53 
better than be guided in the selection of the timber by the ex- 
periences of those already settled in the district in which he pur- 
poses 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 (.lcacia accwminata) stand pre-eminent for dura- 
bility and its ability to resist the attacks of white ants. 
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 white 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 throughly clearing the line is invariably 
a judicious investment. 
“Tt is a difficult matter in putting on wire netting to stretch 
it so as to take out the bagginess. Ordinarily this fencing is slack 
and very untidy. It needs to be thoroughly stretched. To do this 
the plan shown in the sketch 
may be used to advantage. 
A strip of board has four or 
more hooks arranged on one 
side to hold the roll firmly 
and to stretch each section 
as it is unrolled. A pulley 
attached to the é Mlloring post draws the netting tightly past the 
preceding post, where it is secured firmly with staples and the work 
advanced to the next post. 
