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.

The letter is dated '14 January 1908', but since it clearly relates to the ensuing correspondence with the Duke of Bedford dated 1909, this is taken to be an error.