Further Information

Wednesday the 3rd of May 1871
Bullarook Districk
Newlyn Hotel …

I was not up before 7 oclock. Having been unwell
all night, and could not sleep. One swag man came in little after
dark. He came from the Springs. He complains of the dullness of the
labor market. Mild and summerlike morning. The clouds
are moving from the western direction. It came fair and
hot before ten o’clock. I did stop to wash my clothes. I did
was[h] twelve article. Fresh spring water, but rather hard to wash
I have nothing to boil the water. Plenty of fire wood of all descriptions
I did finish washing aobut 11 oclock. Bright and hot until
half past three o’clock p m. When it became overcast with
... I could not have my things dried, as to be fit to be tied
up in my swag. It will give a check to my travelling tomorrow
I travel South Westward. Very rich agricultural lands
black and red loamy soil. Heavily timbered nearly all
except what the farmers have cleared up. Fine spring of fresh
water here and there. I do inquire every body that I happen to meet
for some job to do. But I am so lonely to day, as if the world
was all my own. Fine brook with constant run of spring water
heavy enough to drive 8 horse power if ever ... a nine
feet water wheel. They have not turned the water into that use yet
plenty of fire wood to drive the steam Engine I intend to
remain here tonight this is better than sleeping in the bush –
Good Butcher Shop with plenty of potatoes are close by

It is an easy task to cook
the “spuds” and mutton at Bullarook
Plenty of fuel can be found
with fresh spring water all around
When work is scarce when bread is dear
The Swag mans hospital is here
The soil is rich but dirty now
This uphill work this year to plough
is full of weed, they call it “hogs”
And so the cutter always clogs
The time will come when every hand
Will turn to till the fertile land
And clear it up from West to East
To nourish best thy man and beast
To this small township .....
rich gardens, fine buildings here will ...
A finer spot no man can trace
To build a thriving Market Place
The land is rich the farms abound
... acceptable things here can be found
men of money to come are
....speculate and build hereon

Take notice of thing should you wish
to be wise
Though proof and experience
I will give an advice
Don’t ever feel
Never going to rest
Potatoes and mutton
are hard to digest
F. Wilkins the Butcher
will sell you good meat
For two pence a pound
tis nearly a ....
The faithful tall pauper is willing and true
He’ll lend his edged axe to chop the log though
the landlord Mr Predegast
He will not shut
Against the poor swagman’s
His hospitable hut
I am willing to work but can’t have a job
I hate to go begging
to pilfer and rob.