Lincoln County leader. [volume] (Toledo, Lincoln County, Or.) 1893-1987, 1912-11-08

donga, so as to conserve the water
supply; but in any case they must
come out.
If the settler is wise he will have
seen that his farm has a large catch
ment area, as during the dry months
from April to October he will want all
the water he can get. Possibly there
Is an alluvial valley with black, rich
soil, and alongside may be portion
of "red formation" soil, or granite for
nation. These are the three princi-
to have them mingled on most farms.
They all have their uses, but the red
formation" will be found the one
which b asmostly to be dealt with.
The black alluvial soil will be found
low down in the valleys and is always
fertile, and the granite formation will
be found higher up. 1t is good for
grazing. but aso responds quickly to
the application of manure.
Ploushing Begins.
When the stumping has been finish
ed the way will be clear for plough
ing, and this may be accomplished by
the aid of either oxen, mules or DON
keys. BY the use of the last, taking
team of sixteen to a two-disc
plough, it is possible to plough an acre
in one and half days. The team and
plough will require three natives to
look after them. While the ploughing
Is important, and mealies and other
crops must be sown, there are other
things to seen to. To begin with, see
Ing that there Is no house to live in,
1t will be sufficient for the time being
to spread large bucksail over hori-
zontal pole and so form a tent. The
next thing to do will be to build a
hut, and a long time after dwelling
house. Bricks are essential for the
farm buildings, and a pit must be
sunk and bricks made without delay.
An average native will form about 600
a day, so that it is not long before
kilnful is ready. These are burnt,
and building commenced at once.
First the stables, then the cowhouse
and other places, including the shed
for the fodder. 1t Is wonderful how
huge task 1t all seems when it is
first planned out. But time and steady
application overcome all difficulties,
and by and by the farm stealing Is
complete. Next comes a dwelling.
house, and when 1t is finished it is
pleasant to contemplate from its
stoep, or verandah, the work which
has been accomplished. The farm is
stocked with cattle and pigs; the
dairy is complete; the mealies are be.
ing planted and will be reaped in
March. Auxiliary crops are being
tried to see how they prosper, and all
goes well.
If supply Of water Is available
| from river and artificial irrigation,
then a wonderful transformation can
take place, as intensive culture will
be possible, and all kinds of fruit and
vegetables will be produced in un.
limited quantity. During the winter
months, or from April to October, the
rainfall throughout Rhodesia Is prac.
tically none. The rainy season com.
mences in October and ends In March,
and during the remainder of the year
the country is dry and parched and
the heat becomes greater as the rainy
season approaches. On farms where
there Is no river It Is necessary to
| find water somehow, and this is done
by sinking well, or wells, which can
be done at very little cost. Thus, a
well so feet deep may be sunk for
five pounds, and the cost of windmill
pump to raise the water, together with
1,500-gallon store tank will be about
9150. Even with such a limited sup
ply Of water as that to be obtained
from well, 1t Is possible to carry on
some artificial fruit irrigation. and the
return will be normous-oranges
peaches, vines, lines, figs, apricots
paa-paa and other fruits responding at
once to the supply of water.
The kind Of farm we have imagined
is that Of the ordinary farmer who
contemplates carrying on general pro.
duce; but there is another style OF
farming which is much practiced, and
which involves rather more capital
than the ordinary farmer has at his
disposal. This is ranching and the
growing Of rattle on the weld grasses
as they exist in hope of building up q
meat export industry.