THE TOWNS OF NEW SOUTH WALES. 



2 55 



English June. The climate and soil are similar to those of the eastern valleys of the 

 Himalayas the cradle of the merino race the table-lands of Spain, and the high lands 

 of Algiers, and were therefore specially suitable for stud-flocks. The best available blood 

 was early taken up there, and good breeding was backed by liberal feeding, and thus 

 was produced the dis- 

 tinct and profitable 

 strain of merinos now 

 so much sought after 

 by flock-masters 

 throughout Australia. 

 The sheep are small 

 in size, but the fleeces 

 are dense and the 

 staple is fine. It is in 

 requisition for the deli- 

 cate fabrics of the 

 French looms, and has 

 realized in the market 

 over four shillings a 

 pound. The effect of 

 climate in some parts 

 of Australia, both on 

 the frame-work of the 

 animals and the quality 

 of the wool, is very 

 quickly seen by a de- 

 terioration in type. 



Fresh strains are therefore regularly needed. To supply these, the choice stock is carried 

 away to less favoured districts, and there is consequently a perpetual demand for Mudgee 

 sheep. Buyers from all parts of the Continent gather at the sale of stud-rams, which makes 

 an annual festival in the town. At these fairs, and at the races, Mudgee seems suddenly to 

 start into life. The streets are busy, the hotels are full. Stylish equipages roll down from 

 the hills, and colonial lads scamper along the dusty roads on steeds that an Arab sheik 

 might envy. But at other times all is very dull. Morning, noon and night the town 

 seems half asleep, and it is a matter of marvel where the people come from who on 

 Sundays fill the really handsome and commodious churches, which in Mudgee are far 

 superior to any other buildings. Some of the banks are substantial and handsome, but 

 on the usual public edifices no money has been uselessly wasted, nor have store-keepers 

 raised any very notable structures. The School of Arts is a fine building, well equipped, 

 and, what is not always the case with these institutions, out of debt. 



The soil and climate of Mudgee are favourable to the growth of many English 

 flowers, and seem also to be well adapted to the cultivation of the grape. The medals 

 in the cellars of a local vigneron are eloquent of the success that has already been 

 achieved, and indicate the possibilities of the future. Maize grows freely, and yields its 



THE PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH AT BATHURST. 



