University of Edinburgh Archive and Manuscript Collections

Thylor states that he will gladly visit Ewart to view his hybrids. He supplies him with the addresses of several military men who he believes may be able to give him the information he requires regarding the use of horses, and in particular hybrids, in military action. Thylor proffers the opinion that the hybrids, because of their conspicuous stripes, may not be suited to military work in the field, though they would be suited to ambulance work.

Sexton encloses a photograph (not present) of a striped mouse dun pony and recalls seeing an unusually striped bay horse. She also mentions visiting Ewart to see his hybrids some years ago with the agricultural college.

Baillie provides details on the differences in markings on his zebra skins, and asks if Ewart would like to see them. He thanks Ewart for hosting himself and Mrs Baillie.

Elwes thanks Ewart and his wife for their hospitality. He asks Ewart to let him know when he can spare the ram, as he will need to buy some spotted ewes for him as well as keep his fat-tails, and does not want to be any later than 10th October.

The letter is undated.

Elwes makes arrangements for visiting Ewart after his trip to Yorkshire. He thinks that he will soon discard the Hebridean and spotted breeds and confine himself to brown Shetlands which he will cross with Manx, Black Welsh and White Cheviots crossed with Norfolk. He also plans to try some Exmoors this year, which thrive well on Salisbury Plain. He asks whether Ewart or Cowan have any Shetland sheep arriving that year.

The year is not written on the letter.

Alexander writes concerning what money he would take for the sale of the filly, and invites Ewart to come and see his lambs. He adds that he has got a perfectly marked white calf from a pure fawn Jersey by the white bull.

Ridgeway congratulates Ewart on the announcement of his marriage. He reports that he has finally got a photograph of the Somali wild ass in Regent's Park from Dando. He mentions forthcoming papers about quaggas from Pocock and Lydekker and concludes by enquiring whether the quagga's markings and its bay colour are to be attributed to its living under the same climactic conditions as the Libyan horse.