Victorian v. Mudgee Wools. To The Editor of The Australasian.
Sir, – Mr. N.P. Bayly having addressed a letter to you dated 26th December last, and published by you in your issue of 11th January, in which he gives a statement of the account sales of his clip of 1866, I beg, through you, to thank him for having done so, and to apologise for not having sooner furnished you with a similar statement of the Ercildoun clip, which pressure of business alone has prevented. Allow me to say here, that the challenge “to compare notes came from Mr. Bayly himself, and that I had no idea of offering one beyond the invitation already given at the late Exhibition to show our various Australian wools against those produced in other parts of the world. In the memorandum given below, I have adopted the same method, which Mr. Bayly has followed, giving the entire Ercildoun clip of 1866, except three bales of greasy wool and two bales sent to the Paris Exhibition. I think it would have formed a better comparison between the Mudgee wool and that grown in Victoria, had Mr. Bayly given the number of sheep shorn by him in 1866, the quantity of wool per sheep, and the net money value of such wool after being sold in London. And although the method followed by Mr. Bayly may form a very fair ground of comparison if adopted by Mr. Currie and Mr. Shaw as well as by Mr. Bayly and myself, I think it may be interesting to your readers to put it in another form. I therefore give the following extract from my Journal, in which the net profit per sheep is given annually since 1863. Details are then given of the Clip of 1866 from Ercildoun, as sold in London. The brand is described as Ercildoun over TL conjoined in diamond. I am, Sir, yours, &c., Thomas Learmonth.
Ercildoun, by Ballarat, March 5. P.S. – Having been informed that many persons imagine that whatever excellence the Ercildoun flock may possess, it is the work of a long series of years, I may state here, for the encouragement of others, that with the exception of the pure stud flock, which now numbers only about 3,000, and which has been in our possession about twenty years, the bulk of our flock has been produced since 1862, by careful weeding, and the constant infusion of fresh blood, from what store ewes we could pick up from our neighbours. T. L.

To Settlers – Designs for most approved Spout-washing Apparatus furnished – construction of machinery supervised. D. R. Pritchard, Engineer to Messrs. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, 142 Collins-street, West, Melbourne.

Agricultural Report – 3rd Paragraph. “The settlers in Riverina, stimulated to renewed action by the publication of the prices of wool and the returns per sheep obtained by the Messrs. Learmonth, in this colony, are agitating again for some relaxation in the stringency of the regulations preventing the crossing of sheep over the Murray from this side. They want rams from the flocks of Messrs. Learmonth, Currie, Shaw, Cummings, and others, whose wool fetches a high price, and they see no sufficient reason for being denied the chance of getting them. The numbers required being comparatively small, they could be introduced without the least danger of taking scab with them. Each little flock of fifty or a hundred might be dipped at Echuca, and that would be the most convenient crossing-place, then quarantined and examined at Moama, until every doubt about their being clean was removed. Besides, all our noted breeders’ flocks are, and have long been, clean, and drafts from most of these could be taken to the Murray through clean country, so that the chance of infection would be small. One sheep owner, writing on the subject, says that his returns of wool are only 4s. 6d. a head from 30,000 sheep, and points out that the difference between that and the 7s. 7d. averaged for the whole of the Ercildoun flocks is simply a question of prosperity or insolvency to many of his brother settlers. Rams of the kind required in Riverina are becoming almost a drug in the market here, in consequence of a restriction, which must very shortly be removed.

Field and Garden Memoranda for May. Excerpt – A Controversy has been carried on for some time past in the Southern newspapers as to which colony produces the best wool. Mr. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, in Victoria, and Mr. Bayly, of Mudgee, in New South Wales, have succeeded in rearing sheep of superior excellence, the result of many years’ careful attention in breeding. Their arrangements for sheep washing are also of the best description, and no trouble is spared in preparing the wool for market. As a consequence of the judicious attention to quality, quantity, and condition, the wool realizes very high prices. Without entering into the merits of the dispute as to which colony has succeeded best, it is enough for our present purpose to know that for some years past, the wool from these sheep has realized in the London market upwards of 7s. 6d. for each fleece, not from a picked flock only, but on the average for all the sheep on the station. The fact that such a return is obtainable ought to stimulate our wool-growers to increased exertions to get a higher return from their flocks. If the owners of some of the best flocks in this district were to publish their averages, as Mr. Bayly has done, it is probable that it might not be necessary to go so far as Mudgee for an example of what can be done, although none of them might equal him in the average from the whole station. There are no means of ascertaining the average weight of the whole of the fleeces shipped from any of these colonies, but it is miserably below what it ought to be. We would recommend each wool-grower to calculate the sum, which he realizes per head on all his sheep, and by comparing that with what has been done by others, he will at once see that it is necessary to lessen the difference between them by effecting some improvement. There are many stations where the wool has not given a gross return of half-a-crown a head all round; attention has been directed, almost solely, to increasing the numbers, a process which has added to the shepherding and other expenses, but not to the profits. The expenses grow in proportion to the number of sheep on the run, but, in most instances, an addition may be made to the average weight of fleece by care and management without any extra cost, in which case the increase of weight is so much added to the profit, the most desirable operation that can be performed. The first step towards obtaining this result is the careful culling out of all inferior and light-woolled sheep; there are numbers on almost every station that are not worth their keep, but they cost as much for shepherding as the best, and thus destroy both the average and the profit.

The Hon. Mr Learmonth was appointed on Saturday last, president of the Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society, at the annual meeting held at Craig’s hotel.

A Controversy has been carried on for some time past in the Southern newspapers as to which colony produces the best wool. Mr. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, in Victoria, and Mr. Bayley, of Mudgee, in New South Wales, have succeeded in rearing sheep of superior excellence, the result of many years’ careful attention in breeding. Their arrangements for sheep washing are also of the best description, and no trouble is spared in preparing the wool for market. As a consequence of the judicious attention to quality, quantity, and condition, the wool realizes very high prices. Without entering into the merits of the dispute as to which colony has succeeded best, it is enough for our present purpose to know that for some years past the wool from these sheep has realized in the London market upwards of 7s. 6d. for each fleece, not from a picked flock only, but on the average for all the sheep on the station. The fact that such a return is obtainable ought to stimulate our woolgrowers to increased exertions to get a higher return from their flocks. If the owners of some of the best flocks in this district were to publish their averages, as Mr. Bayley has done, it is probable that it might not be necessary to go so far as Mudgee for an example of what can be done, although none of them might equal him in the average from the whole station.

