Shetland sheep

Elwes is sending Ewart samples of Iceland wool which he would like him to compare them with Cowan's. He judges it to be less fine than the Shetland and not as long as the white wool. He also lists the names of the recipients of the circular he has sent.

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.

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.

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.

Crichton-Stuart reports that the Shetland-Siberian sheep are doing well. About half of this year's lambs have the long wool and he proposes keeping one ram. As the breeding season is approaching he suggests meeting with Ewart in Edinburgh to discuss arrangements.

Crichton-Stuart, who signs himself 'Bute', thanks Ewart for the offer of the pony, but he is sorry that he cannot accept it as he is too busy. His cross-bred Shetlands are going on well and he looks forward to hearing what Ewart's fat-tailed sheep produce in May.

Rettie describes the results of the post mortem on the Shetlander sheep which was infected with parasites.

White writes that he has decided not to breed with any more Moorit sheep at present as the native Shetland sheep are currently a drag on the wool market. He plans to purchase a few good white ewes to put to the Merino tup.

Miller congratulates Ewart on his 80th birthday and writes that he considers it an honour to be able to follow the work which Ewart began with sheep, particularly the Shetland, and that he is 'continuously and forcibly reminded that you have set a high standard for those of us who are engaged in sheep and wool work to emulate.'

Gordon writes that he would like to purchase a pure Siberian ram from Ewart, his last one having died through fighting. He suggests that Ewart makes enquiries concerning the transportation of the ram by steamer from Leith to Shetland. He reports that he has got an excellent crop of Shetland lambs and offers to send Ewart any that may be of interest.