"A frontier exists in a moment of transformation: one civilization and the environment in which it exists give way as a new one is brought into being. This is a violent and self-interested act regardless of the particular means by which it is carried out, but also one redeemed by the hardships endured by those who perform it, and contradictory as it may seem, by the purity of their motives, their brave hearts, the grandeur of the colonial enterprise." The bush p. 246
"In Europe at least 90 per cent of [plant] species have been identified; in Australia, while there has been a marked increase in the past two decades, the basic work of identification has been done on no more than 40 per cent." p. 264
The heartbreak of the bush - a lot government driven - soldier-settlers given wrong land and wrong advice. Utopianism at its worst, inflicted on possibly the most ill-equipped to cope - comment that they seemed worn out. As usual those with the capital benefitted by buying the better bits. A few did make a success of it.
Towns with grand ideas, which chance give continued life to. Jerilderie cashing in on Ned Kelly - Monash spent time there - what would the old folks think?
The attempt to reclaim the land - is it too late? Probably for some areas certainly - perhaps a new landscape can be created, that works.
So much effort and industry gone to waste - the bush really built on mining rather than agriculture, mining leaving the biggest scars, above and below ground.
Books read: The Bush by Don Watson
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