Farms

Elwes writes that he has no doubt that Carruthers will publish his discoveries when he returns. He asks that Ewart return the proof of his paper by 01 December at the latest. He commiserates over Ewart's farm and promises to help him when he returns to England the following year.

The year is not written on the letter.

Elwes thanks Ewart for the draft of the application which he hopes to submit shortly. If Ewart can secure the grazing on the hill behind his farm, Elwes will send him 30 Shetland ewes. He will take the five sheep that are for sale for £9 and offers Ewart the Herdwick ram that Mr Howard of Greystoke is selling, if Ewart would like to try him with some Cheviot or Blackface ewes. He advises Ewart to get the printed results of experiments at the Cumberland Experimental Farm near Penrith.

Elwes reports that Hall, a mutual acquaintance, approves of Ewart's paper and feels that it paves the way for something on a larger scale later. Elwes has received a pair of Rocky sheep, and asks Ewart if he wants a long-tailed black Welsh ram lamb. He has heard that the Board of Agriculture are trying to get a farm where animals for exporting will be tested for tuberculosis and imported animals received in quarantine.

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.