James Fernee

Messrs.James and George Fernee;
' It is eight years since these successful brothers, Messrs James and George Fernee , took up their block, and it is a fine illustration of what they have done in the meantime. Their block 90 is now well known as "Highgate" and it lies a mile and a half west from Berri. There are 32 acres here to red loam with a lime rubble bottom. It is not necessary to be told on an inspection of this property that Messrs.Fernee are great believers of thorough cultivation; indeed, that is the policy of practically all the settlers of Berri. It is the only way to prosperity and must be followed. The manure they favour mostly is bone super, and the Irrigation Department is relied upon for water. The brothers have set apart an acre and a half with apricots, four acres have been devoted to peaches, ten are under vines, twelve are taken up by citrus fruits, and four acres are under pears. The vines average about a ton and a half of dried fruits, and from the apricot garden they have secured about 18 cwts. to the acre. The oranges bear well, too, and the prospects next season are an average of five cases from each tree. Messrs.Fernee have been on their block about eight years and there was only virgin scrub when they started . The orchard to-day is an exceptionally fine proof of what can be accomplished by industry, perseverance, and enterprise. " Highgate" is one of the most up-to-date and picturesque gardens in the whole of Berri. It is a triumph of cultivation.⁵