Committees

Elwes provides some suggestions regarding the transportation of the sheep to Cheltenham from Edinburgh for the Royal Agricultural Show in Bristol. He will send Ewart details of the valuation of the wool for the guidance of Ewart's committee as to future crossing experiments.

Elwes writes that he is sending some remarks about the report of the Committee on wool, of which Ewart was chiefly the author. Elwes believes that the Committee fails to realise that with the possible exception of the Merino and Shetland, wool is of minor importance to the breeder, and that no definite type of wool suitable for any specified purpose is indicated. He does not feel that the Welsh farm or Fochabers are suitable for experiments on crossing because they are low country farms.

Brown writes that he is sorry that Ewart and the other members of the Committee were 'exposed to an ungracious reception' by the District Committee and the County Council, but that thanks to Ewart's efforts, 'the rock gets a breathing space' and Brown will contribute towards the cost of testing and opening up the quarry on the opposite side. He enquires whether Ewart is familiar with a reference to the horses of the Maetae in Scriptores Historiae Augustae.

Lort-Phillips writes that he and the Devon County Committee have agreed to run their Pack Horse Stud Book together. Mr Phillpotts-Williams, a Committee member, is anxious to form a strong London committee to grapple with horse breeding questions, although Lort-Phillips would prefer to wait until the ground is clear. Lort-Phillips asks Ewart to be his collaborator with taking their ideas and research further.

Lort-Phillips writes that he agrees Phillpotts-Williams is in too much of a hurry due to fear that others 'will forestall him in taking the lead'. He feels that the Board of Agriculture's policy is the wrong one and emphasises the importance of scientific research in agriculture.

Lort-Phillips notes that, in the agenda for the next 'Advisory Council' meeting, the Board of Agriculture scheme for the purchase of brood mares will be coming up for discussion, and hopes for Ewart's support of his opinions.

Lort-Phillips complains about the situation with the 'Standing Committee' and the Hunters Improvement Society, namely their decision to use half-bred horses for breeding.

Haveley reports that he failed to persuade his Committee about the bay Shales and complains of lack of scientific support on his Committee, especially concerning the pedigrees of horses. He asks Ewart's advice on the horse 'Snowflake'. He is still making enquiries about Findon Shales.

Cecil asks Ewart to order some more copies of 'that kiang of mine' to send out to various people. He recommends that Ewart contact Fincastle at Piershill, as he is the owner of South Harris and interested in the fisherman-crofters.He is also to be on the commitee to advise the Congested Districts Board and Crofters Commission and also well-placed to advise on the breeding of animals for miltary use.