23 January 1864 I am glade to say the weather is again fine & I hope we will be at the shearing on Monday again. There is 129 bales in all now. Those marked in Kinross bill with S is short wool, H for hogget, & HH for half breed. Alex is down and he will gave you all the news. I hope he will do as he has been doing and come home all correct. I think my man will stay if I gave him £60 per annum but if you can fall in with any one to come up about the thistles it would be well. If not two busy I will go down to meet our sisters as I want to see you in busness at all events. The rain will do a great deal of good to the country. The 38 bales on the dray ought to weigh well. I send Douglas pears that fell of but do not let him eat them till they ripen. Your always affectionate brother Archibald John McLean