Agricultural. The annual meeting of the Ballarat Pastoral and Agricultural Society was held on 2nd May, at Craig’s hotel. Excerpt – In referring to the universal exhibition of merino wool, held in London last year, the report congratulated the members upon the first prize being awarded to “Mr Thomas Learmonth, one of the vice-presidents of your society, and one of its best friends and liberal supporters. The most noted compliment passed at this exhibition, by the most competent of judges, was passed on the washed fleecy wool belonging to Mr Learmonth. Their declaration was that this wool was ‘absolute perfection. The handsomest bale of wool we ever saw.’ Mr Philip Russell, of Carngham, carried away his fair share of the laurels of this exhibition. Your committee is delighted to find that the samples of wheat, which were so generously purchased last year in Ballarat, by Mr Learmonth, of Ercildoun, and presented by him in the name of your society to the State Agricultural Society of New York, are very highly prized in that distant country. From the journal of that important agricultural society your committee learns that those samples have been widely distributed for experiment amongst the most celebrated agriculturists in the United States of America.” The report referred in strong language to the daily increase of the thistle nuisance, and in the discussion, which ensured it was clearly shown that the present Thistle Act was not sufficient to cope with this positive pest. The hon. Mr Learmonth was appointed president of the society for the ensuing year.

Advertisement. Mr. Pritchard, Engineer to Messrs. Learmonth of Ercildoun, and late Engineer to the Black Hill Mining Company, Ballarat, Designs and Supervises Construction of most Improved Machinery for Mining, Pumping, Sheep Washing, &c. 142 Collins-street West, Melbourne.

Mr. A. Mason has been appointed missionary on the estate of the hon. T. Learmonth, Ercildoun.

RAMS for SALE. 130 pure bred Ercildoun rams, the progeny of a small stud-stock introduced last year by Messrs.’. Learmonth, via Sydney. They were lambed near Goulburn, in May, 1867, and shorn at Groongal, in October, and comprise the whole of that year’s dropping, except such as have been culled by Mr. Shaw. They are now at Groongal, near Hay, and will be sold by auction, in Hay, on Wednesday, the 16th September next, at 1 o’clock.

Advertisement. Rams for Sale. 130 pure-bred Ercildoun rams, the progeny of a small stud flock, introduced last year by Messrs. Learmonth via Sydney. They were lambed near Goulburn in May, 1867, and shorn at Groongal in October, and comprise the whole of that year’s dropping, except such as have been culled by Mr. Shaw. They are now at Groongal, near Hay, and will be Sold by Auction, in Hay, on Wednesday, the 16th September next, at one o’clock. Groongal, 25th July, 1868.

Advertisement. Advances on Station Properties. The Trust and Agency Company of Australasia (Limited) having now a large amount of capital for investment, are prepared to make Liberal and Cash Advances, at reduced rates, on Squatting Properties in Victoria and New South Wales, Bright Brothers and Co., Managing Agents. Solicitors – Parton and Hellins, Melbourne.

Wardens’ Courts. Ballarat. Monday, 31st August. (Before Mr. Warden Sherard.) Cawley and others v Learmonth Brothers. – An application for a decoration of forfeiture of ground at Mount Egerton. Mr. Walsh for the plaintiffs. Mr. Cuthbert, for the defendant. Somerville Learmonth, objected to the warden’s jurisdiction, as the locus in quo was situated within Mr. Warden Clow’s jurisdiction, and as the defendant did not live in Mr. Sherard’s district, but nearer to the warden at Beaufort. Mr. Walsh, in reply, said that as a matter of convenience, Ballarat was the more desirable place in which to hear the case as most of the witnesses and the professional men appearing lived in Ballarat. As to jurisdiction the warden was a warden for the colony, though he might have power to order a change of venue. Mr. McDermott, at this point, appeared for the defendant, Thomas Learmonth. His worship pointed out that Ercildoun was within the mining district of Ballarat, as shown by the Government map produced. Mr. Cuthbert examined the map and Ercildoun, where Mr. Learmonth resided, was not within the district. His worship on again consulting the map said Mr. Cuthbert was right, as the Ercildoun pre-emptive was outside the district. Mr. Walsh submitted that as the summons had been accepted in Ballarat the objection to jurisdiction was void. His worship stated that Mr. S. Learmonth’s application for the Mount Egerton leases recognized the locality as within the Ballarat district. He thought that the case could go on, the service having been accepted in Ballarat. Mr. McDermott objected that mere acceptance by an attorney did not decide the issue as to residence. His worship said it cured any informality as to service. As to power to hear, he had no doubt of that; but if inconvenience were urged, that would be another question. Mr. Cuthbert said Mr. S. Learmonth was now in England, and that Mr. T. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, was his attorney and living outside the district. Mr. Learmonth examined the map with Mr. Walsh, and said his residence was within the district as shown by the map. Mr. McDermott objected, that the case must be struck out, as the summons was informal, as not describing the plaintiffs’ address with sufficient distinctness. His worship said it had been ruled that if a summons were defective in that particular, parties could apply to the plaintiffs’ solicitor for the information required Mr. Walsh asked for a postponement of the hearing, as the plaintiffs were not ready with a plan. He asked that the costs should not be asked for, or should be held over. He thought it would be best to go on in a friendly manner. Case postponed till Monday next, with £5 5s costs.

Meetings. Ercildoun Quartz Gold Mining Company (Registered), Mount Egerton. A meeting of the Shareholders in the above company will be held at the office of the company, 27 Lydiard Street, Ballarat, at twelve o’clock, on Monday next, 14th inst. Business – To elect directors and auditors, and transact any other business that may be brought forward. Samuel B. Pitt, Manager.

