University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

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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Cannington informs Ewart that the Development Commissioners are prepared to recommend that £40,000 annual grant be made for the encouragement of light horse breeding in Great Britain. He requests that Ewart serve on the Advisory Council of the Board of Agriculture and Fisheries and outlines their proposals for use of the money, namely as the payment of premiums to stallion owners.

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Brown writes that he is sorry that Ewart and the other members of the Committee were 'exposed to an ungracious reception' by the District Committee and the County Council, but that thanks to Ewart's efforts, 'the rock gets a breathing space' and Brown will contribute towards the cost of testing and opening up the quarry on the opposite side. He enquires whether Ewart is familiar with a reference to the horses of the Maetae in Scriptores Historiae Augustae.

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Lort-Phillips writes that he and the Devon County Committee have agreed to run their Pack Horse Stud Book together. Mr Phillpotts-Williams, a Committee member, is anxious to form a strong London committee to grapple with horse breeding questions, although Lort-Phillips would prefer to wait until the ground is clear. Lort-Phillips asks Ewart to be his collaborator with taking their ideas and research further.

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Lort-Phillips complains about the situation with the 'Standing Committee' and the Hunters Improvement Society, namely their decision to use half-bred horses for breeding.

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Haveley reports that he failed to persuade his Committee about the bay Shales and complains of lack of scientific support on his Committee, especially concerning the pedigrees of horses. He asks Ewart's advice on the horse 'Snowflake'. He is still making enquiries about Findon Shales.

Scope and Contents Haveley describes his recent travels around Devon searching for pack horses and provides details on a pack stallion, although he is convinced that the Board of Agriculture will not buy him for the County. He proposes to gather together the names of men interested in horse breeding to purchase him, and also 10 to 15 of the best old pack mares. He is convinced that in six years time there will be a great demand for pack stallions by the Board of Agriculture and foreign governments. He reports...

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Ainsworth writes that he will gladly help with the opportunity for pony breeding that has arisen in relation to the Committee set up by the Selkirk office to report on how far the Congested Districts Board can promote improved agriculture amongst crofters. He suggests that Ewart give evidence before this committee and is glad that the original report is being revised.

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Dawkins writes that he is sure the Glastonbury Committee will allow Ewart to study the remains of horses among their collections of refuse bones and provides the address of the master digger. He adds that he has not received 'the Roman Skulls from Newstead.'

The latter part of the letter, including author's signature, is unclear, but the address matches that of William Boyd Dawkins.

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Palmer, who signs himself 'Selbourne', thanks Ewart for sending him his articles on eugenics and the breeding of light horses. He writes that the reason Ewart has not been summoned to a meeting of the Standing Committee for the last two years is that there has not been a meeting.