History of Ballarat. Ballarat Before the Gold Discovery. While the sailor-King William IV was but newly buried, and Queen Victoria was still an uncrowned maiden; whilst only a few rude huts, sprinkled about the still uncleared slopes and gullies, failed to scare away the native animals that haunted the bush where the City of Melbourne now stands; while the pleasant borders of the Bay of Corio, where Geelong is to-day, were not graced by a single house, but only bore on their silent slopes a few scattered tents, a small band of settlers started from the Corio shore to explore the unknown country to the north-west. This was the month of August 1837. The party comprised Mr Thomas Livingstone Learmonth; Mr. D’Arcy, a surveyor; Dr. Thompson, late of Geelong; Mr David Fisher, then manager of the Derwent Company, Tasmania; Captain Hutton of the East India Company’s Service; and Mr Henry Anderson. With them they took suitable equipment and provisions. From Bellpost Hill they saw in the distance, north-westward, a mount, and they directed their course to that mount, steering their way by compass, and thus they arrived at, and ascended Mount Buninyong. From the Mount the explorers saw fine country to the north-westward, Lake Burrumbeet, and the distant ranges of the Pyrenees and the Grampians. An ocean of forest, with island hills, was all around them, but not a speck visible that spoke to them of civilization. But the promising landscape drew the explorers on westward and north-westward. They descended the Mount, the party divided, their compass-bearings were but well kept, the provision-cart failed to be at the appointed rendezvous, and thus, broken into sections, the explorers found their way back to the coast, some of them unable to find their provisions, and therefore fasting by the way.

In January of the next year, explorers set out again. The party this time consisted of Messrs J. Aitken, Henry Anderson, Thomas L. Learmonth, Somerville L. Learmonth and William Yuille. The starting point was Mr Aitken’s house, at Mount Aitken, and thence the explorers went towards Mount Alexander, which at that time had just been occupied by a party of overlanders from Sydney, consisting of Messrs. C.H. Ebden, Yaldwin, and Mollison. From Mount Alexander, they followed the course of the Loddon, passed over what has since been proved to be a rich auriferous country, and bore down on a prominent peak, which the explorers subsequently called Ercildoun, from the old keep on the Scottish border, with which the name of the Learmonths’ ancestor, Thomas the Rhymer, was associated. Their course brought them to the lake district of Burrumbeet and its rich natural pastures. The days were hot, but the night’s cold, and the party, camping at night on an eminence near Ercildoun, suffered so much from cold that they gave the camping place the name Mount Misery. There was water then in Burrumbeet, but it was intensely salty and very shallow. Next year, 1839, Lake Burrumbeet was quite dry, and it remained dry for several succeeding summers. It and the ground afforded excellent pasture after the ranker growth had been burnt off. The country thus discovered was occupied during the year 1838, and other settlers, pushing on in the same direction, in a couple of years completed the occupation of all the fine pastoral country as far westward as the Hopkins River. The brothers Learmonth, Mr. Henry Anderson, Messrs Archibald and W.C. Yuille, and Mr Waldie settled on the subsequently revealed gold-fields of Ballarat, Buninyong, Sebastopol, and their immediate vicinities. Some members of the Clyde Company, Tasmania, visited the Western district in 1838, that company giving the name of the Clyde Inn, of the old Geelong coach road. They settled upon the Moorabool and the Leigh, Mr. George Russell being the manager, Major Mercer, who gave the name to Mount Mercer, and Mr D. Fisher, were of that company. The Narmbool run, near Meredith, was taken by Mr Neville in 1839. Ross’ Creek was named from Capt. Ross, who in those early days used to perform the feat of walking in Highland costume all the way to Melbourne. But in those times travelling was a more serious matter than in these days of railroads, coaches, cabs, and other vehicles, with good roads and a generally settled country. Then there were no roads, few people, and a thick forest, encumbered about Ballarat, too, with the native hop. Mr Archibald Fisken, of Lal Lal, was the first person to drive a vehicle through the then roadless forest of Warrenheip and Bullarook. In 1846 he drove a dog-cart tandem, with Mr W. Taylor through the bush to Longerenong, on the Wimmera.

Messrs. T.L. and S.L. Learmonth, whose father was then in Hobarton, settled their homestead on what is now known as the Buninyong Gold Mining Company’s ground at Buninyong. Mr Henry Anderson, who was the earliest pioneer, in what is now known as Winter’s Flat, planted his near a delta formed by the confluence of the Woolshed Creek and the Yarrowee, Messrs Yuille subsequently taking that and all the country now known as Ballarat West and East and Sebastopol. These settlers gave the name to Yuille’s Swamp more recently called Lake Wendouree. The Bonshaw run was taken up by Mr Anderson, who gave it its name, Mr John Winter coming into possession shortly afterwards. Messrs Pettett and Francis took up the country at Dowling Forest, so named after their first overseer. Shortly after they had settled there, Mr Francis was killed by one of his own men with a shear-blade. Mr Waldie subsequently took up country north of Ballarat, and called his place Wyndholm, where he has resided ever since. Messrs Yuille had settled originally at Mount Emu, near Carngham, but finding the natives troublesome they retired to Ballarat. Mr Smyth, who with Mr Bourtire held the run, gave the name to Smythe’s Creek, as Messrs Baillie had to the creek at Carngham, their run there being afterwards transferred to Messrs Russell and Simson. Creswick Creek has its name from Henry Creswick, who settled upon a small run there. Two brothers Creswick had previously held country close to Warrenheip. Mr Andrew Scott settled his family at the foot of Mount Buninyong, where he had a snug run in which the mount, and its rich surrounding soil were included. Mrs Andrew Scott was the first lady who travelled through the district. She drove across the dry bed of Lake Burrumbeet in the year 1840. Lal Lal was taken up the same year (1840), by Messrs Blakeny and George Airey, the latter a brother of the Crimean officer so often and so flatteringly mentioned in Kinglake’s “History of the Crimean War.” In the same year, Messrs Le Vet (or Levitt) and another took up Warrenheip as a pig-growing station, but the venture failed, and some of the pigs ran wild in the forest there for years, and preyed on each other. After Messrs Le Vet and Co. had been there awhile, the run was taken up on behalf of Messrs Verner, Welsh, and Holloway, of the Gingellac run, on the Hume, by Mr Haverfield (at present the editor of the Pastoral Times), Le Vet and partner selling their improvements for about £30. Shortly after Mr Haverfield came to Warrenheip, Bullarook Forest was occupied by Mr John Peerman, for Mr Fyan Campbell. The Mr Verner mentioned above was at the time, or about then, Commissioner of the Melbourne Insolvency Court. He is now Sir William Verner, and a member in the House of Commons for Belfast. Mr Welsh was the late Mr Patricius Welsh, of Ballarat; and Mr Holloway became a gold-broker, and died at the Camp at Bendigo. In the year 1843, Mr Peter Inglis, who had a station at Ballan, took up the Warrenheip run, and shortly after that purchased the Lal Lal station, and throwing them both together, grazed on the united runs one of the largest herds in the colony. The western boundary of Mr Inglis’ Warrenheip run marched with the eastern boundary of Mr Yuille’s run, the line being struck by marked trees running from Mount Buninyong across Brown Hill to Slaty Creek. Mr Donald Stewart, now of Buninyong, was stock-rider for Mr Inglis, on the Warrenheip and Lal Lal stations. In 1839 Mr W.H. Bacchus brought cattle from Melbourne and grazed them on his run of Burrumbeetup, the centre of which run is now occupied by the Ballan pound. The run extended on the Ballarat side of the Moorabool to about midway to the Lal Lal Creek. Mr Bacchus still resides in the same locality; his present station being known as Perewur, or Peerewurr, a native name, meaning waterfall and opossums. There is a waterfall on the Moorabool there, which, for its picturesque beauty, is well worth visiting.

