Ewart confirms the cost for sending the sheep. He comments on the Board of Agriculture's plans to have a small upland station.

Ewart writes that the account for the sheep from Cheltenham has already been paid. He tells Elwes to make a note of anything interesting on his travels, and if Elwes is back by March they may meet at the Zoological Congress in Monte Carlo. He reports that Elwes' two fat-rumped sheep and a dozen more ewes seem to be in lamb to the fat-tailed ram, and that the cloth Elwes sent is much admired. Now that Ewart's lectures are over for the winter he hopes to get some writing done.

Ewart reports that the Board of Agriculture see no reason why someone should not be sent to purchase all the sheep that may be rented by him and others, but they are reluctant to move towards forming a Shetland sheep society.

Ewart thanks Elwes for letting him know that the sheep arrived safely, and that he hopes the show will interest the King.

Ewart writes that he has written about the 'Murrayshire' sheep which he heard about at the Board of Agriculture. Ten Shetland fleeces and some Soay-Southdown wool have been sent to Sanderson. He asks Elwes to return the Soay-Southdown and the Siberian fleeces sent to the Bristol show as they belong to the University.

Ewart writes that he would like to see the Iceland dressed skins and asks Elwes to send them to the University. He would like to go to Iceland and if he is able to go next year, Watson would be delighted to join him.

Ewart describes the three ponies that he will send off to Woburn shortly. He states that the main questions relating to the origin of the domestic breeds of the horse will be settled if one of these mares has a foal to one of Russell's Przewalski's stallions. He states that unfortunately his Przewalski's mare is not in foal.

The latter part of the letter, including author's signature, is not present.

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.

Wood provides details of the two grants paid by the Board for the maintenance of sheep at Fairslacks and states that no further grant has been made.

Ewart's reply, dated 18 October 1916, requests Wood to supply him with the amounts paid between February and May 1914 and May and August 1914, which will allow him to make an appeal to the Factor to complete his statement.

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.