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be complete without a few words on fencing. In the more thickly 

 settled districts vermin have almost disappeared, and any fence that 

 is sheep-proof will be found to suit the vine and fruitgrower. The 

 pioneer or the settler in a sparsely populated district will have to 

 fence out vermin boodey rats, opossums, and other rodents, which 

 will, if permitted, commit incalculable havoc in a young orchard 

 or vineyard. Fortunately, there is neither the rabbit nor the hare 

 to be reckoned with ; but the " boodies " and 'possums will be 

 found to sorely try the patience of the settler. Particularly the 

 latter, and it is a question whether such a thing as a 'possum-proof 

 fence has yet been invented. To fence out ground vermin is not 

 a difficult matter, but to fence out the 'possum taxes one's ingenuity 

 very severely. 



" Before proceeding to discuss the different classes of fencing, 

 it might be well to say a word or two about the different kinds of 

 timber generally used in this State. The new-comer cannot do 

 better than be guided in the selection of the timber by the 

 experiences of those already settled in the district in which he- 

 purposes to make his home. It must be remembered that the white 

 ants (termites^) are omnipresent, and only timber which these 

 voracious insects dislike should be used for posts. The wood of the 

 raspberry jam (Acacia a ccuminata) stands pre-eminent for durability 

 and its ability to resist the attacks of white ants. When jam posts 

 are obtainable they should be used in preference to all others. 

 Jarrah (Eucalyptus marginata) is deservedly popular for fencing, 

 but only good wood should be used, as in some localities, and under 

 certain conditions, it is known to succumb to w r hite ants. The 

 new-comer will find a good deal of diversity of opinion expressed as 

 to the value of various kinds of wood. There is no doubt that the 

 white gum, for instance, growing in certain parts of the State, is a 

 wood of the greatest durability, while that found growing in another 

 locality, perhaps not far removed, is comparatively worthless for 

 underground work. The same thing applies to other timbers, and 

 the new-comer will do well to be guided by the experience of those 

 amongst whom he intends to settle. 



" Charring the posts at the ends which will be in the ground 

 adds to their durability, or they may be well smeared with coal tar. 

 Wherever it is possible it is always better to use timber that has 

 had a chance to season, in preference to putting in posts direct from 

 the stump, and full of sap. 



" Where ground vermin only exist, wire netting trenched into 

 the ground six inches, with two top wires, will make an excellent 

 fence. But, where the festive opossum disports himself, fruit-growers 

 will have to take more elaborate measures to prevent the intrusion 

 of this most pestiferous and importunate rodent. In the first place, 

 all overhanging trees should be cleared from around the boundaries. 

 It is advisable to do this in any case, and a little more money spent 

 at the first in thoroughly clearing the line is invariably a judicious 

 investment. 



