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the green state. Ringbarking reduces the cost of clearing by at least 

 one-third, if clearing is delayed for seven or ten years. After the 

 trees are dead the heaviest forest lands in the Midland district can 

 be cleared for 305. per acre, provided the wood is thoroughly dry. 

 As artificial manures have not been used generally locally, I cannot 

 say from observation what fertilisers are best adapted to our soils, 

 but I believe there is nothing better than bonedust. Some bone- 

 dust has been experimented with and excellent results obtained. The 

 day will come when it will pay to manure all round to increase the 

 productiveness of the arable lands, and thuspreventthe soil becoming 

 exhausted. Liberal manuring from the outset is proiitable if the 

 produce is marketed to make a livelihood for the grower. As far as 

 I know there are no eligible private estates open for sub- divisional 

 sale, or available for occupation under improvement leases. I have 

 nothing to add to the suggestions I have already made for the 

 guidance of new settlers." 



There are two agricultural areas along the Midland raihvay 

 which are described as follows in the directions issued by the Lands 

 department: The Koojan area, which is situate about TOO miles 

 north of Perth, was opened for selection in November, 1894 ; it 

 contains 14,000 acres, of which 9209 acres have been surveyed into 

 sixty-two blocks. At present (January, 1897) there are eight settlers 

 on the area, who hold between them 3156 acres. The Midland 

 railway runs along the eastern boundary of this area. A large 

 number of selections took place in this vicinity just previous to the 

 area being gazetted. It is therefore probable that much land here 

 will be taken up by persons desirous of increasing their holdings, 

 as well as other new selectors. This land is suitable for corn growing 

 and iruit culture. The cost of clearing would be about 4 per acre. 



The Dalaroo agricultural area is north of and adjoining the 

 Koojan area ; it was opened for selection in November, 1894. It 

 contains 9000 acres, of which 3685 acres are surveyed into 23 

 blocks. There are at present no selectors on this area. It adjoins 

 the western side of the Midland raihvay line. A townsite (Moora) 

 has been laid out on this area, consisting of 89 town and 62 

 suburban lots. The land here is somewhat similar to that in the 

 Koojan area. The average rainfall is about 20 inches. A branch 

 of the Moore river runs through the area ; there are also small 

 swamps suitable for gardening purposes. 



The Hon. H. B. Lefroy, Minister of the Postal and Educa- 

 tion departments, who is very conversant with the Midland 

 district, says sandy country lies along the road from (iingin to 

 Daudaraga to the Moore river ; bunksia and scrub occupy this 

 sand plain, which has a most uninviting appearance ; there are 

 patches of blackbutt and red gnin, but they are small and far 

 isolated from each other. Approaching Yatheroo homestead there 

 is a surprising revelation that is as pleasing as it is unexpected by a 

 stranger. Yatheroo is described by Mr. Lefroy, who is a large 



