Sent V. Smith to K. Pearson, 14th May 1915.
14 May 1915
Description:

‘Dear Professor Pearson,

The little white puppy died in the night, and Sené killed a big strong black female puppy some time during the night, I think she must have trodden on it as it was perfectly well late last night & stone cold this morning – I think it is a remarkably fine puppy for 1 day old, and might have made a fine dog. The others are all doing well, & I very much hope I shall be able to bring them all up.

Yrs sincerely

Vira[?] Smith.’

Sent V. Smith to K. Pearson, 15th May 1915.
15 May 1915
Description:

‘Dear Professor Pearson,

I am sorry to have to post you two more puppies, but Sené insists upon murdering them during the night, I have arranged her box so that she cannot throw them out of the nest and I think she definitely thrusts them away from her (while they are sucking) with her hind foot pressed into their stomachs, the little white one was treated that way & has been all day dying, bleeding a little from his inside.

I have given her a mild sedative Mr Renfew[?] gave me to keep her calm, & she has not been as excited as with former litters, but has definitely murdered them.

She appears devoted to the remaining cream pup & will not leave it for a moment.

It is very dreadful of her to kill such fine puppies, the black one I am sending is a beautiful little thing.

Yours sincerely,

V. Smith.’

Sent V. Smith to K. Pearson, 20th May 1915.
20 May 1915
Description:

‘Dear Professor Pearson,

Sené is bringing up her remaining white male puppy very nicely. I am sorry the others died. I enclose the monthly bill, I have managed to make last months biscuit & rice last out over this month.

A cow belonging to a farmer near had an accident & had to be shot and the farmer gave me about 40lbs of excellent beef which they are eating now, so next month’s bill ought to be very small, and they are getting rather more meat than usual.

Donnach’s coat is looking beautiful. The pig-sty you objected to has been burnt down, for which we cannot help feeling very thankful.

Yours sincerely,

Vira[?] Smith.’