Buninyong was a village, or township, long before Ballarat had any existence as a settlement. The first huts were built at Buninyong in the year 1841, by sawyers, splitters, and others, Mr George Innes being then called the “King of the Splitters.” George Gab, George Coleman, and others were the pioneers in the Buninyong settlement. Gab had a wife who used to ride Amazonian fashion on a fine horse called Petrel, and both husband and wife were energetic people. Gab opened a house of accommodation for travellers on the spot where Jamieson’s hotel was afterwards built. The first store in the neighborhood was opened at the Round Water Holes, near Bonshaw, by Messrs D.S. Campbell and Woolley, of Melbourne, who almost immediately afterwards removed to a site next to Gab’s, at Buninyong, whose place they took for a kitchen. Gab then removed and built another hut opposite to the present police-court, and he opened his new hut, also as a hotel. A blacksmith named McLachlan, with a partner, opened a smithy opposite to Campbell and Woolley’s store. This was the nucleus of the then principal inland town in the colony. In the year 1844 Dr. Power settled there, and built a hut behind what was afterwards the Buninyong hotel. He was the first medical man in the locality, and for years the settlers had no other doctor nearer than Geelong. The young township became a favorite place with bullock teamsters, who were glad to build huts there where they could leave their wives and children in some degree safe from aboriginal and other marauders. In the year 1847, the Rev. Thomas Hastie, the first clergyman in the district, came to Buninyong. His house, and the church in which he performed service, were built entirely by the residents in Buninyong, both pecuniary gifts and manual labor being contributed. Then, as now, the Messrs Learmonth were among the foremost movers in the promotion of the mental and moral, as well as material welfare of the people about them. Mr Hastie, in a letter to us, says: – “Before I came in 1847, the Messrs Learmonth had made several efforts to procure the settlement of a clergyman at Buninyong, but had failed, partly from want of support, but chiefly from their inability to procure one likely to be suitable. Overtures had been made to Mr Beazely, a Congregational minister then in Tasmania, and afterwards in New South Wales, but he declined them. The Messrs Learmonth, were willing to take a minister from any denomination, and the circumstance that a Presbyterian clergyman was settled here arose from the fact that no other was available. Until after the gold discovery there was no minister in the interior, that is out of Melbourne, Geelong, Belfast, and Portland, but Mr Hamilton, of Mortlake; Mr Gow, of Campbellsfield, and myself. For many years my diocese, as it may be called, extended from Batesford, on the Barwon, to Glenlogie, in the Pyrenees, and included all the country for miles on either side, my duties taking me from home more than half my time. Before I came the Messrs Learmonth had contemplated the establishment of a cheap boarding-school for the children of shepherds and others in the bush, but for prudential reasons they deferred the matter til the settlement of a minister offered the means of supervision. Immediately after I came the project was carried out, and subscriptions were received from most of the settlers in the Western district. The school was opened in 1848 under Mr Bedwell, £10 a year being charged for board and education. The gold discovery carried away the teachers, raised the prices of everything, and Mr Hastie had to see to the school and its 60 boarders himself; but through all the difficulties the school was maintained with varying fortunes, until at length it became the present Common-school near the Presbyterian Manse, with an average attendance of some 180 children.

Wool Washing. Letter from Thomas Shaw, Jun.
Last paragraph: A variety of degrees of temperature, of quantities of soap and soda to hard or soft water, and greater or less pressures on spouts, may be successful or not successful, but at the present I swear by the common spout, little or no soda to soft water, as much as you like to hard water, and hot water at 100° – because in this way was washed a fleece of mine, exhibited in Melbourne, pronounced “perfect”; and because my bale of wool in the Melbourne Wool Exhibition, washed in this way, was pronounced by the best colonial judges to be splendid, in these words – “The quality, condition, and colour of this wool is splendid.” The best judges in London said of its sister bale in the exhibition there, open to the world, “A perfect bale of wool, splendid condition.” And of the Ercildoun bales at the same exhibitions, washed in the same way, the colonial judges said, “The quality, condition, and colour of this wool is splendid.” Of its sister bale the London judges said, in rapt enthusiasm, “Absolute perfection. The handsomest bale of wool we ever saw.”

Births. On the 5th inst, at Ercildoun, the wife of S. Livingstone Learmonth, Esq. of a daughter.

The Ballarat Grand National Exhibition. Sorghum saccharatum – Prize £3 T. & J. Learmonth, Ercildoun; no other exhibit. Long red marigolds – T. & S. Learmonth second. Pumpkins – D. Fisher, Ercildoun 1st Cabbages – Prizes £1 10s T. & S. Learmonth 1st Collection of Garden Fruits – £5 T. & S. Learmonth 1st.

The National Grain Show. The board having been liberal towards the fruit growers, the classes in this department ought to have been more extensively supported – the show was good, but not what a national fruit show should have been. Messrs. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, aparently keeps a confectioner; they showed not only ripe fruit, but fruit of nearly every sort preserved in different ways, and in a style that would not disgrace a trade hand.

The Horticultural Society’s Exhbition. Two pounds garlic, 2nd prize S. Learmonth. Twelve onions, 1st prize S. Learmonth. Twelve varieties of rose, and six varieties of rose, (exclusive of teas). 1st prize S. T. Learmonth. Two varieties of tea rose, 2nd prize S. T. Learmonth. Six varieties of verbena, three trusses of each, 1st prize S. T. Learmonth.

The University of Ballarat Timeline. 7 April 1870. The Provisional Ballarat School of Mines Council applied to Government for the lease of the former Circuit Court House. It was approved for a 15 year period at a nominal rent. The first trustees were Sir Redmond Barry, Somerville Livingstone Learmonth and Rivett Henry Bland. (Geoffrey Serle, From Deserts The Prophets Come: The Creative Spirit in Australia 1788-1972, Melbourne, William Heinemann, 1974, p. 25.

Agricultural Report. Messrs. Hepburn and Leonard, in their Ballarat stock report, say that “account sales of wool sold this season in London, received by this mail, offer great inducements to buyers of good-woolled sheep, Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth’s clip from Ercildoun realizing up to 4s per lb. This should be an incentive to settlers to avail themselves of the opportunity offered annually at Skipton show to obtain pure-bred merino rams from the premier stud.”

Public Sales of Colonial Wool. The quality of fine wool offered was extremely limited, and where well grown and in good condition realized extreme rates. The well-known Ercildoun brand touched the extraordinary price of 4s per lb.

Colonial Intelligence. Diocese of Melbourne. Our letters from the Bishop, reaching to the 7th inst., report him to have been enabled, in the good providence of God, to accomplish up to that time, all that he had laid down for himself in his programme. Excerpt – During Easter week the Bishop and Mrs. Perry visited their friends (Mr. and Mrs. S. Learmonth) at Ercildoun.

News and Notes. Some Ballarat sportsmen had a good day’s sport on Tuesday, at Ercildoun, on the land of Mr Learmonth. After hunting sundry kangaroo-rats, they had a fine run after a stag, which with the help of grey-hounds was captured unhurt. The stag was brought to Ballarat, and will be turned loose next Saturday for the benefit of the Hunt Club. The party was most hospitably entertained by Mr Learmonth, who provided an excellent luncheon.

Hay Pastoral Show – The Hay Pastoral Show will be held on the 22nd July next. A prize of a silver cup, of the value of L20, will be given by Messrs. Learmonth for the best two-toothed ram of Ercildoun blood, bred in New South Wales, upon the condition that no rams bought direct from Messrs. Learmonth, or bred by them, be allowed to compete. (*The Geelong Advertiser 30 August 1870 states – Messrs Walsh Brothers, of Collins-street produced the Ercildoun Cup “a very handsome piece of silver plate of their own manufacture, presented by Messrs Learmonth for competition at the Riverina Pastoral Society’s Show, held at Hay, and awarded to Messrs McGaw, Mackenna and Co., for the best exhibit of sheep of the Ercildoun breed. I hear that the ram for which the award was made was asserted by the judges to be the finest of any class ever exhibited in the Australian colonies, and that the owner has since refused almost fabulous offers for the animal.”)

Soirees &c. The Foundation Stone of the Presbyterian Church, Burrumbeet, will (D.V.) be laid by S. L. Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun, on Tuesday, 19th July, at Two o’clock, p.m. Soiree in the Evening, when Lecture will be delivered by Rev J. W. Inglis, St. John’s Ballarat.

23 July 1870. The foundation-stone of the Presbyterian church at Burrumbeet, was laid on Tuesday, 19th July, by Mr Somerville Learmonth, of Ercildoun. Owing to the unsettled state of the weather the attendance at the ceremony was not so large as it would otherwise have been. The church building committee presented Mr Learmonth with a silver trowel used on the occasion. It was made by Mr Sleep, of St. Arnaud silver, and the handle of polished lightwood, was grown in the district. The following documents were placed in a bottle in the vavity of the stone, viz.: — A statement of the steps taken for the erection of the hurch, with an account of the proceedings at the laying of the foundation-stone; the names of the architect, the contractors, and all the office-bearers of the congregation; a copy of the Ballarat Star and also of the Courier of the 19th instant; a copy of the “Presbyterian Calendar” for 1869; a copy of the last report of the “Chinese and Aboriginal Mission,” a copy of the “Christian Review of the Prebyterian Church, “ a number of coins and samples of the staple products of the district – wheat, oats, barley, rye, vetches. After singing and prayer, and the placing of the bottle in the cavity, the stone was lowered. Mr Learmonth then applied the level and mallet; after which he declared the stone well and truly laid. In the evening the ladies of the congregation spread the most sumptuous tables, and after creature comforts had been amply supplied, the Rev. J. W. Inglis gave his lecture, “An evening with old friends.” His readings from Shakespere (sic.), Macaulay, Mansie Waught, and the “Elder’s Death Bed,” were done with fine effect.

