Butter asks for advice on breaking in and handling the two zebras he has purchased from Carl Hagenbeck in Hamburg. He writes that natural history is his greatest hobby, and that he recalls Ewart from his time at Aberdeen University, where Butter was a student.

Sloss confirms that he is glad Ewart can visit for the sale in Castle Douglas and reports that one of Ewart's yearlings has gone missing.

Singh, writing from Gondal in India, requests information about Shetland ponies, and their cost. He also states that he would be happy to look after Ewart's zebra mule for him and try to find a purchaser for it.

Wickham, a cousin of and agent for Colonel Congreve, provides further details of the cattle at Chartley as well as other cattle he has purchased, and asks for Ewart's advice on the cross-breeding of these cattle.

Alexander confirms the arrangements for Mr and Mrs Ewart's short visit and comments that he must try and sell Elwes some sheep.

Alexander asks whether Ewart still wants to purchase some sheep from him, and makes suggestions for shipping arrangements.

Alexander reports that he has inspected Ewart's leopard at the Zoo and that it seems in good health. He asks Ewart to notify him if he is planning to sell her and comments that he has found a remnant of the Chartley cattle herd.

Alexander writes that he cannot afford to buy Ewart's clouded leopard but that Ewart should not let her go too cheaply. He offers his young Mysore bull to Ewart's Celtic shorthorn, and will try to get a photograph of the hybrid and provides details about piebald lambs.

Alexander makes arrangements for meeting Ewart and states that his zebra bull will be at Ewart's service if there is a decent summer. He has two white bulls for sale, and complains that Elwes will not return his sheep crates.

Alexander suggests that one of them should try to get the fertile mule, and that he is happy to purchase her if need be. He reports that Sir Charles Assheton Smith has purchased a zebra hybrid for £200.