Lextonshire Council. The council met at their offices, Lexton, on 8th September. Present – Crs. Jas. Robertson (president), Charles Schulze, William East, George Pinch, Andrew Herminston, Walter Fairlie, Henry Spiers, and the Hon. Thomas Learmonth… Cr Learmonth requested, before the ordinary business of the meeting was proceeded with, to explain that as it was his intention to visit England by next mail, it became necessary to tender his resignation. He might be permitted to remark that it was a source of congratulation to him that throughout the lengthened period of his membership, their deliberations had been conducted in a spirit free from any dissension; a fact which had been always most encouraging to him whilst assisting in directing the work of the shire. In thanking the president and members for the courteous kindness that had always been extended, he had pleasure in saying that he would take leave of them with the very gratifying assurance that, as the council was at present constituted, it will long continue its work of usefulness. The president stated that the resignation of Cr Learmonth would be a source of as much regret to ratepayers as to members. Cr Learmonth had always advocated measures, which were for the general advancement of the shire and public good. His retirement will be almost an irreparable loss to the council, and he believed would be long felt so by members. Cr Spiers remarked that he could not permit Cr Learmonth to leave the table without expressing his sense of the great loss the council was sustaining. Cr Learmonth’s long and faithful service for the shire, given, as he felt convinced, at much personal inconvenience, deserved the sincere thanks of councillors, and he believed that the impartiality that he had manifested in all matters dealt with by the council had not been unobserved, but had met with that recognition such conduct deserved. He hoped that, as the council could no longer have Mr Thomas Learmonth, that Mr Somerville Learmonth, on his arrival in the colony, which, he understood, was expected about February next, would be welcomed to a seat at this table for one of the ridings. He heartily wished Cr Learmonth a speedy voyage and an uninterrupted course of happiness.

The Country. Between thirty and forty gentlemen of all shades of politics met at the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute on Thursday evening, for the purpose of taking steps for a demonstration in honor of the hon. Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun, M.L.C. for the South-western Province, on the occasion of his leaving the colony on a visit to Europe. The Constitutional Association of Ballarat had originated the movement, but the movement has taken a wider scope. It was decided to invite Mr. Learmonth to a public soiree in the Alfred Hall, on which occasion an address should be presented to him, the meeting cordially endorsing a remark from Mr. Gibson in his motion, that Mr. Learmonth was “the type of what an Australian colonist should be.”

A farewell picnic, was given by the Hon. T. Learmonth and Mrs. Learmonth, at Ercildoun, on Wednesday, to the employees and their families resident at the station, on the occasion of their departure from the colony. A large number of the tenantry and their families were present: the whole of those who partook of the hospitalities of Mr. and Mrs. Learmonth numbering some 200 persons. After a luncheon and some subsequent sports and amusements, and address was presented to Mr. Learmonth on behalf of the tenantry and was responded to in appropriate terms. Mr. and Mrs. Learmonth then took a parting farewell from the company, and subsequently retired amid the cheers and suppressed emotions of all present. A number of valuable presents, the gift of Mrs. Learmonth, were afterwards distributed to the past and present employees who had been or who then were engaged at the station. The children present were likewise supplied with an assortment of toys.

Ballarat Stock Exchange Weekly Mining Report. Excerpt – Quartz mining continues to be the rage, almost to the exclusion of alluvial ventures, and there is little doubt that this branch of mining industry is now viewed as that, which will ere long be the mainstay of the district. The great success of the New North Clunes Company, the excellent quality of the stone obtained from other mines in the same district, the magnificent yields obtained by Mr Learmonth, from his great mine at Egerton, the recorded richness of Parker’s Reef, at Gordon, and the success of numerous small parties of quartz crushers in so many different directions, taken in connection with the illimitable supply of stone at easy command, are amply sufficient to indicate in what will lie our future prosperity, provided our mines are worked for dividends, as legitimate channels for the investment of money, and not as mere speculative toys.

A demonstration of a successful character, in the form of a soiree, was given on Tuesday evening, in the Alfred-hall, Ballarat, to the Hon. T. Learmonth, on the occasion of his departure for Europe. About 500 persons were present, Mr. R. Lewis, president of the district hospital, acting as chairman. Addresses were delivered by the chairman, Mr. Joseph Jones, President of the Mechanics’ Institute; and a formal address was read by Mr. W. H. Batten, and bore the signatures of the mayor of Ballarat (Mr. Davey), and Messrs. Lewis, Doane, Jones, and Gibbs, presidents of the Hospital, Benevolent Asylum, Mechanics’ Institute and Orphan Asylum, respectively. Mr. Learmonth read a written reply, and also added a few remarks, in the course of which he promised to invest £1000 in municipal debentures as a parting gift towards the extension of the district hospital. An address from the local Agricultural and Pastoral Society was then read, and was replied to by Mr. Learmonth, who added to his written remarks a few observations, in which he said – “The allusion to merino wool was not without significance, for he might inform his lady friends that the beautiful gausy fabrics they wore were probably made of wool grown on the Ercildoun hills. It was a fact that those fabrics could only be made from wool grown within eight or ten miles of Ballarat, and with a little extra care the product might be grown successfully, and by realizing an extra shilling per pound something like £500,000 a year would be added to our revenue.” The celebration altogether passed off admirably, and a very cordial tone pervaded it throughout.

Topics of the Week. The Alfred-hall at Ballarat has been desecrated, and all the glitter of its recent glory removed from it. While Mr. Higinbotham promulgated the gospel of Loyal Liberalism, and discounted on the creed of true political believers, a Constitutionalist has been feted and testimonalised. It is a sad thing that people will not be as rabid as Mr. Higinbotham desires them to be. Almost the same persons who not long ago applauded Mr. Higinbotham to the echo, assembled on Tuesday evening to do honour to an uncompromising Constitutionalist, the Hon. T. Learmonth, and were quite as demonstrative on his behalf as they had previously been in favour of the late Attorney-General. The public evidently decline to carry political warfare to “its legitimate issues.” They continue to recognize the merits of a man who opposes Mr. Higinbotham’s political assumptions, and attempts to thwart his efforts. Why will they strengthen the unrighteous and associate with scorners? Mr. Higinbotham must be greatly discouraged to find that the same roof, which recently resounded with cheers in his honour, should now be resonant of applause evoked by one of the “vile faction.” Men are so inconsistent.

