Cecil states that he has been to the Zoo to inspect the 'Kitchener hybrid', which he goes on to describe.

Hadden asks Ewart's opinion of who would make the best secretary for the Zoological Society, and recounts her visit to the Zoo at Clifton, while painting miniatures for Ewart.

Sclater answers Ewart's question about experiments in inbreeding in the Zoological Gardens. He states that, while that no experiments specifically based on inbreeding have been carried out at the Gardens, they are careful to inject new blood into their breeding programmes, to sustain the size, health and reproductive powers of the animals.

Sclater answers Ewart's question about breeding between brothers and sisters of the same breed of animal, stating they tend not to continue breeding well after a few years. He suggests that any breeding experiments would be better conducted in a quieter place than the Zoological Gardens.

Holding thanks Ewart for the tickets for 'Zoo' and says he will send him a photograph of an old St Kilda sheep as well as a photograph of a stuffed head which was eventually purchased from him by J.G Millais. He offers Ewart an exchange of a St Kilda ewe's skull for a pair of Roebuck horns.

Campbell writes that the goose-swan hybrid has been captured and that his keeper will bring it to the Edinburgh Zoo the following day.

Alexander writes that he will visit the clouded leopard when in London and complains at the Zoo's ignorance when it comes to curing dysentery and diarrhoea in cats. He suggests that if Ewart wishes him to do anything he should inform the authorities at the Zoo. The Przewalski's colt is doing well although Alexander does not think he has served any mares yet.

Alexander reports that he has inspected Ewart's leopard at the Zoo and that it seems in good health. He asks Ewart to notify him if he is planning to sell her and comments that he has found a remnant of the Chartley cattle herd.

Hill writes to confirm that the Foreign Office have got the mare zebra from the zoo. He says he will send a report to Ewart if it is not printed by the Society of Arts and enquires whether Ewart has heard anything more about the dwarf ponies.

The writer provides information concerning the ponies in the Jardin d'Acclimatation de Paris.

The author's signature is unclear.