Homcsteading 



Thunderstorms like these generally begin by 

 the massing of clouds in the north and west 

 towards midday, and gradually work in a south- 

 easterly direction, following the course of the 

 river, apparently. This is of some interest, as 

 certain districts appear to be much more liable 

 to hail than others, and while but little damage 

 was done on this occasion near us, a huge acre- 

 age of crop nearer the river was destroyed. Such 

 damage may be insured against, but, as with 

 the lightning-conductors, it is not very general 

 to take this precaution. 



The weather had now become much cooler, 

 and in the fine intervals we worked at the stones, 

 which came out of the ground much more easily, 

 while during the storms we sat in our shack 

 and congratulated ourselves that we had built 

 it in time. True, there were a few drippings 

 from the roof, and we resolved to cover this with 

 rubberoid roofing, to be bought in town on our 

 next visit. 



Gradually the weather cleared up, and one 

 fine morning, as we were hard at work, Tom 

 suddenly stopped, remarking : 



" Listen, what's that ? " 



We both stood at attention, and soon the 

 usual sound made by a gas engine was plainly 

 audible. 



88 



