SETTLING ON THB LAND. 33 



immediately where the branches of the first tree left off, and 

 so on throughout. This fence costs from 15 to 20 per 

 mile. Division boundary fences are frequently erected of 

 this description of material in Victoria, and can be made 

 perfectly cattle proof. But, like all timber fences, there are 

 the risks from fire. 



Contracts for Fencing. A written agreement between 

 the parties concerned is in all cases desirable. In 

 timbered country the contract should specify by whom the 

 line is to be cleared and the width of the clearing ; dead 

 timber should never be allowed to remain within five feet 

 of a fence. Also the height of the posts out of the ground ; 

 their depth in the ground (usually two feet) ; the size of the 

 rails ; whether posts are to be barked (always desirable) ; 

 arrange for slip rails and gates ; whether any of the stuff 

 is to be hauled upon the line by the owner ; and, if possible, 

 the timber to be used should be specified. Towards the 

 erection of boundary fences it is usual for all parties 

 concerned to pay equal shares. The law provides that this 

 shail be done, but a written understanding between the 

 parties is more satisfactory. Where fences have Govern- 

 ment land for boundary the occupier has to erect fences at 

 his own cost. 



SETTLING ON THE LAND. 



Having selected the land suitable for his purpose, the 

 handy resourceful man finds ways and means for making 

 wife, family and himself comfortable, which others may 

 fail to see. And the wife and little ones help all along the 

 line. There is not much prospect of a home unless help is 

 given by all interested. A temporary shelter of bark may 



be set up by stripping 

 black butt, turpentine, 

 stringy bark, or other 

 trees. The sheets may 

 be six feet long, and as 

 wide as can be got. 

 Lay them out to flatten 



A Primitire Humpy Bark held by Sapling!, with logs Or other 



weights on top ; then set the bark upon a sapling 