Ballarat and Fish Acclimatisation. (From a Correspondent) Ballarat, August 1st. The importance of stocking suitable waters in this district with English trout has now been fully recognized by many of our leading men, and steps are now about being taken in the matter, which, it is to be hoped, will end in our having the much desired fish in our waters at no distant date. A meeting of the principal leading inhabitants at Ballarat West has been called for this evening, when preliminary arrangements will be fully entered into, a committee appointed, and the funds necessary raised. Already great interest is manifested in the matter, and subscriptions are freely promised. The breeding ponds and ripples at the Homestead of the Messrs. Learmonth at Ercildoun, some 14 or 15 miles from Ballarat, will be placed at the disposal of the committee for depositing the ova. There is a capital stream of cold water at hand at these ponds, and the present occupant, Mr. Learmonth, has nobly promised to place all the arrangements in proper order for the reception of the ova. From Ercildoun to Lake Burrumbeet is but two miles, so that no difficulty will be experienced in the removal of the young fish, when hatched and ready, into the lake. It is not unlikely that Mr. John Buckland of the salmon commission will be invited to make a trip up this way, and report generally on matters concerning trout acclimatization. At all events we should be prepared to fully recoup Mr. B’s expenses, and he would meet with a hearty welcome. While writing on fish, I may state that some perch, forwarded some two years since by Mr. Morton Allport, to the care of a Ballarat gentleman, and which on arrival were placed in Kirk’s Dam – one of our water supply reservoirs – have increased to an extent surprising every one. The dam may now be said to be fairly alive with them, and in the coming season we may expect to see several of our streams around this district stocked with this fine fish, which seems to flourish well in all the water reserves in this Colony where they have been placed. Your Salmon Commissioners will doubtless hear from us in a few days anent (about) the trout question.

The Station and Farm. The Australian Merino. If there is to be any further discussion on this subject, it will be necessary to define clearly what the Australian merino is, for the admirers of this variety, as it must be called we suppose, are a touchy race, and it is hard to avoid treading on their toes. As the merino is not indigenous, how many generations must be born in the country, free from the contamination of foreign blood, before the title of Australian may be applied? Or must sheep, to be worthy of this title, have a certain proportion of Camden blood in their veins? Will the sheep of any other flock in New South Wales be acknowledged as true Australians? And lastly, how many flocks in Victoria are to be so designated? These must be few in number in either colony, if the admission of German blood within the last twenty years, be a disqualification, and it would simplify matters materially to have them named. When the last crusade against imported sheep was commenced, the Australian merino was widely talked of without these points being settled; therefore there was much uncertainty as to the actual meaning of many writers and speakers on the subject. Had we known exactly the ground on which the Australian merino men stand, we might perhaps have avoided giving offence in the article at which Mr. Thomas Shaw, as their representative, has taken umbrage. Without venturing an opinion, we merely mentioned, as a matter of history, that 50 years ago the fleece of the merino was becoming too light, as in later years, when sheep were imported from Germany both to New South Wales and this colony. We now ask why it is that the mere mention of light fleeces acts on the champions of the Australian merino as the exhibition of a red rag does on a bull of lively temperament? It is because the Australian merino is accused unjustly of having a tendency to become almost bare on the shoulder and under part of the body, this tendency being so strong that the best breeders cannot effectually counteract it? No doubt the Ercildoun flock will be adduced as an instance to the contrary, and that has gained such a pre-eminence that it may be spoken of freely without offence or injury to the proprietors; but if that is allowed to be true Australian, how long since was the German blood weeded out of it, or what proportion does this bear to the blood of the Camden sheep, with which it was said to be first improved? There is, we believe, no tendency to lightness of fleece in it, but that may only prove the exception to the rule. It was founded on a small selection of sheep chosen in Germany by a Tasmanian sheepowner for the density as well as fineness of their fleece, for light fleeces were becoming a serious defect in Tasmania as well as in New South Wales, 40 or 50 years ago. After being in this colony, rams from various quarters were used before it was thought advisable to breed entirely from selections within itself. This course was most commendable, simply because no rams as good were to be obtained elsewhere, and the sheep had no radical defect likely to be transmitted or increased by in-breeding. Then the flock had become large, allowing a wide scope for selection, and had always, except in very extreme seasons, an abundance of pasturage with a comparatively cool climate, frost and snow being common with them in winter. All these several causes, combined with great care and attention, have led to improvement instead of deterioration, and will most probably continue to do so; but is there another flock of Australian merinos in the colony of which the same can be said? It is all very well to say that a want of feed causes the fleece to become light and the staple weak; but except on very few runs, or where these are much understocked, sheep here will be always liable to periods of semi-starvation; and how much better is the Australian merino then than the immediate descendant of German parents? One brand is specially mentioned by Mr. Shaw in his letter to prove that the very soundest and best combing wool, usually fetching the highest price, may be reduced to the value of ordinary wool by a want of feed for the sheep, but there was not greater scarcity on the station in question than on many others on the plains around. This very acknowledgement might be used as a strong argument against the Australian merino, but not being advocates on the other side, and only seeking information, we ask, does not this show that the kind of sheep in question is a very uncertain one to depend on for profit? Mr. Shaw must read in a very hasty manner, or he would not accuse us of reasoning that because Mr. Riley sent for heavy fleeced sheep to counteract the very apparent defect in his, as well as his neighbours’ flocks. The length and elasticity of the Camden wool may have been equal to that of any other wool under equal circumstances, but two pounds of it when weak, are not worth as much as three or four pounds of somewhat coarser wool when equally weak, and it was by this experience that many flock owners were led both in old times and more lately to try the introduction of fresh blood. It does not follow that because this was done the entire breed of sheep was condemned. Nor if we found it advisable to recommend such a course again should we be accused of condemning the Australian merino; but it has its weak points as well as its merits, and its admirers will have a difficult task to keep up to the highest standard of profit. How will it fare in a few years with those breeders who now confine themselves to the limits of their own flocks, refusing extraneous blood? Are their fleeces becoming lighter or heavier, or their sheep flatter in the sides or rounder in the ribs? Breeding in-and-in may answer under peculiar circumstances, as at Ercildoun, and with the Hampton Court flock, specimens from which have just arrived here, but it will scarcely answer with Australian merinos kept on the plains.

Hay Pastoral Society’s Show. Champion Prizes. For the best colonial-bred merino ram in the yard. McGaw, McKinnon, and Co., bred by Messrs. Learmonth, of Groongal. The judges said it was the best sheep in the Riverina – nothing at Jerilderie to equal it.

The Learmonth Cup. For the best two-tooth ram of Ercildoun blood, bred in New South Wales, was awarded to Messrs. McGaw, McKinnon, and Co.

Country News. The Ballarat Star fears that “the floods have seriously damaged, if not destroyed, the trout ova lately deposited at Ercildoun. Mr. Learmonth writes, under date 9th September: ‘It is with great regret that I announce my fear that the trout ova have been destroyed. The flood of yesterday has caused great devastation here, and has deposited so much mud in the hatching boxes that I cannot think that the delicate eggs can survive the rough treatment to which they have been exposed.’”

Great Floods in Victoria. Loss of Life and Devastation of Property. The Ballarat Star states that the natural embankment of the Cockpit Lagoon, near Ercildoun, has been burst through by the heavy floods, and the water is now being rapidly discharged by a wide opening, some forty or fifty yards wide. The water in the lagoon, before it burst, was nine or ten feet deep; being deeper than it has been known to be since the settlement of the colony.

The Stud. To stand this season at Mortchup, on Mount Emu Creek, the Clydesdale Stallion, Darlington. Darlington is a dark bay, 17 hands high, has immense bone and a splendid action; bred by the Hon. Thomas Learmonth, Esq., of Ercildoun; was got by the imported Clydesdale horse Wrestler, out of Rose, by the imported Clydesdale horse Matchem, which was purchased by Mr Learmonth for £800. Darlington took first prize at the Geelong and Western District Spring Exhibitions of 1867 and 1869, both in the imported and colonial-bred classes. J.S. Campbell, Proprietor.

