MAB,CH.] 
BETHELSDORP. 
99 
supposed they had no security for their continuance at 
that place, owing to its barrenness and other consi- 
derations, that they had therefore built their houses of 
reeds, which, though they look very well at first, soon 
fall into decay, and assume a ruinous appearance; 
and that from the number of the people constantly in 
the service of the boors, and the most active being 
called to perform public service, such as going against 
the Caffres, and serving as guides at the different mi- 
litary posts, for which they have hitherto received 
no remuneration, their families have been starving at 
home. For the sake of example, I stated that only 
two days ago, twelve men were demanded to go 
against the Caffres ; and yesterday, fifteen men, with 
their pack oxen, were ordered to repair to the dif- 
ferent military posts as guides, &c. Now had these 
men been building houses of clay, which are thought 
the best that can be reared in this part of Africa, 
they would either be mouldered or washed down before 
they could return to finish them. The people know 
this, and are thereby discouraged from rearing more 
permanent buildings. I mentioned that I was not 
stating these things as complaints against government, 
for perhaps the state of affairs renders them indis- 
pensably necessary, but mentioned them as causes of 
the present appearance of the settlement. 
As government had offered to the missionary so- 
ciety one or two places in Zuurveld, the Colonel 
pointed out in a map where I should be likely to find 
situations that would be suitable. 
o 2 