Farewell Soiree to the Honorable Thomas Learmonth, M.L.C. The soiree in honor of the Hon. Thomas Learmonth, M.L.C., on the occasion of his departure for Europe, was held on the night of Tuesday, 6th October, in the Alfred Hall, Ballarat. Five tables ran along the whole length of the hall, and one across the hall in front of the orchestra, all the tables being filled with guests, of whom there were not fewer than between 400 and 500, including a large number of ladies. At the cross-table, which was raised above the floor, sat the chairman, Mr. Robert Lewis, president of the District Hospital. On his right was the guest of the evening, and on either side members of various public bodies. In the hall, scattered about among the general body of guests, were most of our leading citizens of all trades, and professions, and beliefs, for the guest of the evening had long held the respect of “all sorts and conditions of people” in this district. The assembly was a real expression of the spontaneity which marked the first meeting of citizens held to initiate the celebration, for the guests that met in the hall represented not only much of the “wealth and intelligence,” but of the moral worth of the town and district. The Constitutional Association of Ballarat had originated the movement, but it was felt that though Mr. Learmonth was more closely allied in politics with the Constitutional party, he had won the respect of all classes of society and all parties in politics by his generous self-identification with all philanthropic and other movements for the good of the district, so that the most proper recognition of his public services would be one in which the general public could unite. At the soiree, the creature comforts were well cared for. Music also heightened the sober pleasures of the material feast, ladies and gentlemen well known to local fame as musicians lending their services and singing several selections of pleasant music. After tea, the assemblage was eloquently and pertinently addressed by the chairman, and by Mr. Joseph Jones. Mr. W. H. Batten, secretary of the Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute, then read the following address: –

Sirs, – We the inhabitants of Ballarat and surrounding districts having heard with great regret that you are about to take your departure for Europe, have invited you here this evening, in order that we might avail ourselves of the opportunity which this evening gives us of publicly expressing those sentiments of high regard and esteem towards you, with which your long, honorable, and useful career in this community have inspired us. We are aware that if we had consulted your wishes solely, our demonstration, if made at all, must have assumed much more private and more modest proportions. But we felt that we had a public duty to perform which must be discharged in a public manner, although that course might in some respects be inadequate to the purpose, and must entail some personal sacrifice upon you. One of the earliest pioneers in this district you have seen this Australian wilderness, literally the uttermost ends of the earth, transformed into the habitation of a great and flourishing community. Changes such as few men have known even in the longest span of life have passed quickly before you, until the place where once your flocks pastured, tended by solitary shepherd, has now become a great city full of the life and activity, the comforts and luxury, of the highest civilization. The society in which you have lived has altered as swiftly and as greatly as the outward appearance of the land itself. The objects of public life, the social code of morality, and the tone and force of public opinion, must have widely varied during mutations so great and so rapid as those which you have witnessed; and it gives us great pleasure to remember that through all these transformations, your influence and assistance have ever been unobtrusively but most effectively in aid of every social effort to elevate and educate the community at large, and every Christian endeavor to unite all classes and all sects in the bond of brotherhood, and in the practice of that pure and undefiled religion which visits the fatherless and widows in their affliction. In your intimate connection with the great staple industries of the colony, we rejoice that your well-directed efforts and ability have met with merited and almost unrivalled success, and it must be a source of gratification to you that the country at large has profited by the intelligent foresight and perseverance…the writing now becomes too hard to decipher.

Ballarat (from our own correspondent.) A peculiar geological formation is reported to have been found in the claim of the Ercildoun Company, at Egerton. It appears that after going through some 90 or 100 feet of pipeclay and slate, or, as the original formation is generally called reef, the men suddenly came upon volcanic or basaltic rock, an indication that sorely puzzled them. The extent of it is not known yet, but the opinion is that some of the old hills have been thrown on to the basalt, or that some great landslip had occurred at the time the reef was deposited on the bluestone.

The National Agricultural Show at Ballarat. Sheep Sec. 1. Merino or Saxony Sheep – Merino or Saxony ram (four-tooth and upwards): 1st T. and S. Learmonth, Ercildoun. 2nd, Thos. Shaw, jun. Sec. 2 Merino or Saxony ram (two-tooth): 1st. T. and S. Learmonth, Ercildoun. 2nd A. W. Campbell, Geelong. The champion ram in secs. 1 and 2: The Board’s prize of £15, in addition, T. and S. Learmonth. Sec. 3. Pair of Merino or Saxony ewes (four-tooth and upwards): 1st T. and S. Learmonth; 2nd. Thos. Shaw, jun.; Sec. 4. Pair of Merino or Saxony ewes (four-tooth and upwards): 1st, Phillip Russell, Carngham; 2nd T. and S. Learmonth. The champion pair of ewes in sections 3 and 4: The Board’s prize of £10, in addition, T. and S. Learmonth.

The National Exhibition. Excerpt – The sheep of the first day’s show were of course still on view, and the fine display drew hosts of visitors. It is certainly gratifying to the local visitor to note that Mr Learmonth and Mr Russell have been in the front rank as heretofore, and that the grower, who has beaten the whole world of sheep farmers, is of this district and president of the local society.

Fourteen deer passed through Ballarat on Thursday, on their way to Mr. Learmonth’s station at Ercildoun.

News and Notes. A gentleman, just returned from Pleasant Creek, informs us that carpenters are in request there at the works about the reefs. We learn also that his Excellency the Governor and Lady Sutton and suite stayed at the Trawalla hotel on Wednesday night, and at 12 o’clock on Thursday left for Ercildoun, where the vice regal party will remain till Monday, when they will visit Ballarat, as has been announced by telegram elsewhere.

The Governor’s Visit to Ballarat. Excerpt – His Excellency, Lady Manners Sutton, Miss Manners Sutton, Mrs. Steinfield, Miss Aylmer, Miss Wynne, Mr. Manners Sutton, Mr. Van Amstel, Mr. Learmonth, Mr. Wynne, Mr. Lewis, Mr. Forbes (who superintended the operation) were all lowered down in to the No. 2 shaft of the Band of Hope and Albion Consols Company’s workings. The article also mentions that there were stables underground and that the half-a-dozen animals, were in aparently excellent condition, when exhibited to His Excellency, who, in answer to questions, was enlightened as to the mode adopted in lowering the horses to the workings, and their mode of treatment generally, which, judging from appearance, he thought could not be very bad.

