Zoos

Elwes writes that he is glad to hear that the farm is arranged and that Ewart will be able to carry out some more extensive experiments. He enquires about the fat-tailed ram at Liverpool, as he would like to see him, and remarks that the weather at Colesbourne will suit him more than Ewart's farm at Fairslacks. He suggests that Ewart send over some live specimens of sheep to the new Zoological Gardens in Edinburgh.

The year is not written on the letter.

Shaw congratulates Ewart on the publication of the Penycuik Experiments. He discusses his own interest in the breeding of a pair of Burchell's zebras located at the Zoological Gardens in Bristol, and the markings of their offspring. He offers to send Ewart the skin of an 11 month-old foal for his inspection. He asks for advice on the hybridisation of zebras with ponies and donkeys in their care.

Campbell writes that she and her husband are willing to donate the goose-swan hybrid to the Edinburgh Zoological Society and that she will wire the Secretary once it has been captured and brought to the Gardens. She invites Ewart to visit them at Garscube to see the birds on the river.

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.