36 Irrigation Farming in Australia. 



Government put in 10 acres lucerne for him on terms. Split his 

 own posts from timber on land, and erected his own fencing. By 

 March, 1913, had taken three cuttings from the lucerne 19 tons 

 in all, which he sold for $230,40. Also sold some posts and firewood 

 from cleared timber. Got five cows on advance terms from Govern- 

 ment on improvements shown. Between March and June worked 

 for six weeks at neighbour's hay-press for $1.44 a day wages, and 

 at night time, on return home, continued clearing his own block 

 and attending to lucerne by moonlight. Estimated it cost him and 

 wife together $6.00 a month on living necessities ; neighbours were 

 kind, and often gave them vegetables and lent implements. In 

 November, 1913, had stack of 10 tons lucerne from last cutting and 

 20 tons which he was then cutting 2 tons to the acre. Crop so 

 heavy he could hardly harvest it himself. Reckoned by March. 1914, 

 to discharge current debt to Government. Intends to run more 

 cows, also pigs. Will plant orange trees in wheat paddock when 

 wheat taken off, 



H. Leopard (from Canada), Ballandella, Rochester, Victoria. 

 Block of 38 acres 15 acres lucerne, 5 fruit, rest barley, oats, maize. 

 Came three years ago with $1320.00. Brought wife with him. Cleared 

 and fenced land himself. First year bought ten cows from Govern- 

 ment on terms to keep himself going. Now has thirteen cows and 

 several calves. Is gradually weeding out cows, and building up 

 fine herd; average return, $1.20 a week. Intends to increase herd to 

 twenty-five. Bought mare for $81.60; exchanged first filly from her 



FIRST STAGE OF SETTLER'S HOME. 



at two years old for a gelding worth $115.20. Has now another 

 foal at foot. Whole area is thoroughly cultivated. Estimates his 

 fruit block is worth $96.00 an acre. Is to-day only $216,00 in debt 

 to Government. Says until co-operative factory was started got 