The Land. Reports have reached us of the National Show at Ballarat. It extended over two days. The first was somewhat discouraging; but the second made amends, and the affair seems to have passed off with great success. The judges of merinos were G. Peppin, D. McPherson, A. Robertson, and J. Kelsall. The champion ram prize was won by T. and S. Learmonth; the aged ram prize was won by T. and S. Learmonth, Thomas Shaw coming second; the 2-tooth ram prize was won by T. and S. Learmonth and A.N. Campbell, 1st and 2nd. The aged ewe prize were taken by T. and S. Learmonth and Thomas Shaw, 1 and 2 respectively. The prize for the 2-tooth ewes was won by Philip Russell and T. and S. Learmonth, 1st and 2nd respectively. Nor was this success sufficient for the brothers Learmonth, for they also carried off the champion “pair of ewes” prize. The sheep show wanted condition, and might have been better, but as this is a subject of much importance we here quote from the special report of the Australasian : –

As a whole, the sheep classes were fairly filled, and the names of the winners and losers will show that the exhibits were mostly of first-rate quality; but except in a few sections the entries were not by nay means numerous. Commencing with the merino rams of all ages, the first in order on the list, there were seven pens filled; and the first, as well as the champion prize, fell to the lot of the Messrs. Learmonth. The sheep so distinguished was of the size and quality to be expected; still we fancy that we have seen champions from the Ercildoun flock show to better advantage. But a trifling change in condition makes a very great alteration in the appearance of even the same animal, and, as a rule, the sheep are not in bad condition this season. The second prize was taken by Mr. Thomas Shaw, jun., and we need not describe the characteristics of an animal exhibited by the steady upholder of the Australian merino. Mr. A. N. Campbell showed his American merino in this class; but the only nearness of competition was between the two animals placed first and second. In the two-tooth section there were six entries, and still less competition, for Mr. Shaw had nothing in it. Therefore, the Messrs. Learmonth won an easy first, and Mr. Campbell a second, with aparently the same little sheep, which was placed first at Geelong. For the ewe prizes the entries were more numerous, ten pens filling in the first section and eleven in the second. Thus, there were some fresh competitors here, and fresh names to enter in the prize-list. Still, the Messrs. Learmonth were first, and took the champion prize, and Mr. Shaw was placed second, for the older ewes, while Mr. Armstrong came in third with the Warrembeen sheep. These, with evident traces of the German blood in them, bore denser fleeces than their Australian opponents, yet with little loss of the silky combing quality, and were, what any one at a glance would call, good paying sheep. Mr. Philip Russell was also a competitor in this section with some of his strong even-quality sheep, and took the first prize amongst the two-tooth ewes. A pen of the Messrs. Learmonth’s came second, and the Warrembeen sheep again third. Messrs. Griffiths and Greene had two pens of young ewes in this section, with nice soft wool, but also with the faults of the Australian merino rather too apparent…

Victoria. We have our files from Melbourne to the 4th instant. The Argus of that date says: His Excellency and Lady Manners Sutton arrived in Melbourne last night by the late train from Ballarat, after their tour in the Western and North-western districts. They reached Ballarat from Ercildoun at half-past twelve o’clock, and were entertained at lunch at Craig’s Hotel by the mayors of the two Ballarats. They afterwards visited some of the mining claims, and made a round of inspection of the public buildings.

News and Notes. In the window of Mr. Bardwell’s Royal Studio, Sturt street, there is a pretty photographic novelty. It is a photograph of a splendid damask rose, grown by Mr. Learmonth of Ercildoun, who brought it in for the purpose of having it photographed. The coloring artist has succeeded in making the photograph into a brilliant little picture in oil, which, though large as a photograph, is said to be only about two-thirds the size of the flower itself.

Sheep Washing at Jondaryan. A few days since we paid a visit to the Long Waterhole in order to see the new appliances for sheep-washing there, recently erected by Messrs. Kent and Wienholt, the proprietors of Jondaryan station. The machinery connected with the washing department of this extensive sheep-farming establishment is admitted to be the most effective and complete of any yet introduced into Queensland – being the exact counterpart of that now employed by Messrs. Learmonth, of Victoria. (*The heritage-listed Woolshed at Jondaryan is the oldest and largest operating Woolshed of its kind in the world with over 150 years of history.)

Egerton and Gordons. The long-continued drought has had the effect of drying up the reservoirs in which water was stored for the supply of Mr. Learmonth’s battery, and consequently stopping the works, throwing upwards of fifty men out of employment, until a fresh supply of that liquid is obtained.
Excerpt – The Ercildoun shaft is down 202 feet. Sinking beautiful and soft, with occasional gold-bearing loaders.

£100 Reward. Whereas some malicious person did, on the 17th day of February instant, Set Fire to a Tree on the Ercildoun Estate, about nine feet from the ground, with the intention of Setting Fire to the Grass; and whereas, on the 11th day of February instant, a tree was set fire to in a similar manner on another part of the Ercildoun Estate, and a considerable area of grass burned in consequence; a Reward of £100 is hereby offered to any one giving such information as shall lead to the Conviction of the Offender. T. & S. Learmonth. Ercildoun, 18th February, 1869.

Ercildoun Quartz Company Egerton. The quarterly meeting was held on Tuesday, at the Brunswick hotel. The directors’ report stated that since the last quarterly meeting the works had been pushed on with all speed, and it was expected that they would soon cut Learmonth’s lode on its underlay. The mining manager reported that the hard rock that had retarded the sinking had now been got through, and the shaft was now 303 feet down with very little water. Several thick good looking auriferous quartz leaders had been passed through dipping to the westward, as if to join the Learmonth lode. The legal manager’s report and balance sheet were also submitted to the meeting, the latter showing the receipts to amount to £392, 18s 2d, and the expenditure to £346 4s 6d, leaving a balance in hand of £46 13s 8d. The retiring directors and auditors were re-elected. (*As at 21/11/68 the depth was 140’ and as at 1/11/69 – 381’)

