many large properties hitherto devoted
to sheepraising the practice is growing of putting down a large area
under wheat.

It is not practical to definitely state the amount of capital required
to purchase and prepare an area of land for a wheat farm. Much will
depend upon the capacity and experience, business acumen, and
resourcefulness of the settler, as is the case in all callings, but the
detailed information given in these pages should enable the intending
settler to work out the amount approximately required by his condition
and the lines he intends adopting.

WORKING PLANT REQUIRED.

The intending settler has to consider not only the capital required to
secure his farm, whatever its nature, but also the expenditure necessary
in obtaining a working farm plant. Prices of machinery cover a wide
range, according to size, &c. In working 200 to 250 acres of wheat
crop, the following plant would be required, and the prices given are
approximately correct:--

Five horses (good selected mares, if possible,
that will give an annual return of, say,
four foals), at $144 per head $720.00

Five sets of harness 72.00

One dray and set harness 86.00

One four-furrow plough 144.00

One set of harrows 33.00

One seed drill 182.00

One cultivator 96.00
------
Implements for putting in and working
growing crop $1333.00

One reaper and binder 142.00

One stripper-harvester 430.00
--------
Total $1905.00

[Illustration: STEAM THRESHER AT WORK.]

A chaffcutter ($67.00) might be added to the above list, and in some
localities a roller, costing about $19.00, is required. The price of
horses varies. In the above list they have been placed at $144.00, but
suitable animals may be secured for $96.00 to $120.00 per head. As soon
as he can manage it the new farmer will want to get a waggon ($168.00).
He will soon want a vehicle to move about in, a sulky ($72.00 to
$96.00), a light horse and harness, saddle, &c.