[first page/s missing] certainly I am very fond of him in every way but just the want of aplication and perservance he wants. There is very few has got a better head for planing or doing any thing if he liked but as I tell him what is the good of great plans without acting upon them and putting them in force. It is astonishing what can and would be done by constant application. When it rained the other day I sent all hands to huske the corn which was beginning to spoil. He saw then the justice of that for I told him Alic you told me this would not spoil. You see now it will and every one but yourself told me so. What is the use of growing things without they are taken care of. The time sautered away in iddle talk and nonsense will in a small way save pounds. You see here is over a ton of fine corn would have been spoiled had this not been done. He said nothing then. When are you coming up or when are you going to leave the districk. Please see if there is any letters by last mail for me please to send them by Danvars. I have planted the quicks etc. If you have not sent the order to Auckland for the trees please remember 4 heasel [hazel] bushes ... The sheep are doing well. John says he only found 1 lamb dead after cutting [cross-hatched on verso] good luck. I first wrote you as I feel and the true state of things in the cooking department there is a wonderful difference that they cannot go against me in. Poor Archy is away today after pigs with the donkeys. I hope to see you soon. Your affectionate brother Archibald John McLean