Death of Mr. King’s Ercildoun Ram. At the great sale of Ercildoun rams, on the 26th August last, the finest animal of the lot was, after some spirited competition, knocked down to Mr. King, of Berthong, for the sum of £40. Mr. King’s sheep have a large mixture of the ‘Old Grimes’ American imported merino blood in their veins, but their wool, in length of staple and lustre, does not come up to Mr. King’s idea of what it should be, and, to improve its quality in those respects, he purchased the best of the rams at the late sale here, giving the highest figure of any buyer on the ground. Unfortunately, for the spirited purchaser, the animal was never destined to fulfill the expectations that had been formed of it in the Berthong flock, for last week, owing as we understand, to its having been overfed in its pen, it was taken sick, and before any remedies could be applied to it, expired – Wagga Wagga Express 12th October.

The Ercildoun Sheep. (To the Editor of the Examiner and Times.) SIR, – In the last issue of the Warwick Argus I see a letter from cannie old Donald, signed “Clochnabeen,” comparing the celebrated Ercildoun sheep unfavourably with those on the Downs. I have not seen the rams imported by Mr. Clark (the sheep referred to by “Clochnabeen”), but I know the Ercildoun sheep as well as I know those of old Donald’s employer, and I can assure him that for size, quantity and quality of wool and purity of breed, the sheep on his station are not to be compared with those of Mr. Learmonth. I may add that the Ercildoun sheep are remarkably healthy, and have never had catarrh. I have noticed with regret the discontinuance in the Argus of those highly interesting and instructive papers upon the History of the Feuds and Conflicts in the northern parts of Scotland and the Western Isles, from the Creation of the World till the year of God 1600. I would recommend old Donald to stick to that kind of literature, which he understands far better than he does sheep. Yours, obediently, Old Chum.

Mr. G. Clark, of Warwick, has, within the last few years, done more than most Queensland sheep-owners to improve the character of his flocks by the importation of valuable blood. There are now in the Brisbane quarantine grounds 9 rams and 39 ewes, just imported by Mr. Clark, and destined for his East Talgai station. Four of the former are from the well-known Ercildoun flocks, Victoria, and have been pronounced to be the finest specimens of Messrs. Learmonth’s merinos ever imported here. The ewes and the remainder of the rams are from the justly celebrated Kermode flocks, of Tasmania.

The Wagga Wagga Advertiser (NSW) 24 December
Station Management – “A Word to the WISE.” (To the Editor of the Brisbane Courier.) SIR, Having been connected with sheep-farming for a good many years, and especially in Queensland, I have been often amused with the many absurdities and amount of bunkum that one sees and hears in the regions of “Squatterdeom;” such a number of ill-used individuals it is quite pitiable to meet with. All the misfortunes, which happened to them is the fault of everything but the right one. Confound wool-brokers and wool markets, agents, banks, climate, and country; in fact, confound everything and everybody but their unfortunate selves! I think however, if we were to lift the curtain and look behind the scenes, it might do no harm, and do some good. I will not speak of rash speculation, borrowed money, and high interest; that is, you may say, a thing of the past, for which we are at present undergoing a cure, and I am not at all afraid that we shall be suffered to have a relapse; but I shall look at the manner in which station work is conducted as present. I believe that I am not far wrong in saying that there is not at the present time one station in ten in Queensland managed by its owner. They are therefore obliged, for certain reasons – such as the Laird of McNab’s – their heads being taken up with the affairs of the State, or more probably not knowing much about the matter themselves, to employ managers. These gentlemen, unfortunately, are rather migratory in their habits, often more from necessity than inclination, being here to-day and away to-morrow, as I have myself known that on several stations there has been a regular rotation of managers once a year – sometimes oftener – the proprietors in these instances thinking, I suppose, that as in cereal growing it is necessary to have a rotation of crops so in wool growing it is necessary to have a regular rotation of ideas. One gentleman fancies combing wool, speaks learnedly on the subject, and perhaps induces his employer to go in for a lot of Victorian rams; he gets his conge. Another succeeds. He pooh-poohs the first man’s ideas, and he goes in for clothing wool; another for carcass; another for imported blood, the next, perhaps, who has no ideas of his own in the matter, boxes the whole lot together, until the sheep get in such a muddle that after shearing you would not see such a set of piebald animals out of Astley’s circus – the fleece being all qualities…

I don’t at all wonder, therefore, at squatting not paying, and I have no hesitation in saying that unless a radical change takes place in this respect, squatting never will pay in Queensland; neither will the Queensland sheep breeders ever come forward shoulder to shoulder with those of New South Wales and Victoria; and, further, unless the proprietor is a thoroughly practical man himself – such a man as Messrs. Bayly, Cox, Learmonth, Shaw, Bellington, and many others – and lives on his own station, and attends to his own business, or employs some thoroughly practical man to do it for him, and sticks to this man, and does not take offence at every hasty word or mistake he makes, he will find that squatting with him, at the best, will be uphill work. Continually changing managers, and getting others with different ideas, entails more loss and expense on proprietors than they are aware of. We can see what practical experience and attention to breeding will do; and, although we cannot all expect to be Baylys and Learmonths, and get 4s. per lb. for our wool, yet with a little expense, trouble, and common sense, there is nothing to prevent us doing better than we are doing, and in time rivaling the famed Havilah and Ercildoun clips. Nil Desperandum. In the North, October 16.

Ercildoun on New Year’s Eve. Ercildoun, the home in Victoria of the Messrs. Learmonth, and so long known as the place where the champion merinos luxuriate in the splendid paddocks set apart for their especial use, and where so many objects of interest present themselves, was perhaps never more interesting than on New Year’s eve. The kindly feeling towards, and the earnest desire to promote the happiness of all employed on the estate by Mr and Mrs Thomas Learmonth, during the time they resided at Ercildoun, is a fact well known, and hundreds of hearts warm with grateful recollections of timely aid, judicious advice, and sympathising interest in all that affected the moral and material interests of the many that were gathered around them; and now that they are followed by the present occupants, Mr and Mrs Somerville L. Learmonth, equally kindly feelings are manifested by them and entertained towards them. Few persons passing through the station on New Year’s Eve, admiring, as they would do the beautiful seclusion of the spot, with its magnificent, poplars, gardens, lakes, and hills, would have dreamt of the livelier scenes inside. There, however, were to be seen busy hands arranging on a pretty Christmas-tree, surrounded with rocks and moss, and soldiers and fortifications with batteries and bridges, every conceivable thing to interest and please. Flags of all nations, Chinese lanterns, dolls, great and small, with every variety of toy and trinket were brought into requisition to heighten the general effect. On a side-table in the hall, where were so soon to be gathered interesting and excited spectators, was piled up a heap of articles of all sorts, useful and ornamental.

The last touch given, the superfluous cleared away punctually at six o’clock, the invited arrive, and as men, women, and children file past the magic spot, a general thrill of admiration and wonder was seen. Mr Learmonth announced that the business of the occasion would be preceded by a grateful recognition of the Divine goodness, and after expressing best wishes for the welfare of those assembled, concluded by wishing them a happy new year. The doxology having been sung, the work of distribution commenced. Tickets with corresponding numbers on the articles which adorned the tree were distributed, and soon the merry laugh and cheer arose as neglected bachelors became the fortunate recipients of Lilliputian babies’ little wool socks, &c, and mothers had handed to them bon-bons and bags of lollies, while supple-jacks and jumping Chinamen greatly excited the numerous children. At length, some two hundred articles having been thus disposed of commenced the distribution of dolls, beautifully dressed, which were bestowed by Mrs Learmonth’s own hand on the larger girls. Then came the turn of the married women, who receive their annual gift – dress pieces selected with care and regard to the tastes and circumstances of the recipients, and where it was thought to be preferred, other things equally valuable and useful were given. In rapid succession followed the men and the children, until to the number of 90, everyone had received some token of goodwill. The men pocketed their knives, cases of pencils, pipes, powder-flasks, and one actually carried off his purse, to be won on some future occasion. An adjournment to the laundry, and the game of snapdragon commenced, greatly to the delight of the boys, and soon the whole of those present were fully occupied in partaking of the good things provided in the servants’ hall. Here were roast goose, roast and boiled beef, rabbit pies, ham, and with pies and tarts of every hue, with fruit and salad, tea, and ginger beer, to suit the tastes of all; the whole being got up in the best style, and partaken of with the most evident satisfaction, not a hitch or jarring string during the whole, and every one felt that a great treat had been generously provided by Mr and Mrs Learmonth. The occasion will long be looked back upon as one of the happiest known at Ercildoun. During the evening a short address was delivered, and a resolution moved and seconded expressive of the gratitude and regard of those present to their kind employers and generous friends, and carried most enthusiastically. At twelve o’clock a number of those on the estate gathered in the courtyard to sing hymns of praise to the God, who had been so kind to them during the past, and in whose presence thus employed they welcomed what all most earnestly wish may be to the employers and employed “a Happy New Year.” – Communicated.

