The Bushman — Life in a New Country by Edward Wilson Landor
page 82 of 335 (24%)
page 82 of 335 (24%)
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property, and equally attractive in possessing a well-cultivated
farm, a beautiful situation, a comfortable residence, and an amiable family. With similar energy and savoir faire, all the beautiful farms on this river might be made most enviable residences. Whilst on the subject of farming, I may mention a reaping-machine which has been introduced into this colony from South Australia, where it was invented. It is only adapted to a very dry climate, but there it is most valuable. A pair of horses push a machine before them, which consists of a threshing-machine and a set of revolving combs, some six feet wide. These combs, in their revolutions, catch up the wheat, and tear off the ears from the stalks, throwing them back into the threshing-machine. A field of wheat is thus reaped and threshed as fast as the horses can walk over it. The straw is afterwards mown. The roads are hard and good in this neighbourhood, and some of the settlers keep their open carriages. I doubt whether I have conveyed to the reader a just idea of some of the pleasantest spots which are to be met with in this colony; but I would not have him (full of romantic thoughts and agricultural purposes) rush hastily into the mart and sell his substance in order to lead a life of tranquil retirement in this distant Eden. It requires a good deal of philosophy to make a contented settler. Most colonists leave England full of virtuous resolutions -- with bosoms glowing with the ardent love of nature; and fully persuaded that they need nothing to make them happy but a small farm, beautifully |
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