ilPllIL.] 
BETHELSDORP. 
I stated that it would have a comfortable appear- 
ance, had every house a garden behind it like those of 
the Moravians at Bavian's Kloof. 
A. The people are discouraged from doing so by 
the barrenness of the ground where the village stands 
— the want of water — the depredations of goats, &c. : 
Q. Could not the small river which runs across 
Bethelsdorp be conducted so as to water these gardens? 
A. The river is often dry, and likewise it cannot be 
conveyed to ground so high as that on which the 
village stands. 
Q. Could the houses be built farther down that 
river, w here the sides are lower ? 
A. The lower down the river, the less water there 
is, and it becomes brackish, (or impregnated with 
salt-petre.) 
Q. Could not the village be built on Zwartkopts 
river ? 
A. No ; the water is brackish, and unfit for use. 
Q. Could not more trees be planted about the 
the village ? 
A. The ground is so rocky and dry, they will not 
grow. 