Ballarat (From our own correspondent.) At a meeting of the Ballarat Acclimatisation Society, held last night, it was decided to apply to the Tasmanian Salmon commissioners for 2,000 trout ova, and to request the co-operation of Mr. S. Learmonth in preparing breeding ponds at Ercildoun.

Miscellaneous. The committee of the Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society met on Thursday, 30th March, at Craig’s hotel, Dr. King in the chair. It was resolved that the secretary, communicate with the Tasmanian Salmon Commissioners, with a view to obtaining 2000 trout ova on the usual conditions. With reference to the perch fishery, it was resolved that a committee, to consist of the chairman (Dr Whitecombe), and Messrs H. D. Cane, M. Seal, F. M. Claxton, and J. K. Baird be appointed to draw up rules for the better regulation of the fishing in the Forest dams. The secretary reported that the financial position of the society was good, and that a number of gentlemen had promised their support. The chairman was deputed to wait on Mr Somerville Learmonth, as to the construction of the necessary breeding boxes at Ercildoun.

Ballarat. Hepburn and Leonard’s Report. Fat Sheep – A full supply to hand, quality of every description, from very inferior stores to the best sheep we have seen in this market. A draft of 400 pure merinos, from Ercildoune (Messrs. T. S. Learmonth’s), were much admired for weight, quality, and evenness: in fact, we have never seen them equalled here. The trade showed their appreciation, the average being the highest of the season.

Ballarat Agricultural and Pastoral Society. Excerpt – “Dynamometer. In accordance with the special request forwarded by letter from your society to Thomas Livingstone Learmonth, Esq., Park-hall, Linlithgowshire, Scotland, that he would purchase a first class dynamometer for the use of your society, that gentleman, after the most cautious and careful enquiries, most mature consideration on his own part, and by the scientific advice of Professor Rankine, consulting engineer to the Highland Agricultural Society of Scotland, ordered one of Messrs Eastons, Amos, and Anderson’s self-registering dynamometers, which was forwarded from the establishment of that company in London direct to your society. This most ingeniously and beautifully constructed machine was received by your committee in October last. The prime cost of the dynamometer is £86, but with various additional charges incurred in connection with its transit to this colony, and custom-house charges at Melbourne, it cost the society £103 10s 2d. It would be premature on the part of your committee to state with confidence in this report the actual benefits which your society may derive in future from the practical working of this machine. Time and numerous tests will reveal its utility to the machinist and to the agriculturist.

Ballarat. Hepburn and Leonard’s Report. The stock yarded were 526 cattle and 8413 sheep. Fat Sheep. The Ercildoun merinos (Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth’s) as usual topped the market, selling from 12s 6d to 13s.

At Skipton Show. Messrs. Learmonth’s Rams. Hepburn & Leonard will sell by auction, at Skipton, on the day of the show (September 21) – Their Annual Draft of Pure Australian Merino Rams, from the Ercildoun Paddocks, numbering about 800 Two and Four Tooths.

The Maitland Mercury & Hunter River General Advertiser (NSW) 18 July 1871; Leader (Melbourne) 18 July 1871 HAY. (Herald) – A grand ball took place last night at the Caledonian Hotel – The Pastoral Show took place to-day; there was a large attendance. The Learmonth Cup, valued at £20, was won by McGaw and Co., of Burrabogie, for the best ram, Ercildoun breed; champion ewe, Rutherford and Co., Illilawa, silver cup, value £5; champion ram, silver cup £5, C. Simpson of Mungadal; best three rams, Rutherford and Co., of Illilawa; best three ewes, Rutherford and Co., of Illilawa; best three two-toothed rams, Colin Simpson, of Munngadal; best three two-toothed ewes, McGaw and Co., Burrabogie; best short-horn bull, Learmonth, Groongal, £5; best short-horn cow, Learmonth, Groongal, £3; best hack, Mr. Riley; best buggy pair, Mr. Cox; best thoroughbred entire, H. Lomax; best draught entire, Mr. Gormley.

Hay Pastoral Show. Cattle – Class 1, shorthorn bull: 1st prize, T. and S. Learmonth. Class 2, shorthorn cow: 1st Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth. A silver prize cup, of the value of £20, for the best ram of Ercildoun blood bred in New South Wales, was won by Messrs. McGaw and Co. – Pastoral Times.

Fish Acclimatisation Society. Excerpts – The annual meeting of this society was held on Friday evening, at Cherry’s Victoria hotel, Dr King in the chair. ..….It was stated that by the kindness of Mr Learmonth some of the ova would be deposited in the creek at Ercildoun, and Mr Matthew Seal and Dr Whitcombe also undertook to prepare places for other ova in their own premises.

Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society. Annual Report. Excerpt – “To the Members of the Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society. Gentlemen, Your committee beg to lay before you the following report of the proceedings of your society during the past year. On the 22nd of August, 1870, 1000 brown and salmon trout ova were placed in the hatching-boxes at Ercildoun, and a number of young fish had left eggs and were in a healthy condition, when the floods of September swept over the boxes and destroyed the fish. Thus the season’s work was lost. One fact, however, has been proved – that the waters of Ercildoun are well fitted for hatching the ova. Your committee have made arrangements to receive on or about the 25th of this present month a second supply of ova from Tasmania. The largest portion of this will be forwarded to the breeding-boxes at Ercildoun, where, thanks to the untiring exertions of Mr Somerville Learmonth, arrangements are being comleted for the reception of the ova, and every precaution has been taken to secure the boxes from damage from future floods. Arrangements have been made with two or three gentlemen to hatch out the remainder of the ova ; thus the hatching risk will be distributed and lessened. Your committee, aware of the importance of stocking every available river, lake, creek, and waterhole in the district with fish, are now taking such steps as will increase the society’s usefulness, in stocking the district waters with perch and other fish…… “

At Skipton Show. Messrs. Learmonth’s Rams. Hepburn and Leonard will Sell by Auction, at Skipton, on their DAY of the SHOW, 21st September. The Annual Draught of Pure Australian Merino Rams. From the Ercildoun paddocks, numbering about 800, 2 and 4 tooth. Arrangements have been made for the attendance of Sheep Inspectors at the Sale, so that purchasers from proclaimed Clean Districts can obtain permits to travel with them without delay.

News and Notes. Excerpt – The hatching boxes at Ercildoun, for the reception of the trout ova to come per the Southern Cross, steamer, from Hobart Town, on Friday next, are all but completed. The gravel to be placed therein was forwarded from Ballarat yesterday. The steamer is expected to arrive in Melbourne on Friday morning, so that the ova will reach Ballarat, at the latest, by the night train. The box containing the ova will be opened in Ballarat, and a portion of the eggs distributed in the boxes ready for their reception, which have been erected under the superintendence of two of the members of the committee of the Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society in the city.

The Ballarat Star of Wednesday says “the trout ova placed in the breeding-ponds in Ballarat commenced to hatch-out yesterday. The young fish are strong and healthy. At present the loss of ova has been almost nil. No word has at yet been received from the Ercildoun ponds, but probably some news will be received during the day, it being possible that the ova will hatch-out more quickly there, as the water is one or two degrees warmer than in Ballarat.”

Western District Pastoral Show. (By Electric Telegraph. From Our Own Reporter Skipton, via Linton, WEDNESDAY.) The weather this morning was finer than it is often seen in this bleak-looking hamlet. The hotels have all been filled up for some days, and stabling is at a premium. Although the show of the Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society does not take place until to-morrow, a large number of visitors have arrived, and it is evident that the interest taken in this show and sale of stock is on the increase. There is a large number of merino rams catalogued for sale, amounting in all to 4,342, the greater portion being from the following celebrated stud flocks: – Messrs T. and S. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, sent 678 rams, mostly two-tooth; Mr. J. Currie has 900, all two-tooth; Mr. Wm. Cumming has 800. The following gentlemen also sent large numbers: – Messrs. John Cumming, Alex Armstrong, Thomas Shaw, E. G. Greeves, Thomas F. Cumming, and J. Dowling. The judges have been busy all day awarding the prizes, and until they have concluded their labours the public are not expected to examine the stock. The quality of the young stock is said to be fully up to the average, if indeed it is not superior to that of previous years. As yet only the prize sheep have been brought into the yards, the lots for sale being grazed during the day in the neighbourhood of the village.