Letter from Jumbuck. Leicester-merino Sheep. “I am induced to make a few remarks on the Leicester-cum-merino question, which has occupied a considerable space in your columns during the last few weeks. Whilst agreeing with the concluding portion of your correspondent, Mr. Mee’s letter in your issue of March 20, as to the propriety of combining grazing with agriculture, I must join issue with him in his deductions in the first portion of that letter with respect to sheep-breeding, and I am confident – he will have serious difficulties in the way of finding any breeder of note to endorse his opinions on that subject. Mr. Mee starts on false premises, and no amount of reasoning can make his arguments tenable under such circumstances. It is an old but true maxim, that no theory can be of any value unless, after being duly tested by practice, it has been found to have produced good practical results; and nothing can be easier than to show that the theory of in-and-in breeding, which Mr. Mee so much decries, has been thoroughly tested, and found to have produced the most valuable results. I imagine that Mr. Learmonth of Ercildoun, would not consider himself at all complimented should he come to hear that he had been represented as a staunch advocate for cross-breeding, and Mr. Mee’s remarks, in the letter under consideration, would certainly lead us to infer that M. L. advocated such principles. I can equally imagine the horror which would be depicted in the countenance of the great American champion of in-and-in breeding, Dr. Randall, if he were to be told that in the columns of the most largely circulated newspaper in one of the most important wool-growing colonies under the British Crown, his valuable works on the subject of breeding had been distorted into an argument for upholding cross-breeding. Had Mr. Mee rested contented with the answer that a first cross between the Australian merino and the English Leicester produced a serviceable sheep for the small farmer, giving a heavier carcass than the former and a finer wool than the latter, few perhaps would have cared to dispute his position; but when he affirms, as he does in his letter, that “by continual in-and-in breeding any sheep in the world would deteriorate, and eventually become worthless,” he makes an assertion which no breeder of the present day, deserving the name of such, can endorse. Leaving for a moment the opinions of Mr. Learmonth and Dr. Randall to be treated of in a subsequent portion of this letter, let us glance at a few facts in connection with the most superior breeds of cattle, sheep, horses of the present day, and see how far Mr. Mee’s ideas on the subject will agree with the recognized rules of breeding which have been followed in bringing them to their present state of perfection. The great law of nature that “like begets like” can never be ignored; and the converse law that “diversity begets variation,” is equally acknowledged by all who know anything of the true principles of breeding. Now a glance at the stud, herd, and flock books of England, America, France, Spain, or Germany will show that the great perfection attained in the breeding of the various classes of stock in these countries, has been brought about, solely by a strict adherence to the dictates of the former of these laws. The present excellence of the English racehorse is the result of in-and-in breeding for a very long series of years; and your readers do not require to be told that the most celebrated performers on the turf have been those that have been the closest in-bred. Mr. Mee cannot dispute the fact that it was by the closest system of in-and-in breeding that the short-horn cattle have been brought up to their present high standard; and I submit – and I do so respectfully – that your correspondent, before giving vent in the public Press to such an unfounded charge against the in-and-in system as that quoted above, ought to have enquired and satisfied himself as to the fact (for fact it undoubtedly is) that the Leicester’s he so justly prizes – in common with others – were first formed into a distinct breed, and their excellent qualities since maintained, purely by a strict adherence to the rules of in-and-in breeding. The history of the Spanish merino too, would have supplied Mr. Mee with a striking instance of the incorrectness of his arguments. The purity and excellence of that beautiful class of sheep have been preserved through many centuries by a continuous system of in-breeding. I could multiply instances ad infinitum to prove that this is the only correct system of breeding; but I feel that to do so, would only be to occupy your valuable space to no purpose, the facts being so well known to all breeders and I can only account for Mr. Mee’s opinion by supposing that he must either be writing on a subject new to him, or that his experience must have been gathered from some of the early Australian settlers, whom Mr. Thomas Shaw so quaintly informs us “displayed the greatest and most numerous errors it was possible for their theoretical proceedings to accomplish, by mixing all types together.” Mr. Mee, I presume, will not dispute the existence of nature’s great law above quoted that “like begets like,” and that being granted, a little consideration will show him that to carry it into effect properly, the likeness in the animals coupled, must be as complete as possible, and this likeness cannot, of course, be expected to be in every way so strong in any animals as in those close related. Now as the gregarious animals do not recognize the relationship, there can be no reason why, with the above facts in view, in-and-in-breeding should not be resorted to. A very few facts to show the efficacy of the system will tend more to convince your correspondent of the fallacy of his notions of breeding, than volumes written in support of the opposite theory. Mr. Macknight in his excellent pamphlet on “The True Principles of Breeding,” published by the Acclimatisation Society of Melbourne (and I should advise Mr. Mee to invest a shilling in the purchase of this valuable little pamphlet), gives many facts to show the extent to which in-and-in breeding has been carried in England, and from that pamphlet I give the following short extract: –

The majority of the most celebrated breeders and improvers of English cattle have been close in-and-in breeders – such as Bakewell the founder of the improved long-horn cattle; Price, the most successful breeder, until twenty years ago, of Herefords; Collings, Bates, the Booths, &c., &c., breeders of short-horns. In the first volume of the American Short-horn Herd Book (edited by Louis T. Allen) are diagrams showing the continuous and close in-and-in breeding which produced the bull ‘Comet,’ by far the most superb animal of his day, which sold at Charles Collings sale for the unprecedented price of one thousand guineas. His pedigree cannot be stated so as to make the extent of the in-breeding of which he was the result, fully apparent, except to persons familiar with such things; and such persons probably need no information on the subject. But this much all will see the force of. The bull “Bollingbroke’ and the cow ‘Phoenix’ which were more closely related to each other than half brother and sister, were coupled and produced the bull ‘Favorite.’ ‘Favorite’ was then coupled with his own dam, and produced the famed cow ‘Young Phoenix.’ He was then coupled with his own daughter, and their produce was the world-famed ‘Comet.’ One of the best breeding cows in Sir Charles Knightly’s herd ‘Restless,’ was the result of still more continuous in-and-in breeding. The bull ‘Favorite’ was put to his own daughter, and so on to the produce of his produce for six generations in regular succession. The cow which was the result of the sixth inter-breeding was then put to the bull ‘Wellington,’ deeply interbred on the side of both sire and dam in the blood of ‘Favorite’ and the produce was the cow ‘Clarissa,’ an admirable animal and the mother of ‘Restless.’ Mr. Bates, whose shorthorns were never excelled, if equaled, in England, owned the famous ‘Duchess’ family (to which the one thousand guinea heifer referred to belongs), put sire to daughter and grand-daughter, son to dam and grand-dam, and brother to sister, indifferently – his rule being always to put the best animals together regardless of affinity of blood. Mr. Price, whose Herefords were the best in England in his day, declared in an article published in the British Farmers’ Magazine, that he had not gone beyond his own herd for a bull or cow for forty years. It is not denied that Bakewell selected his original flock of long-woolled sheep from different flocks and families, wherever he could obtain most perfection; but after that he bred in-and-in to the period of his death, and the Dishley sheep (the improved Leicesters) did not exhibit a trace of their subsequent feebleness of constitution when under his direction. This statement will also apply to Jonas Webb, the famed breeder of South Downs.” Mr. Mee, if he is acquainted with Dr. Randall’s valuable treatises on breeding, will notice that several of the facts, noticed by Mr. Macknight above, are also quoted by him.

