Rams

Elwes writes that he has bought some sheep from Claud Alexander, and that he will keep the sheep on Ewart's account on his estate until Ewart wants them. He suggests that it would be preferable if Ewart's fat-tailed ram would be sent to himself, and asks whether he received the Shetlands from Greystoke. He thinks he had now better not come to Dundee as he wishes to superintend the earmarking of his new sheep.

The year is not written on the letter.

Elwes thanks Ewart and his wife for their hospitality. He asks Ewart to let him know when he can spare the ram, as he will need to buy some spotted ewes for him as well as keep his fat-tails, and does not want to be any later than 10th October.

The letter is undated.

Elwes writes concerning the restrictions on his sheep leaving England to be tupped, and urgently asks when Ewart can send his fat-tailed ram. He also enquires whether Ewart thinks a curly lamb could be produced by crossing a Wensleydale with a white Shetland sheep.

The year is not written on the letter.

Elwes states that he is sorry Lord Bute won't let the ram go, but Elwes will send Ewart some of his own sheep as soon as they are allowed to enter Scotland. He describes some of the cross-breeding he has carried out using his Western ram lamb.

The year is not written on the letter.

Elwes recommends that Ewart keeps the fat-tailed ram in a shed and that the shepherd assists him when the ewes are brought to him. Elwes recommends where Ewart can get some spotted ewes, his own having all been served. He recommends how Ewart might freshen up the soil of his farm.

The year is not written on the letter.

Elwes asks Ewart to confirm when they will meet to decide which sheep to show at Bristol, as he must shear his rams. He bought some sheep on Anglesey and asks whether Ewart would like a ram of the same breed.

Author's signature not present; letter may be incomplete.

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.

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 asks Ewart to divide the Shetland ewes between the best woolled Shetland moorit and the best Siberian ram, as he wishes to see what influence the environment may have on the wool. He asks whether Ewart wants to purchase the Shetlands or keep them and charge Elwes for their keep.

Elwes asks Ewart to let him know when he can visit his sheep. He has shorn the rams but the brown Siberian will have to be killed as he has a cancerous growth on his jaw. He describes what sheep cross-breeding he intends to do and states that he must move the Wallachian sheep from Hungary.

The letter is undated.