The following are the awards of the judges of sheep : –
Class I. Two Merino Rams, of any age – First prize £5, T. and S. Learmonth; second prize £4, J. L. Currie; third prize £2, John Cumming; fourth prize £1, George Thompson; honorary certificate, Thomas Dowling. Eighteen entries.
Class II. Two Merino Ewes of any age – First prize £5, T. and S. Learmonth; second prize £4, Thomas Dowling; third prize £2, Phillip Russell; fourth prize £1, Thomas Shaw; honorary certificate, Alexander Anderson commended, Messrs. Currie and W. Cumming. Twenty-one exhibits.
Class III. Two Two-toothed Merino Rams – First prize £5, T. and S. Learmonth; second prize £4 Thomas Dowling; third prize £2 J. L. Currie; fourth prize £1, John Cumming; honorary certificate, W. Cumming. Twenty-one entries.
Class IV. Two Two-toothed Merino Ewes – First prize £4 T. and S. Learmonth; second prize £3 J. L. Currie; third prize £2, Phillip Russell; fourth prize £1; John Dowling; honorary certificate, E. G. Greeves; commended, Thos. Shaw, A. Buchanan, A. Anderson, J. Cumming, and G. Cumming. Twenty-seven exhibits.
Class V. Best Merino Ram in the Yard – Prize £5, J. L. Currie, T. and S. Learmonth noted as the two next best.
Class VI. Best Merino Ewe in the Yard – Prize £5, T. and S. Learmonth, and noted as next best, with Thomas Dowling third.
Class XIII. Five Merino Wethers, as fat sheep – Prize £3, T. and S. Learmonth. Two other exhibits.

The Western District Pastoral and Agricultural Society’s Show. Excerpts – Champion ewe – “The poor creature paid the penalty of greatness, for she was pulled about in a very unfeeling manner, and several persons who ought to have known better tore off samples of wool in such a rough manner that they brought away the skin with it, and on Thursday it was found necessary to place a guard over both the champion ram and ewe.” Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth have steadily advanced in quality, but the greatest improvement is noticed in the sheep shown by Mr. J. L. Currie. Some few years ago these sheep began to exhibit the very objectionable quality of openness in the fleece, particularly along the back, but by judicious management this fault has been entirely overcome, and now the rams from Mr. Currie’s flock show a density of wool that is unequalled in Victoria. As usual there was not a great competition for the prize for fat merino wethers. The victory was adjudged to Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth.

News and Notes. The accounts received from the Ercildoun trout hatching ponds anent the young fish recently hatched out are most satisfactory. Mr. Learmonth reports that the young trout can be seen swimming about, are strong and vigorous.

Trout in Victoria. The most gratifying accounts anent the trout fry were received in Ballarat from the Ercildoun ponds on Monday. Mr. Learmonth’s arrangements for the hatching-out of the ova, and subsequent treatment of the young fish, proved to have been most perfect, as is gathered from the fact that, but two dead ova have been seen. The young fish which began to hatch out on the 25th of last month, may now be seen in hundreds in the ripple boxes, and have already shown the vivacity of their elder brethren by indulging in all sorts of lively antics. One day the fish were seen rising to the surface of the water and lashing their tails in the liveliest manner. Mr. Learmonth is having a large pond constructed, into which the young trout will in a short time be drafted. So far, the acclimatization of these fine fish has been an undoubted success.

English Racers in Victoria. The celebrated racehorse Tim Whiffler – he of the English and original cognomen, arrived yesterday on the ship Aviemore from London. He is in splendid order and condition, and along with him are three youngsters with racing blood in their veins, and all pictures of health. They were selected at home by the late Mr. John Moffatt, of Hopkins Hill, for his stud at Chatsworth. In the same vessel are also two magnificent shorthorn bulls, imported by the Messrs. Learmonth, of Ercildoun. All of the animals have been carefully housed, and the utmost attention has evidently been bestowed on them during the voyage to Melbourne – Argus Oct 18, 1871.

Our Learmonth correspondent writes: – “The following has been handed to me for publication – Weatherboard Hill, 14th November, 1871 – A deputation, consisting of Messrs. R. Humphreys, J. Stewart, J. Forsyth, and T. Creelman, waited upon Mr Learmonth, at Ercildoun House, to return to that gentleman the sincere thanks of the inhabitants of this district for his great kindness in sending his missionary servant amongst them. Mr Learmonth kindly replied, and spoke in high terms of Mr Mason, as a Christian teacher, feeling confident that he would do all the good, that laid in his power. The deputation then proceeded to Mr Mason’s house, and presented him with a token of esteem from the inhabitants of the district, and in acknowledgement of his Christian labors amongst them. Mr Mason, in returning thanks, spoke very feelingly of the kind manner in which he had been treated, and said that it far exceeded his expectations. His only reflection was that more good was not accomplished, his desire being to win souls to Christ by showing them the way of salvation. After engaging in prayer and praise, those present took a retrospective view extending over a period of ten years, which showed that a large amount of good, both temporal and spiritual, had been done in the district through the instrumentality of the Learmonth family, a hope being expressed that those families holding a similar position in the colonies would follow its good example. The deputation then separated, rejoicing over their kind reception.”

Country News. Excerpt – The young trout at the Ercildoun ponds are thriving well, and are growing rapidly. Fifty more of the young fish have been turned out by Mr. Somerville Learmonth into a large reservoir, where every facility for spawning and hatching exists. The Ballarat Mail says that the Acclimatisation Society expects to procure from Ercildoun a large quantity of ova next season, when steps will be taken to distribute it throughout the whole district.

Births. Learmonth. On the 25th inst., at Ercildoun, Mrs. A. J. Livingstone Learmonth of a son.

“Mr. Anthony Trollope, accompanied by Mrs. Trollope, arrived,” says the Courier of Thursday, “at Ballarat yesterday by the afternoon train, and are at present stopping at Craig’s Hotel. Mr. Robert Lewis, mayor of Ballarat, escorted the eminent novelist on a tour of inspection through Ballarat East, and showed him all the lions of that quarter. To-day Mr. Trollope intends visiting the various charitable institutions of Ballarat, and will, doubtless, descend one or other of the more important mining claims. Tomorrow he is to visit Mr. Learmonth, at Ercildoun.”

A Railway to the Gulf. To the Editor of the Brisbane Courier. Sir, – “Andrew Robertson’s” letter of the 24th January on this subject ends by hoping that some one else with greater influence will come forward and lay the subject bare with greater pith and plainness. I make no pretensions to write with greater influence or with greater pith; but as I believe it possible to get a railway to the Gulf and make it pay, I shall give my idea to help to make it plainer how it could be made to pay. In the first place, I would not at all do as Mr. Lilley proposes – throw the whole of the colony open for selection. That would be the ruin of the colony. But let the Government introduce a Loan Bill for money to supply the whole of the colony with permanent water, by artesian wells and dams, for which there are plenty of natural reservoirs with soil retentive and would not require great damming. Let the Government cut up all the squatting stations in the colony into runs of 50,000 acres each of good grazing land, and no man be allowed to have more than one run; large agricultural area to be reserved here and there all over the colony of the best land, and to be thrown open for selection whenever required. That done, we would have plenty of men of capital and enterprise from home and the other colonies to take up the new runs. The number of sheep and cattle would increase, and also improve in quality. Squatters, as a rule, are not wealthy. There may be a few on the Darling Downs and elsewhere, but not very many; and one of the great causes of their want of success I believe to be – their holdings are too large, and not permanently watered. There is better land, and a much larger quantity of it to the westward of Roma – say Mount Abundance, Bundango, Burena, Warrego, Nieve, Ward, Barcoo, Thomson – all the way to the Gulf, than any on the Darling Downs. I shall now give one or two instances why I believe in smaller holdings being better and more profitable than those very large ones. Mr. Learmonth, of Ercildoun, Victoria, when holding large stations in Buninyong, Burrumbeet, Lake Learmonth, and other stations, was not considered a wealthy man. And now, with a portion only of one of those runs and hundreds of well-to-do farmers on the other portion, see what he has done towards the improvement of the merino sheep, the management of the same, and the number kept on a small area, and to what a nicety he can calculate beforehand to what his annual profits will amount. Another instance, where a friend came to Queensland in 1861 with £8,000 cash; bought sheep at an average of 15s. per head; secured four hundred square miles of country; increased his flocks to over 32,000 sheep, besides cattle and horses. Three years ago he had to give all up, and never sold a sheep in the colony. If he had been restricted to fifty thousand acres of land he would be obliged to sell, consequently would cull his flocks, lessen his liabilities, and improve his sheep at the same time, and be a thriving squatter now instead of having lost all. We should be thankful that Mr. Macalister did not get the making of the railways to the Gulf, at the cost he was making to the country. They can be made at fewer hundreds per mile than they cost thousands under his management, and then they will pay.
Yours, &c., James McAndrew.