I unfortunately have not Mr. Randall’s work beside me at the present moment, otherwise I could quote from that work to show that the world-renowned American ram ‘Grimes’ was the result of in-and-in breeding, closer even than that of the cow ‘Restless’ above noticed. This ram, as many readers know, was shown in Germany a few years ago, and carried off the principal prize, beating the best merino sheep from all parts of Europe. I could quote cases in my own knowledge, where the Cheviot sheep in the county Sutherland, Scotland, had been brought to such a state of perfection by a system of in-breeding as to compete successfully with those on the Cheviot Hills, where both pasture and climate are in every way more favorable for the development of their good qualities; but, I do not require to go so far for an example of this kind, as the history of the Ercildoun flocks of Victoria (Learmonth’s) afford sufficient proof. Mr. Learmonth has pursued a steady course of in-breeding for over twenty years, and I have it from his own lips that no foreign blood has been introduced into the Ercildoun flocks since 1847. By the adoption of this course, and, of course, by exercising the greatest care in the selection of the animals to be coupled, the Messrs. Learmonth have succeeded in establishing a type of Australian merinos which are the envy of all the other colonies. Mr. T. Learmonth, however, does not arrogate to himself the credit of having formed this beautiful type of the Australian Merino. To Mr. Thomas Shaw, now of Talgai, is due the sole credit of bringing the Ercildoun flocks into favourable notice.

I heartily share Mr. Mee’s high opinion of the latter gentleman as a breeder; but does not Mr. Mee see that, in the extract he gives from Mr. Shaw’s paper on “Nature’s Course in Breeding,” he is “burking” his own argument? – one, on which he places great weight, namely, that “pasture, more than anything in the world, is to be considered in connection with the science of wool culture?” I happen to know Mr. Shaw’s ideas on this subject well, and if Mr. Mee will substitute the word “climate” for “pasture,” he will more correctly state Mr. Shaw’s views. Or course, good wool cannot be grown in the absence of good feed, but it is the climate and not the feed, which fixes the type of the wool. Here again I think Mr. Mee is at fault in writing on a subject without having given it due consideration. Is it not a fact that the Merino proved a failure in England? And why was it so? The pastures there are better and richer than, perhaps, on any other portion of the globe. The sole cause was the rigorous nature of the English climate, for we find these identical, same sheep transferred from Hampton Court to the scanty pastures of Macarthur’s run, at Camden Park, and, under the influence of the Australian climate, producing the finest wool in the world. “Old Colonist” has answered the argument of the Leicester-Merino cross so much more ably than I could do, that he has left me nothing to say on the subject. To show Mr. Mee, however, that “Old Colonist’s” opinions on the subject are not the result of “prejudice,” I will give a very short quotation from Dr. Madden, a very popular writer on this subject. Dr. Madden says: – “When, therefore, you cross a long established breed with another family, you literally commence a new experiment, introducing an element of uncertainty which may effect results during a long series of generations,” &c., &c. One other instance of the correctness of “Old Colonist’s” argument on this point, and I have done. It has long been acknowledged that the finest beef to be procured at the shambles in London is the produce of the first cross between a short-horn bull and the polled Scots cow of Aberdeenshire, and it is equally well known to every farmer – in Great Britain, at least – that a second or subsequent cross produces a thriftless animal, unprofitable alike to the grazier and butcher. It may be true, as Mr. Mee asserts, that the Leicester-cum-merino has proved a great success in New Zealand; but I claim a right to say a word on that point also. During the years 1864-68, inclusive, I attended the wool sales in Sydney pretty regularly, and have frequently seen Leicester-merino wool from New Zealand put up for sale at the Exchange, but I have never seen it realize remunerative prices. Contrast this with the fact that in 1864 I saw a consignment of rams, bred on Mr. Rich’s establishment in New Zealand (Rambouillet-merinos), sold by Mr. Martyn, at his bazaar, in Pitt-street, at almost fabulous prices. I must not be considered as advocating indiscriminate in-and-in breeding. It has been well put by a writer on the subject, that by in-and-in breeding a power is placed in the hands of the breeder, which, like those of fire and water, is “a good servant but a bad master.” Without careful selection, stock will deteriorate even more under a system of in-breeding, than under cross-breeding, and hence the necessity for one but those acquainted with the subject undertaking the business of a breeder. Apologising for the length to which I have carried this letter, Jumbuck.

Sheep in Queensland. Excerpts – Total shown was 8,846,634 in 1868, an increase of thirteen percent. Importations from Victoria from the flocks of Messrs. Learmonth, Ercildoun; Shaw, Mount Shadwell; Dight, Coliban Park; and Bell and Armstrong, Warrambeen. Those imported from Europe were a German modification of the Rambouillet type.

The Ballarat Star (Vic. 20 April 1869
News and Notes. Amongst the obituary notices in our paper of today we record the death of a very old colonist, whose name is associated extensively and honorably with the district. Thomas Livingstone Learmonth, dying at the ripe old age of 89 years, came to this colony with his sons T.L. and S.L. Learmonth, early in the year 1838. The family had been some time previously settled in Tasmania before they came to this district, and the gentleman whose death we now record would probably rank amongst the oldest of Australian colonists. He died at Park Hall, Stirlingshire, Scotland, on the 8th February last, news of his death having reached his sons at Ercildoun by the mail just arrived.

Inter-breeding. Jumbuck. Another very detailed letter. First paragraph – “It not unfrequently happens – unfortunately – that when any subject is being discussed in the columns of a newspaper from the opposite stand-points, the parties to the discussion, to a certain extent, ignore the merits of the question at issue in the indulgence of a little personal vituperation.” More discussion about Mr. Mee, Mr. Bayly & Ors.

And the last paragraph of his letter states – On a careful study of the subject of breeding, no other than the following conclusions can be arrived at: –
1. That all the best breeds of domestic animals have been produced by a long course of in-and-in breeding, accompanied by careful selection.
2. That an adherence to the opposite course has signally failed to produce animals having any fixity of type or character, and
3. That if we commence with healthy animals, in-and-in breeding, with judicious selection, so far from weakening the constitution, tends greatly to intensify their inherent good qualities.

Ballarat – from our own correspondent. The manager of the Ercildoun Company reports that – “unexpected evidence of the value of the company’s claim has recently been adduced. A recent survey of the Black Horse and Learmonth Reefs, made by the managers of these two claims, proves these reefs to be two distinct payable lodes, about 250ft. apart and trending in a south-westerly direction right through the Ercildoun Company’s claim, &c.” This is exactly the same report alluded to last week, which caused such a demand for Flying Scud and other shares, on the alleged courses of these reefs. Few people believed in the report; few knew who were said to have made the surveys, and fewer still seem to have believed in the survey if made, as the Scud shares have declined again. If the manager of the Ercildoun Company be correct, there ought not to be much difficulty in knowing more about this survey, as although it might not be prudent for Mr. Learmonth or the Black Horse Company to let their neighbours know too much of their relative prospects, one would think there should be no objection to their respective managers denying the truth of the reported survey if it be not true. If they refrain from admitting the truth of it, people will then use their own discretion: but the truth or otherwise of the report is of such vast importance to a number of claims there, that it would be very undesirable to withhold the facts from the public. (*Mining in the Ercildoun Company ceased in 1910 after £2 million worth of gold was extracted.)

