Irrigation Farming in Australia. 37 



only 38 per cent, test of cream from proprietary firms; with co- 

 operative factory test jumped up to 54 per cent, at once. No pre- 

 vious experience of irrigation. 



WHEN THE DAY'S WORK is O'ER. 



W. W. Vickers (from Derbyshire), Ballandella, Rochester, Vic- 

 toria.. Came two and a-half years ago with $1440.00, wife, and two 

 young boys. Was bridge builder by profession ; had experience of 

 irrigation in India. Has 67 acres 47 lucerne. Unimproved value 

 of land was $54.00 per acre. House cost $1.270 on terms. Govern- 

 ment put in 10 acres lucerne, while he did own clearing and fenc- 

 ing. Has stock of 27 tons lucerne. His scheme is to grow lucerne 

 to sell, as he is very close to Rochester township. Will pay ex- 

 penses easily this year.. Next year expects to make profit of 

 $1440.00. Two boys (aged 10 and 12) have learned how to irrigate, 

 and are of great assistance. 



W. Stover (from California), Shepparton, Victoria. Capital 

 $2400.00. Block, 63 acres; unimproved value, $79.20; value high 

 because land generally cleared, and old house and farm buildings 

 existing were bought in with it. Half-yearly rent, $177.80. Has 

 45 acres lucerne, 2 or 3 fruit, rest oats.. Has been here twelve 

 months. Is partner with neighbouring settler in sheep-raising. 

 They buy store sheep together and fatten them for periods of a 

 fortnight alternately on either block. Has now half share in 

 400 sheep, but could run at least twice as many. Reckons about 

 fifteen sheep to acre. Sheep fatten in six weeks or two months ; 

 owners make about $1.00 a head on the deal. Sheep are bought on 

 three months' bills. Sharing 400 sheep every two months with 

 $1.00 profit, he makes net $240,00 a year, not including the value 

 of lucerne hay, of which he has good stacks. Had no previous 

 farming experience. 



