Forsyth, James Noel Muller, 1844-1923 (landowner, Quinish, Tobermory)

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 confirms that his colleagues have agreed to the purchase of four of Ewart's ponies and the stud farm subject to certain conditions. Forsyth recommends that Ewart contact John Ritchie to engage him under terms recommended by Lord Arthur Cecil.

Forsyth welcomes Ewart back from his travels in Mexico and states that he is enclosing a letter from Cecil about the ponies (which are in the process of being purchased by the Congested Districts Board). He makes arrangements to see Ewart.

Forsyth writes that he intends to travel from Tobermory to Portree on 09 June and that he hopes Ewart will be able to join him.

Forsyth reports on the quality of two horses, 'Atholl' and 'Antrim' which he has seen in Lochboisdale.

Forsyth reports that the Congested Districts Board are now ceasing to breed ponies for the crofters as they believe they now have enough stock to keep them going. He thinks that the Board would be happy to purchase the ponies 'Fatima II' and 'Rhona' with their foals and agrees with Ewart that a Highland Pony Society should be formed to make for fairer judging between different breeds.

Forsyth asks Ewart to accompany him to Monkstadt (the experimental farm of the Congested Districts Board) to see the ponies. He also wishes to consult him about the some public allegations that the Congested Districts Board are reviving the Highland ponies by crossing them.

Forsyth congratulates Ewart on his letter to The Scotsman, which he states fits in very well with Forsyth's report on the Stud Farm.

Forsyth writes that he would prefer to buy the mare from Ewart, and let the mares that he is sending go for whatever price they may fetch. He comments that he would be delighted to exchange instead, but that he is afraid of the suspicion of his colleagues.

Forsyth instructs Ewart not to answer the recent letter in The Oban Times from a J. Macleod. He reports that Maclean of Nunton wants £25 to £30 premium for his stallion to serve in Benbecula but he has instructed the office of the Congested Districts Board not to offer more than £10. He is buying the yellow dun mare from Ritchie and will send for the Connemara pony. He concludes that there will be no Scottish Land Legislation this year.