Ev 1486

[professorplum13]

Lots of clashes so crossers don't help:

21a South African group's cardinal hugging the Queen (6)

31a District pays to temporarily use cycles (5)

41a Inclined to horizon, see earl borne by horse (7)

Have looked at Big Dave's hints ....but not got anywhere with these last 3....Thanks for help

[ProfessorMaisie]

21 - nERINE
31 - ShIRE
41 - STEEvED

The l.c. letters change.

[ProfessorMaisie]

...for 21 'NINE = 'cardinal'
31 cycle 'hires' for SHIRE
41 'see' = V(ide) + E(arl)

[professorplum13]

Many thanks ProfessorMaisie.....nearly sorted the question now...

[jadzia49]

I have two left which I am unsure about. Help please.
13a) Reverend with speech errors missing page earlier (6)
17a)One making composition played in octets (8)
Thanks

[emmie]

essayist?

[jadzia49]

Always thought it was an anagram of inoctets. Finally got it - centoist

[ProfessorMaisie]

SOONER (Rev S[p]OONER)

[jadzia49]

Thanks Prof

[peejayemm]

Stuck on 38a and 38d.
38a Fellow spy not active.
38d Sang to laird out of tune.

Assistance appreciated.

[ProfessorMaisie]

38a [G]EnT - '(a)GENT = 'spy'.
38d tOLD

l.c. letters change for the grid fill.
[part of the final change].

[peejayemm]

Thank you Professor.

[peejayemm]

And finally 7d and 36d
7d Daughter covered in spots and germs (5)
36d Venison comes from these cooks (4)

[peejayemm]

Posting provided a light bulb moment for 36d. Just 7d left now.

[ProfessorMaisie]

7d SeEEDS

[ProfessorMaisie]

...sorry, SeEDS.

[peejayemm]

Thank you once again.