Ballarat. Six fine hares were yesterday evening received per train from Mr. William Lyall as a present to Messrs. Hepburn and Leonard, to stock the country round Ballarat. These gentlemen at once forwarded them to Ercildoun to the care of the Messrs. Learmonth to get a number more of the same interesting animals in a few weeks to add to the present lot. *(I’m not sure that they quite understood their prolific reproductive capabilities! The Ballarat Star of 30 November 1874 states that the hares are most prolific on the Ercildoune Estate. It is scarcely possible to walk fifty yards without disturbing game.)

Ballarat Circuit Court. (Before his Honor Mr Justice Barry.) Egerton Bank Robbery – This case was continued.

Monday, 6th September. Ercildoun Quartz Gold Mining Company, Egerton. Sale of Forfeited Shares. W. S. Kemp will SELL by Auction, on Monday 6th September, Shares in the above company Forfeited for non-payment of 11th Call. Samuel H. Pitt, Manager.

This reef was being worked fifteen years ago, and some splendid stone, in an auriferous point of view, was procured in various portions of the hill; so rich was it that £1125, cash, was given for one-fifth share in a piece of ground 24 feet square. The crushing in those days was very defective and very expensive, and the reef was ultimately abandoned as not being sufficiently payable. In 1856 there were upwards of twenty machines of one kind or other all being worked, and notwithstanding the high price charged for crushing the owners of the machines had to abandon the ground, ruin in one of its multifarious shapes having overtaken all but Messrs Blake and Parker. The tailings from these primitive machines have twice been re-crushed and have paid well. When the Gordon’s goldfield broke out only two parties continued working on the hill, and £50 would have bought up the whole area. Harrison and party shortly “took up” the rest of the hill and did very well out of it. He afterwards sold out to Mr John Reid, subject to certain conditions, which were some time after upset on an application by Reid to the Supreme Court. In the beginning of 1863 Mr John Reid sold his claim and crushing plant to Mr Learmonth for £7,000, who worked it profitably till the beginning of 1867, when it was supposed to be worked out and was almost abandoned. After a while Mr W. Bailey was appointed manager, and since then the average quantity of stone crushed has been 250 tons per week from four different levels from 100 feet to 350 feet deep. The south shaft has been sunk an additional 100 feet, and all the quartz is raised from this shaft. When the 200 feet level was reached, it was found that a break or “slide” of the reef had taken place and the lode had been heaved 120 feet to the north-east and into the ground of “The Puddlers’ Company.” This has given rise to a lawsuit between Mr Learmonth and the Puddlers’ Company. The lode when it was recovered in the ground of the latter company was found to be thirty-five feet thick, about half of which is crushed. The stone when first found in the Puddlers’ claim was very fine, and the yields were enormous for the first twelve months; the average yield for the last twelve months has been 14 dwt to the ton. A new shaft has been sunk about a thousand feet to the north of the old one and has been carried down to a depth of 400 feet, and the miners are now driving for the Black Horse lode. There is little difference in the quality of the stone at the various levels, but good patches are obtained here and there in the workings. Learmonth’s lode bears 19 degrees east of north, and passes through a good portion of the “Black Horse” claim. The Black Horse reef is a separate lode, the bearings corresponding with Learmonth’s lode, and both are trending through the “Flying Scud” ground. The machinery was erected between nine and ten years ago, for the Rose Quartz Mining Company, whose claim (formerly called “The Little Hill,”) was situated about half a mile south of Mr Learmonth’s present workings. This claim is held by Mr Learmonth by lease, but has not been worked since it came into his possession. The battery comprises 23 heads of revolving stampers, driven by a 16-inch cylinder, condensing engine. The gold is saved by ripple tables, blankets and an ordinary amalgamating barrel. The average number of men employed is sixty and the weekly expenses about £200. About two miles to the east of Egerton, two alluvial claims, viz., the “Dan O’Connell” and the “General Washington” are being worked. The Dan O’Connell shaft has been sunk 160 feet, but the water is now too much for a whim to discharge, and the party is endeavoring to purchase an engine. The Washington shaft has been sunk to a depth of 195 feet, and the funds of the party being exhausted, they intend putting the claim in the market. If the results of some Chinamen’s workings in the direct line, at a depth of 80 feet, may be taken as an indication of the auriferous character of the ground, there can be no doubt of the venture being a good one. A large, agricultural population occupy the surrounding district, the ground being principally taken up under the 42nd clause. The land is of fine quality, that in the neighborhood of the Black Hill being as good as any to be found in the world. The township has grown considerably during the past eighteen months, and altogether the prospects of the place are cheering.
(The illustrations of Learmonth’s claim in our present issue represent first the south shaft or surface works; then the men at lunch in one of the drives. Next we have two drives, in the upper of which a miner is putting in a shot, and in the lower we see men engaged in clearing away a loading. The last represents the process of receiving the gold stone through shoots from the upper to the lower drive in order to be transported in trucks to the bottom of the shaft, from which it will be raised to the surface works to be crushed.)

Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society’s Annual Show. Excerpt – To speak of the exhibits of such wool-growers as the Messrs Learmonth, some of whose products have been characterized by the highest authorities in London as, if we recollect alright, absolute perfection, is somewhat like singing a well-known song. Their first prize pens of which there were three out of the four, and the champion ram, together with the third champion ram, were just an exhibition of the real Ercildoun style for long, fine, silky staple of wool. More need not be said. (Overall they achieved six firsts and two seconds.)

Sheep-washing. The settlers are advised to return to the system of cold water washing generally, and carefully to avoid the use of soda or chemicals of any kind. But had soda not been used the Mount Fyans wool would never have fetched 4s. a lb. and upwards, nor would much of the Ercildoun, or Larra, or Wooriwyrite wool have fetched from 2s. 6d. to 3s a lb. last year…..

Ballarat Agricultural Show. “As usual Messrs T. and S. Learmonth took the lion’s share of the prizes for their sheep.”