Balfour, Alice Blanche, 1850-1936 (sister of 1st Earl of Balfour)

Balfour writes that she encloses a letter from Barrington Balfour (letter not present). She also expresses an interest in Ewart's theories that the eldest child in a family possesses more of the family traits of the father than the younger ones. She goes on to give the example of her sister and the respective resemblances to other members of her family.

Balfour writes that, after receiving an enclosed letter from Barrington Balfour (letter not present), she suggests that Ewart contacts Barrington himself. In a later postscript, she adds that she would like to come and see Ewart's pigeons.

Balfour mentions that she has not received a reply from Lord Kitchener regarding the possibility of the Indian Government purchasing zebra hybrids from Ewart. She mentions three black Highland ponies in her possession which have very small callosites, and suggests that Ewart might like to come and view them.

Balfour writes that she is grateful that Ewart has got 'Romulus' (his first zebra hybrid) back from the King. She asks if Ewart would like her to talk to Lord Onslow about his remaining herd of mountain zebras. She hopes to examine the callosities on her own Highland ponies soon and asks about the results of his hare-rabbit cross-breeding experiments. She complains about the lack of funding for scientific research.

Balfour writes that she has spoken to her brother about obtaining funding from the Carnegie Trust for a research farm. She asks Ewart to send her brother a letter stating what the Research Committee wishes, and he will attempt to forward this to Lord Elgin, who may be able to help. She offers to make enquiries about the whereabouts of the ponies 'Brenda' and 'Black Agnes'.

Balfour writes that her brother has been unsuccessful in attempting to gain Lord Elgin's help for funding for a research farm. She enquires whether anyone has tried procuring immunity for horses from the Tsetse fly by permitting infection in zebras.

Balfour encloses a letter from Monk Bretton expressing hope that the lives of the zebras in South Africa may be spared. Balfour also thanks Ewart for sending her a copy of the Report of the Research Committee.

Balfour states she is returning Carl Hagenbeck's letter to Ewart. She states she has also written to Lord Stanley in connection with Ewart's hybrids.