Animal sale

Crichton-Stuart, who signs himself 'Bute', thanks Ewart for his recent hospitality and writes that he would like to acquire three score Shetland ewes. He suggests that the ewes might be sent to Ewart's farm to be served by his Siberian ram before being sent to the Isle of Bute. He also offers to buy Ewart's Chillingham bull.

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 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.

Alexander asks whether Ewart wishes to purchase a Mysore bull from him. He is lame but well-behaved, and Alexander would take £10 to save him from going to the butcher. He reports that his filly was hard to handle but is settling down, while her dam should foal soon although she has not wintered well and looks in poor condition. He complains that his pair of Pallas's cats are not healthy.

Alexander reports that his pregnant mare has died. He asks whether Ewart would like to take on all of his fat-rumped ewes for £10. He has a donkey very near foaling by the mule 'Jacob', which proves that he can still get stock. He states that can give Ewart the breeding of the sheep if he saw them.