BETHELSDORP. 
Ill 
it would ultimately be a blessing to them, and to the 
poor Hottentots. At the same time, were such a 
regulation introduced, I believe it would occasion 
much uneasiness and complaint, and their places would 
appear deserted for want of Hottentots to run about 
them. 
Were the families of the boors thus compelled by 
necessity to put their hands to the plough, they would 
gradually acquire habits of industry, and would not 
be satisfied with having a few acres of land cultivated 
on a farm of twenty miles circumference. Soon there 
would be no occasion to send for corn to the Cape to 
feed the few soldiers who are quartered here, which 
is a disgrace to this part of Africa. However, the 
want of harbours in south Africa will always form a 
great obstacle to the exportation of corn and other 
articles which might be produced in it, and conse- 
quently will impede the progress of cultivation. 
Here I was interrupted by the arrival of a Hotten- 
tot chief, whose name is Benedictus Platje Royters, 
who said he came from a day's journey off, on 
hearing that I had arrived from a far country, and in 
order to thank me for coming. He wore a short blue 
jacket, and white trowsers, but neither shoes nor 
stockings. He had a white lace epaulette on the 
right shoulder, and held in his hand a formidable 
jstafF, about six feet long, and large brass head, on 
which were his Majesty's arms, presented to him by 
government. He said, that all this country, and also 
