Ewart writes that he is sending Douglas another paper on the development of the horse, but that he will require financial help to continue with the work. He supposes that the Development Commissioners are not worth approaching, but asks Douglas to consider the matter favourably.

Ewart thanks Elwes for his information on sheep, which he will need for a paper he is to write. He writes that William Eagle Clarke did not land on Soay but hopes to do so on his next visit to St Kilda.

Ewart writes concerning a paper which has gone missing in the post. Some of Elwes' lambs have been infected with parasites and are paralysed. He asks whether Elwes would like to give a couple of lectures indicating what vets should know about sheep as part of a course Ewart is organising.

Ewart writes that he is enclosing the proof and that he hopes to find Barclay at home on his next visit to Cambridge.

Ewart writes that Watson has started for Shetland with sufficient introductions. Ewart's paper will appear in the Transactions of the Highland and Agricultural Society of Scotland. He asks what Elwes wants done with the Shetland hoggs when shorn and with the wethers.

The notes quote from a paper by John Stark, 'On the supposed Progress of Human Society from Savage to Civilized Life, as connected with the Domestication of Animals and the Cultivation of the Cerealia', printed in the Proceedings of the Royal Society of Edinburgh on 01 March 1841.

The notes, made on University of Edinburgh headed paper, are undated.