ape 
THE VALUE OF IRRIGATION. 
The numerous and diverse forms of agriculture that are being 
practised is one of the most striking features of the settlement. <A 
predilection for almost any land industry can be gratified. One grower 
during the last summer harvested a highly profitable tobacco crop. 
Lamb-raising is being carried out by many of the settlers, and the loca- 
tion of the settlement in the centre of a large and important grazing area 
of the State frequently offers exceptionally favorable opportunities for 
dealing in store sheep. Pig-raising is another remunerative branch of 
animal husbandry. In the main it is an adjunct to dairying, a special 
advantage arising from the ability to graze the young pigs on lucerne. 
At present there is no indication of hog-raising becoming the specialized 
industry that it is in many parts of the United States, but this is largely 
a matter of evolution, and when the economic pressure is felt the irriga- 
tion areas may be expected to give the lead in Australia to this under- 
taking. 
The Mirrooll area is at the present time a scene of great activity. 
The New South Wales Government has embarked upon a policy of land 
settlement upon the irrigation settlement for the returned soldier which 
is extraordinarily generous to the applicant’ who qualifies, and quali- 
PIGS ON LUCERNE ee 
fication is simply the proof of some aptitude for farm life and an earnest 
of his intention to try. To demonstrate these qualities the ex-soldier 
must serve a probationary period in one of the large camps that have 
been established and take part in the work of clearing, grading, and other 
operations incidental to the preliminary preparation of the land. 
Unsuitable men are eliminated by this initial test, and the suitable. 
men are provided with blocks. A big area of country has been reserved 
for them, and the quality is as good as any within the Murrumbidgee 
scheme. Successful applicants are financed until their holdings become 
productive, which, in the case of the fruit-grower, may represent a five- 
year. period, and in the case of the dairy-farmer up to two years. 
Several hundred men are now undergoing preparation for their 
life on the land, or have already been placed in possession. Thousands 
of acres of scrub are being knocked down and burnt off, teams by the 
dozen are ploughing and grading, and miles and miles of irrigation and 
drainage channels are being excavated. A wise precaution is being 
taken against the appearance of salt. So far there has been no indica- 
tion of its presence, but as much of this new area was originally Mallee 
409 
