II Jan., 1909-] 



Progressive Farming. 



■55 



PROGRESSIVE FARMING. 



No. 1.— Near Lara. 



T. Cherrw M.D., M.S., Director of AgricuUiirc. 

 In all parts of Victoria the process of subdivision of very large estates 

 is taking place, the resulting type of farming being usually from 300 

 to 400 acres in extent. On the other hand — and especially in tlie wheat 

 growing counties — the opposite process is in operation, the original 320 

 and 640 acre blocks being purchased by successful neighbouring farmers 

 to augment their own holdings. In this way farms of from 2,000 to 

 •:;.ooo acres are found over large portions of the northern plains. 



The development typical of the first-mentioned process of subdivision 

 may be illustrated in many parts of the central counties. Here the 

 reliable climate and proximity of the Melbourne market has encouraged 

 a class of farming approaching what may be called " intense culture.'' 

 Our illustrations have been taken from Mr. H. M. Sutherland's Elcho 

 Estate, situated about 4 miles north of Lara Railway Station, and 14 

 miles from Geelong. The soil is partly alluvial and partly volcanic 

 deposits, the form^er being particularly rich in lime. The gentle slope 

 by which the volcanic plateau rises from the alluvial plains is known as 

 "Lovely Banks." Within the last few years private enterprise and the 

 operations of the Closer Settlement Board have cut up a number of the 

 large estates in this district into comparatively small-sized farms. Where 

 formerly not a single homestead could be seen, comfortable dwellings 

 are now found at intervals of half-a-mile or less. The rainfall averages 

 22 inches, and while the summer may be long and dry there is seldom 

 anj shortage of rainfall in the autumn and spring. Consequently the 

 whole of the land is well adapted for agriculture. The proximity of 

 the Geelong and Melbourne markets makes hay growing as remunerative 

 as in any part of Victoria, while heavy crops of oats, barley, and wheat 

 are also raised. Our illustrations, taken whilst the harvest was in full 

 swing, give some idea of the up-to-date developments. 



