University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

Ewart writes that the embargo on transporting sheep and cattle between England and Scotland will be lifted in a few days. He thinks he may get the use of one of the islands in the Forth for sheep that are too wild for fences. He asks whether Elwes knows the Ryeland breed of sheep, as it has been suggested that he should put some to the 'Siberian' ram.

Crichton-Stuart, who signs himself 'Bute', thanks Ewart for his recent hospitality and writes that he would like to acquire three score Shetland ewes. He suggests that the ewes might be sent to Ewart's farm to be served by his Siberian ram before being sent to the Isle of Bute. He also offers to buy Ewart's Chillingham bull.

Gordon hopes that the ewe and spotted lamb arrived safely in Leith. He provides details about the price his lambs fetched in Aberdeen. He writes that he is going on with the excavation of the Brough and has found some stone implements as well as the bones of horses, cattle and sheep, which he offers to send to Ewart for investigation.

Gordon writes that unfortunately nobody in the district is selling a Shetland heifer in calf, but that he would be willing to put an advertisement in the Shetland News for Ewart. He reports that he doesn't have any crosses between Blackface tups and Moorit ewes, but that he will set aside any long-woolled Moorits he comes across for Ewart. He also offers to send him a white pure Shetland tup lamb with three horns.