Thanks to Lynne for this historical perspective on drought. The dates might be interesting for understanding events in your families. Alice -----Original Message----- From: lynne robinson <lynrobi@winsoft.net.au> To: Alice Erickson <wondrlnd@tpg.com.au> Date: 22Oct2002 4:39 PM Hello Alice.. adding to above about drought.. this from Mudgee Guardian - 12/5/1902 When men get together these times they talk of the present and previous drought and most people seem to agree that the season of 1882 was far worse than the present one. Talking to Mr E Tindale of Barragon the other day, he mentioned that when he was a young man, the true standard of desolation was the drought of 1839. He has heard one old hand who used to work for his father speak of this terrible year when all the Barragon herd of cattle was moved to the Lachlan and some drovers dogs died of thirst going from Rylstone to Bylong. We can hardly expect any living man to remember this terrible year but perhaps there are others who have heard traditional stories of the drought of 1839. This is before 'global warming' and tree clearing and population growth! regards Lynne (not sure how to contribute to page?)