\\ HEAT CULTURE. 



281 



The Cost of Equipment. 



The labour-saving implements which have been designed to suit local 

 conditions place the farmer in Australia at the advantage of being able to 

 cultivate his land and harvest his crops at a cost which leaves a fair margin 

 of profit. Though the initial outlay may appear great, the profits of a 

 single normal season go far to reduce the farmer's indebtedness for his 

 machinery, and many of the firms dealing in these articles dispose of them 

 on easy terms, extending in the case of some of the more expensive 

 machines over three seasons. Owing to the wide diversity of farming con- 

 ditions in the State, the machinery used differs in style and size, and it is 

 difficult to name exactly the articles of equipment which the share-farmer 

 may require. The list given below, however, indicates what would constitute 

 a good equipment and the approximate cost. From this the farmer may 

 form a fairly accurate idea of the initial expenses. The prices quoted are 

 the average price in Sydney, and to them will have to be added rail 

 freights : — 



Three or four-furrow plough 



Harrows 



Sprins'-tooth cultivator 



Drill 



Five horses, at £32 10s. each 



Harness 



Eeaper and binder 



Reaper Thresher 



Waggon 



Dray 



In many cases it will be found there is so little work for the reaper and 

 'binder that one may be borrowed for a day to cut the necessary tracks and 

 headlands. The waggon also may be dispensed with, as most likely the 

 owner will have teams and waggons of his own to cart his own wheat, and 

 will also cart the share-farmer's wheat to the nearest railway station. The 

 cost of equipment can thus be substantially reduced. 



Nor is it necessary that the whole of the purchase money for the plant 

 shall be paid at once, implement and machinery firms being willing (as 

 already stated) to allow the price of the more expensive items to be spread 

 over two or three years. 



The above figures provide for a new equipment, but in many eases suitable 

 implements can he purchased second-hand at considerably reduced figures. 



HARVESTING WHEAT FOR HAY AND CHAFF. 



Many factors enter into the production of wheat for hay and '.'haff, and 

 the farmer who would earn the reputation for the well-grown and well- 

 made article that commands the highest price in the Sydney market must 

 •exercise judgment in the selection of the most suitable variety for his 

 conditions, good husbandry in the growth of the crop, skill in the handling 

 of it in the field, and care and close attention to detail in cutting it. 



* The figures quoted represent 100 per oent. increases on pre-war rates. 

 likely to suffer marked fluctuations with a downward tendency. 



Prices are 