Ballarat – Mesrs. Hepburn and Leonard report: The stock yarded were, 14,460 sheep, 1,317 lambs. Fat sheep – A similar supply to previous week in point of number; quality of all descriptions from inferior to prime; best being draft of merino ewes from Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth’s Ercildoun, which were greatly admired for weight and quality, and topped the market at an average of 9s 10d. Our sales were 400 ewes for Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth, Ercildoun, at 9s. 10d.

Advertisement. Wanted, by a married man, lately arrived from England, a Situation as outdoor Servant. He can take charge of a horse, milk a cow, and attend to a small garden. James Nye, Ercildoun, Ballarat. For testimonials apply to Mr. Livingstone Learmonth of Ercildoun.

Those who would like to see the pure and unadulterated Australian acclimatized merino will enjoy a visit to the quarantine grounds, at South Brisbane, where twelve valuable rams from the Ercildoun stud are now “doing their time” before going into the Jimbour flocks.

Ballarat Agricultural Society’s Show. Excerpts – In the Best Variety of Green Fodder Section, Messrs. T. and S. Learmonth taking second with lucerne, 3 ft. high, being the third cutting this season from ground sown down fourteen years ago, and firsts prize for the heaviest, but certainly not the best lot of carrots. The same gentlemen took first place for water melons….

WOOL. In class 237, for washed combing wool, Messrs. Livingstone-Learmonth, of Ercildoun, Victoria, carried the day, well earning the highest honours. The second place was occupied by Dr. Traill. Both were excellent exhibits, but the accuracy of the awards cannot be doubted. The New Zealand and Australian Land Company exhibited splendid specimens of wool of the Leicester type; but as the judges were unable to institute comparison with Australian merino wools, they, in consideration of the excellence of the New Zealand exhibits, recommended them for special first and second prizes.

The Ercildoun Annual Picnic. It has been for many years past the practice of the Messrs Learmonth, of Ercildoun, to give an entertainment taking the form of a picnic to those who are or have been in their employ, together with the tenants on the estate, and those who, formerly occupying that position, have now become the owners of the land they occupy. These occasions have been usually very interesting as displaying on the one hand the liberality and kindly feeling of the family living at Ercildoun, and on the other, of manifesting the esteem and confidence of the many who on these occasions have been present to partake of their friends’ hospitality, and to enjoy the sources of pleasure provided for them. Usually these reunions have taken place earlier in the season, when the weather could be more depended upon, but for reasons arising out of the change of members of the family residing on the estate, it was necessarily deferred until 1st May this year. Many things combined to make the gathering at this time one of more than ordinary interest. For the first time Mr Andrew Learmonth, with his wife, having but recently returned from their wedding tour in Europe, were living at the station, and invitations on an unusually large scale were sent out, and about 250 were expected to attend. Besides, it was the 1st of May, and it was aparently by common consent anticipated that, according to old English custom, that day would be distinguished by Jack-in-the-Green, and the memorable May-pole. Sports of various kinds were also on the card for the occasion, and while many staid men and matronly women were sure to come, numbers constantly increasing of young men and maidens were eagerly anticipating the events of the day. Every preparation was made for the comfort of those expected, and by ten o’clock the numerous buggies, springcarts, drays, and saddle horses gave evidence of what was soon to be a fact. While the forces were rallying, the butler, Mr Harris, with the assistance of a numerous staff, were arranging in a beautiful spot in the home paddock the creature comforts so soon to be required. On tarpaulins spread on the grass under the shelter of some large lightwood trees were to be seen an abundance and variety of good things calculated to make every one feel hungry. There were rounds of spiced beef, lamb, round of veal, roast suckling pigs, geese, hams, meat pies of every description, with tarts of all sorts and sizes, plum puddings, plenty of wholesome ginger-beer, with all other necessaries. In the distance was the May-pole dressed up in orthodox style with wreaths of evergreens and flowers, and surmounted by a bunch of yellow chrysanthemums in the absence of the customary cowslip. At a little distance was a real Aunt Sall, waiting for some one to have a shy at her, while hurdles here and there showed that running of some sort was to come. By eleven o’clock all was ready for a start, and at a given signal the procession formed and headed by the king and queen of the May, followed by Jack-in-the-Green and accompanied by about 150 persons, proceeded to pay their respects to the Learmonth family. First came a number of the children each carrying a flag, and then three abreast the rest joined in. On arriving at the front door there was a halt, and an address by the Queen of the May and the usual salaam, which was gracefully responded to by the family and all proceeded to the paddock. Here, bush fires to keep those warm who were not disposed for physical exercise blazed their welcome, and all went “merry as a marriage bell.” There was first a hurdle race for men, with a prize and than came the dinner. There could not have been less than 250 who partook of refreshments at this time. This over, more sport followed: there were 300 yards races, 200 yards, and 150 yards for the man, with races in sacks for men and boys. The violin having arrived, there was soon dancing by those who were disposed that way, while the children were gathered in another place, girls with girls, and boys with boys, from very little ones up to 16, contending by running suitable distances for the numerous prizes offered to them; while others were pelting away at Aunty Sally or engaging in ways and means peculiar to themselves to extract all the pleasure they could from the occasion. During the afternoon, grapes, pears, apples, and walnuts were distributed, and every one seemed to be thoroughly enjoying themselves. Mr and Mrs Learmonth were present during a considerable portion of the day, and by the evident pleasure they took in seeing every one made comfortable, greatly added to the pleasure of the occasion. At four o’clock came the tea, for which all were ready, and again the tarpaulins showed that all were welcome. In addition to remnants of meats and tarts from dinner, there was an abundance of bread and butter, plum and plain cakes, gingerbread, tartlets, and other things, with plenty of tea and coffee; and now over 366 persons partook of the cup, and showed they needed nothing stronger to make them cheerful. A race for a pig was the next item, and created no small degree of fun. In consequence of the number chasing him the poor animal had but a short run, and was bagged by the blacksmith and carried off in triumph. Rain having set in, small showers of which had been falling at intervals during the day, the persons present again formed in procession and proceeded to the house with music playing and flags flying. The whole company reached the front, and having promenaded round the lawn, drew up at the front door for the little speech making which usually takes place on the occasion. Mr. Read, farmer, Weatherboard, and Mr Mitchell, farmer, Windermere, moved the seconded a vote of thanks to Mr and Mrs Andrew Learmonth for the manifestation of the kindness which had prompted the liberality shown on the occasion, coupling with them Mr and Mrs Thomas Learmonth and Mr and Mrs Somerville Learmonth, from whom on former occasions they had received similar acts of good will. Mr Learmonth acknowledged in a brief speech the resolution which had been so enthusiastically carried, by saying that it afforded him and Mrs Learmonth very great pleasure to meet their friends in this way, and said that when his brothers knew who and how many were present, they would share the gratification they felt and rejoice to know they had so many friends in the district. He expressed his regret that his brothers were not present to share the pleasure he felt in meeting them, and also that the weather during the day had not been as fine as could have been wished – which last he could not help. After an exchange of farewells, the company broke up. In the evening all the married women and the elder daughters of those residing on the station received little prizes, and also the servants. This over, dancing was resumed in the servants’ hall and kept up till ten o’clock, when the day’s proceedings were brought to a close, and in good spirits each wended his way home. Thus was spent a day at Ercildoun, which will long be remembered as one in which everything kindness could prompt had been provided and partaken of with a reciprocation of kind feelings and good wishes, which must always help to make intercourse pleasant and to promote those feelings which ought more generally to obtain among the different classes of the community.

A detailed report on The Egerton Bank Robbery.

Pastoral Mems. We draw attention to a valuable lot of 250 rams, advertised for sale by Mr. W H. Graves, of Deniliquin, at the Groongal station. The rams are all of Ercildoun blood, and have been used by Messrs. Learmonth with their own flocks.

Inter-colonial Wool Exhibition. The first prize for the merino went to Ercildoun for a capital lot of 12 ewes’ fleeces; and Dr. Traill, the only other competitor, showed the same lot again as he had in the Mudgee and Merriwa district prize. It was just a preponderance of colour and length of staple, against an equality in other points, that took the prize to Ercildoun.

The Leicester wools competing in this class from New Zealand were exceedingly fine, and admitted by the judges to be the best colonial Leicester wool they had seen. Its stoutness, brilliancy, and length, were its greatest excellences, and its quality very high. Now that the demand for Leicester sheep is above the supply, there should be a drain upon the resources of the Dunedin flocks for young stock.

