but cannot get a burn so wet and damp. The padock that was sown last year looks well. It will keep all our rams for the winter. The country looks well. In past to much grass. The stock in splendid order. We have lost nothing by the flood or rain. I have a fine second crop of oats on the same ground, better looking at present than the first which was a good crop and got all saved. I should like to se Auckland and the improvements and stock. I have not seen Maney since you wrote from the west coast. He is allways at Napier. I have not been their since a week before Christmas. I am writing to Douglas today and going down tomorrow to bring some fruit for Wellington and to bring the fish you kindley sent. I have no more to say but hopeing this will find in good health. I am allways Alex McLean I have got ..ully the native hear yet . I find him so usefull. He looks affter the cattle at back.