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