Alexander, Sir Claud, fl 1910-1930

Ewart thanks Elwes for the wool samples and the details about the Austrian Skemschaf. The four sheep have not yet arrived from Greystoke, but he doubts they are allowed into Scotland yet. Cowan is coming to see the Shetland ram from Fairisle and that he will use it with Elwes' ewes if it is judged to be better than Alexander's ram.

Elwes provides some details of the 'dun-faced sheep' and suggests that Ewart impress on Claud Alexander the importance of photographing the results of his cross-breeding experiments, rather than breeding indiscriminately. He mentions the research of Professor Keller on the Bündner sheep of Switzerland and R.F Scharff in Ireland. He hopes to visit Ewart before going to Shetland.

Elwes writes that he has bought some sheep from Claud Alexander, and that he will keep the sheep on Ewart's account on his estate until Ewart wants them. He suggests that it would be preferable if Ewart's fat-tailed ram would be sent to himself, and asks whether he received the Shetlands from Greystoke. He thinks he had now better not come to Dundee as he wishes to superintend the earmarking of his new sheep.

The year is not written on the letter.

Alexander is relieved that Elwes enjoyed inspecting his sheep, although he considers Elwes' aim of trying to manufacture a breed of sheep with the hardiness of Welsh and the size and fleece of Lincoln longwools to be an impossibility. He reports the birth of a fat-tailed ram lamb out of his best ewe. Ewart should treat Mr [Guracy?]'s letter with caution, as he is an untrained observer and Alexander has known him to make errors.

Alexander confirms the arrangements for Mr and Mrs Ewart's short visit and comments that he must try and sell Elwes some sheep.

Alexander writes that he has not got another Przewalski's horse so far and the mares are not in foal. He has informed Colonel Oliphant of this. He is disappointed at his cross-bred lambs but the Africans and the fat tails are better. He asks whether Ewart has got permission from the Board of Agriculture to use his fat-tailed ram.

Alexander thanks Ewart for sending him the pony, and asks his age. He also requests Elwes' address to thank him for sending him one of his papers on sheep. He asks if he thinks Lord Arthur Cecil would join the 'Menagerie Club', as they hope to be able to put on a show and exhibit some hybrids the following year.

Alexander writes that he is enclosing a cheque for the half-bred ponies, and he would be delighted to have a Siberian lamb to cross-breed with. He asks whether Ewart would have any use for mismarked calves of the white cattle, as well as any black 'Soa' ewe lambs.

Alexander writes concerning transport arrangements for the sheep he is sending to Ewart. He also offers to send him a piebald ram lamb.