3 December 1862 Maraekakaho My dear Donald We commenced shearing on Monday and shore 574. They shear very well and cut very good fleeces. The rain came here on Monday night so that we only shore yesterday 108, the full of the night pen that was put in. We packed 8 bales 5 wether wool and 3 hogget. I do wish it would come on a good heavey rain and done with if so that we might get on with the work and get end of so many men. I got a good part of the hay thrashed but the rain now will prevent getting the rest done. There is 16 bags of good seed got and I find a good deal of clover among some of it. What was near the gardin was full of clover. Little Douglas is not looking so well and I think the worms is troubling him. He got a dose of salts last night. It would be well to send him down for a few days. We expected you up yesterday but I supose you are kept busy. Alex was not so well on Monday but he is all right now. Neil Walker is going down with Mr Mason's wool so that he had better bring up the flower that I spoak to you about. The brand answers very well indeed on the bales. Mason has agreed with Alex about the wethers. Also I inclose you a letter I had from Condie. If you have not had any yourself it will gave you some. I don't know how things are their. I see he has thought that it was from here. The horses to Canterbury went. I mentioned in my letter to him that their was a shipment from here to Canterbury and he has taken it for granted we sent them. Perhaps Neil may take 4 or 5 bales of wool down with him allong with Mason's. Please to send the tent up with him if you have not sold it as it will be very usful during shearing and the fly will do to dry the grass seed on as Walker requires his tarpaling for the wool. I hope you will come up soon. If the cart was down Mr Campbell could bring Kate up first rate. She will be longing to come now. Just as I write the weather is clearing up and I am going to get a gang out on the hay to cut it as we cannot shear sheep. Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean