Elwes asks for Ewart's opinion on the Iceland skins and for him to return them. He has just received some new cloth and enquires whether Mrs Ewart or any of their friends would like some before he hands it over to the tailor to sell. Wallace has written that he has a fine ram from Russia which he is sending to a farm for the Scottish Board of Agriculture.

The year is not written on the letter.

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.

Elwes writes that he will read Ewart's lecture on the origin of domesic animals with great interest. He has asked for some photographs of sheep skulls in the Museum at Cambridge. He reports that he has received a letter from Hudson Beare asking Elwes' opinion of Ewart's farm at Fairslacks, as someone has objected to it being too high and cold.

Graham writes concerning the confusion over the return of the pony 'Greylegs' to his farm. He thanks Ewart for his support of his breeding experiments and states that he will make enquiries about acquiring an Arab-Russian stud.

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.

Crichton-Stuart, who signs himself 'Bute', confirms that the sheep have arrived safely on the Isle of Bute and seem healthy. He comments that two sheep appear longer than the others, and he wonders whether these could be crosses with the Siberian from Ewart's farm or perhaps twins from Shetland.

Robertson writes that he is enclosing some information (not present) on suggested methods of milking to secure greater cleanliness. He recommends Ewart visit Mr Buckley's farm at Moundsmere Manor, near Basingstoke, to see the method in use.

Martin advises Ewart that his notion of keeping a farm at Crosswoodburn is impractical for financial reasons. He says he is glad that 'the two hybrids' have gone to Mountain Batteries as he hopes it may lead to them being bred in India. He also mentions that Ewart 'should get a big price for 'Romulus' (Ewart's first zebra hybrid) now as he is a hybrid with a past'. He encourages Ewart to publicise his findings from his hare-rabbit cross-breeding.

Green writes to say that he does not have the time to take over half of Ewart's farm, but that he will happily provide financial support, and is enclosing £20 to keep the two ponies.

Photograph of Malsetter, a farm in South Africa showing the hills and plains in the early 20th century.