Congested Districts Board as to the price of the studs and horses intended for cross-breeding with the crofters' animals.

Cecil writes concerning the pony 'McNeil' and asks if Ewart could keep him a little longer until he decides what to do with him. He is trying to get him to Barra and the white-maned horse to Uist or Dunvegan.

Cecil writes that he thinks the Congested Districts Board pony stud 'an unqualified success' and believes the concept could be extended to other animals such as bulls and sheep. He believes there are around 20 stallions running wild on Barra and wishes Lady Gordon Cathcart would exert her influence to rectify this.

Cecil makes arrangements to stay with Ewart and reports on his meeting with Schofield and his critique of the latter's report. He suggests that the government funds a horse-breeding scheme, purchase the offspring and encourage landowners to breed army horses from selected native mares.

Cecil reports that he is making good progress with the Highland Stud Book. He believes Ewart's height limitations are right but would prefer to leave out the word 'garron'. He writes that the mainland ponies are only big because they have generations of better keep and because a little Clydesdale blood has been kept in them.

Cecil writes that since he has not heard from Lord Middleton, he will send his pony 'McNeil' to Croall's. He reports that the crofters usually buy their ponies from each other but they are complaining that they are being bred too light of bone for heavy work.