756 



One word of warning is perhaps needful to the intending 

 settler, either from the old world or the new. In the districts imme- 

 diately south of Perth there are few natural grasses, low scrub taking 

 their place, some of which is edible, and on which horses and 

 cattle do fairly well, but require a very large area on which to 

 pasture. For this reason it is not advisable that a start should be 

 made unless sufficient capital is in hand to keep the selector going 

 for at least three months. The districts in which land may be 

 secured for homestead farms suitable for dairying, are as follows : 



Jandakot is the nearest area to the capital, the nearest 

 part being about 15 miles distant. The soil consists of sandy loam, 

 chocolate soil, and in the swamps, heavy black loam, which when 

 drained is suitable for intense cultivation. This area being so 

 conveniently situated to both Perth and Fremantle is admirably 

 adapted for milk producing and sending it to the city to be retailed. 

 The cost of clearing in many cases would be almost repaid by 

 sending firewood either to Perth or to the lime and brick burners. 

 The chief drawback is the want of good main roads through the 

 district, but this is being remedied each year. Milk could easily be 

 taken into the railway morning and night for dispatch by train to 

 the capital. To anyone not accustomed to the sandy soils of 

 Western Australia, much of the country, at first sight, is no doubt 

 disappointing, the presence of sand and the absence of natural 

 grasses making it appear poor, and it is not until one actually sees 

 what can be done that any idea of the value of the land can be 

 formed. Crops of oats five feet high, maize twelve and thirteen 

 feet, fruit trees bending and breaking under their burden, 

 potato and other root crops thriving, actually turn the wilderness 

 into a garden. The rainfall is about 30 inches, coming down 

 mostly in the winter and spring, while little or no rain falls in the 

 summer months, so that a considerable quantity of ensilage would 

 be required to feed the cattle during the dry season. This can be 

 easily and cheaply done on account of the wonderful growth in the 

 spring time. Where couch grass is sown in this district it produces 

 a large amount of green feed in the summer, but it becomes a very 

 nasty weed when it gets into the orchard or vineyard. In many 