Ballarat Circuit Court. Criminal Sittings. (Before his Honour Sir Redmond Barry and a Jury.) Mr Adamson prosecuted for the Crown. The prisoners Plunkett and Stapleton, tried for and convicted of burglary after our report closed yesterday, were last night sentenced, the former to ten and the latter to nine years’ hard labour on the roads.

Victoria. The Ballarat Post publishes some satisfactory intelligence respecting the trout hatched out at Ercildoun: – “A few days since Mr. Somerville L. Learmonth had a small pond situated just below the hatching-boxes, cleaned out for the purpose of destroying the weeds that had accumulated therein. It was necessary to pump out the water, and as it was known that a few trout had escaped just after being hatched, and were in this pond, the workmen employed in pumping were instructed to be cautious, and to keep a good look-out for any young fish that might be still alive. When nearing the bottom of the pond a considerable agitation was observed in the water, and after a little time about one dozen trout were caught in a small net. Some of the fish were, Mr. Learmonth states, between eight and nine inches in length, and at least three inches in girth round the shoulders. Others were smaller, the smallest being from five to six inches long, and thick in proportion. All were as lively as possible, and in prime condition. It is needless to say Mr. Learmonth was greatly delighted at the success he had done so much to bring about, and that after due examination the fish were again consigned to better waters on the Ercildoun estate. It seems that the Ballarat Fish Acclimatisation Society has placed two varieties of trout in the waters of the district, and of this fact we believe the society were unaware until very lately. It now appears that in executing the order for 1,000 trout ova in August last, the Tasmania salmon commissioners forwarded to Ballarat 800 ova of what Scotch fishermen term the burn trout, and 200 of the larger brown trout. The former average about 1lb. in weight, and are a most game as well as a delicious table fish, and the latter run as high as seven, eight, or even ten pounds in weight. These two varieties were distinctly observed in the young fish caught at Ercildoun, the difference in size, shape, and colour being very perceptible. It is, therefore, seen that the successful acclimatization of trout in the district waters of Ballarat is now a matter beyond all doubt. It is as well to mention that pond from where these fish were taken possessed but little food suitable for the trout, and the larger pond, or rather lake, in which the mass of the fish were placed when fit to be turned out is full of food. Mr. Learmonth, then, is not far out when he states his belief that the fish caught, big as they were for their age, are small in comparison to those of their better-fed brethren in the other waters.”

Births. Learmonth – On the 28th August, at Ercildoun, the wife of S. Livingstone Learmonth, Esq., of a son.

Angling. Up-country Fish Prattle. The progress made in fish culture in the Ballarat district up to 12 months ago has, I believe, been duly recorded in The Australasian…

A Tour To The South. (by Our Special Correspondent.) The Murrumbidgee continued………Thanking Mr. Munro for his hospitality and assistance; I proceed on my journey “down the river.” A canter over the plains for six miles brought me into some splendid salt-bush country, and then I found myself at Bringagee, the beginning of the leviathan station of Groongal, the property of Mr. Thomas Learmonth, of Ercildoun. The name of Mr. Thomas Learmonth of Ercildoun, is a household word among the sheep-farmers and squatters of Victoria and Riverina. Mr. Learmonth is the Bayly of Victoria, and divides the honours in Riverina with the latter gentleman. The Riverina station is an immense one, and is carried on in conjunction with Ercildoun by Mr. Learmonth. The flocks and herds occupy different parts of the run. That part higher up the Murrumbidgee is called Bringagee, and is a cattle station. Sheep are run on the lower parts of the river, and back blocks. The top, or cattle station, Bringagee, is under the charge of Mr. John Buckley. The paddocks, enclosed by first-class post and rail fences, contain splendid salt bush, some of the best that I have seen on the river. The cattle are a fine breed – all Durhams from imported stock, and among their ancestors were Royal Charley, Sir Robert, Clan Campbell, and other well-known names. The number on the run varies from 2000 to 6000 head; about 3000 head are now on Bringagee.

Groongal head station is quite a little township. Besides excellent superintendent’s residence, it has overseers and storekeeper’s quarters, men’s residence, clergyman’s house, windmill, and other buildings. The superintendent of Groongal is Mr. D. McLarty; the overseer, Mr. Hardy; the storekeeper, Mr. Henderson. The superintendent’s residence is a spacious building or buildings; and to the right is the windmill, which draws water from the river to the houses and excellent garden and orchard. “The working men’s residence” is a model one. It is the best in Riverina. It is built of red gum with galvanized iron roof. It is raised off the ground on blocks. The dining room is 25 x 18 feet, and there are 7 bedrooms, two beds in each, fitted up with the necessary conveniences. The kitchen in connection with it, is also a model one, having stoves and other cooking apparatus, and a pantry adjoining. The cost of this building was £350. A missionary is kept by Mr. Learmonth on the station. He also maintains a school. The station is on the river bank; and a capital punt is kept on the river for the use of the station. The woolshed, about a mile from the home station, is a huge one, 200 feet long and 60 feet wide. Two wool presses are used; one of these is Wilding’s patent travelling box. There is dumping machinery here; and it is the only shed on the river that I have visited where dumping is done. Dumping may properly be defined as packing bales of wool for exportation. Each bale is placed under powerful pressing machinery, and when under it, three or four bands are fastened on for the purpose of keeping the bale compressed, as seen in the accompanying engraving. As vessels to England take cargo per measurement, a considerable saving is effected by means of these presses. One bale of ordinary wool occupies about the same space as three when dumped. The process of dumping is chiefly done on the wharfs, and in the wool warehouses of Sydney and Melbourne. Groongal is one of the few stations in the colony that dumps its own wool. The shearers’ and ‘rouse-about’ men’s, and overseers’ huts, are near the shed. During the shearing season 140 men are employed viz: fifty-two shearers; forty men at the wash; and forty “rouse-about” men, &c. This is independent of the hands regularly employed.

Groongal station has an area of 400,000 acres (625 square miles), and a frontage of twenty miles to the Murrumbidgee. The run is subdivided into twelve large paddocks, varying from six to ten square miles; and seven smaller paddocks, over 200 square miles of fencing altogether. Capacious dams and tanks are on the back parts of the run for watering purposes. One tank in particular, having an excavation of 8000 yards. Through these immense improvements the station now carries from 120,000 to 140,000 sheep, and from 3000 to 6000 head of cattle.

At the Apsley show held in South Australia, the best ram was ‘Old Learmonth’ – a magnificent sheep of, as his name imparts, the Ercildoun breed, combining the peculiar qualities for which that flock has become world famous. The pen in which this sheep was enclosed became the chief centre of attraction. Throughout the day groups might be seen making critical examinations of his fleece, and now and then a more than usually enthusiastic admirer would deprive ‘Old Learmonth’ of a portion of his woolly covering, and transfer the coveted prize forthwith to his pocketbook.

The Botanical Gardens. Curator’s Report.
(John Raddenberry) Acting upon the advice and with the consent of the Trustees, I have visited during the month Ballarat and Melbourne, and obtained a large number of valuable plants and cuttings. From Mr Learmonth, of Ercildoun, cuttings of planes (trees) and variegated ivy.

The Argus (Melbourne, Vic.) 7 October 1872 page 2
Advertisement. Monday, 4th November Riverina Station for sale. 18,000 Sheep. 1000 Cattle. And all Improvements and Station Plant. KING and Cunningham have received instructions to Offer for sale by Public Auction, at Menzies’ Hotel, at half-past 2 o’clock on Monday, the 4th day of November. That first-class Riverina squatting property known as Nyang Situate on the Edward River, in the Murrumbidgee district of the colony of New South Wales, containing an area of about 96,000 acres, together with all improvements, 320 acres free-hold land and the following stock, viz:- 4000 full-mouthed ewes, 3000 six-tooth do, 2500 four year old wethers, 4000 two-tooth, mixed sexes, 4500 weaners, 100 rams, Total 18,100 sheep. Also, 1000 head of superior well-bred cattle. Horses and station plant given in. This run is situate on the south bank of the Edward River. Is well watered in all seasons, securely fenced in, and subdivided into seven paddocks, and is in perfect working order. The stock will bear the minutest inspection, and with the exception of the full-mouthed ewes (which have been carefully selected by Mr. Shaw) are mostly the progeny on both sides of Ercildoun rams. The cattle are well bred and of the most suitable ages. As this property is so well known it is unnecessary to describe it at great length, and attention is only drawn to the fact that its rarely such an opportunity for the investment of capital presents itself. For further particulars apply at our office. KING and Cunningham, 67 Bourke street west.