University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

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Ewart writes that he is sending Douglas another paper on the development of the horse, but that he will require financial help to continue with the work. He supposes that the Development Commissioners are not worth approaching, but asks Douglas to consider the matter favourably.

Scope and Contents Ewart writes that the examination of the skulls from the Roman fort near Melrose has proved that horses representing four distinct varieties or species were living under domestication during the first century. The Zoology Board of the Royal Society Government Grant Committee have started an investigation to ascertain the origins of various species of horse by examining bones and cross-breeding. Ewart requests Russell's financial help with meeting the costs of this investigation....

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Russell, who signs himself 'Bedford', writes that he would be happy to contribute £100 towards the cost of the investigation into the origin of the horse.

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J and J Cunningham reply to Cecil and Ewart about their proposal (outlined in their enclosed letter, dated 13 December) for selling special powders and foods for horses and asks Ewart to make an appointment to discuss further particulars.

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Peacock thanks Lord Selbourne for his interest in the breeding experiments with Dartmoor ponies and old Devon packhorses. He is preparing a memorandum of their current work and plans for the future which he will send to Selbourne and also to Ewart, whom Peacock wishes to consult regarding the application of Mendelian principles to the pack horse. He goes on to describe the breeding work in South Devon between a Norfolk-Roadster stallion and mares with packhorse pedigrees.

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Photograph of James Cossar Ewart's West Highland pony, Mulatto, and her foal, Romulus, at 5 days old standing next to each other in a barn. Romulus was born in 1896 and is a cross between a horse and a zebra.

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Photograph of James Cossar Ewart's West Highland pony, Mulatto, and her foal, Romulus, at 7 days old standing next to each other outside in a paddock. Romulus was born in 1896 and is a cross between a horse and a zebra.

Scope and Contents Contains: 'Ponies', The Spectator, 27 October 1900; 'The Highland Pony: Revival of a Neglected Equine Breed', by J. Fairfax Blakeborough, The Scotsman, 6 September 1907; 'The Country House: Horses for the Territorial Army', The Field, 15 February 1908; 'The National Horse...

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The notes chiefly consist of quotations from newspaper reports relating to the introduction of 'new blood' into the crofters' ponies by the Congested Districts Board in a bid to improve the native stock.

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Photograph of James Cossar Ewart standing with Romulus, the zebra/horse hybrid, on the lawn behind a house in the late 19th or early 20th century.