APRIL.] 
BETHELSDORP. 
121 
In 1812, the number was increased to 1904. 
In 1813, they were increased to 2206. 400 of 
these were calved that year. 
There is a disease to which calves are subject, which 
carries off, upon an average, about a hundred per 
annum. 
From every enquiry that Mr. Read has made, he 
cannot find that more than fifty head of cattle have 
been slaughtered in any one year. Six of the best 
informed Hottentots being present at this investigation, 
could only recollect ten that had been slaughtered 
during the last twelve months. 
Besides the number of cattle slaughtered, and calves 
dying, many have been stolen by the Caffres, and 
many destroyed by wolves and other wild beasts. 
William Valentine, present, said, that when he 
joined the settlement he had nine oxen, and that now 
he has seventeen and a waggon, besides five oxen he 
gave for a horse that died, and five he has lent out ; 
he has one horse. 
Andrew Pretorius, (a bushman,) stated, that when 
he came to Bethelsdorp he had four oxen, and has 
now ten and a waggon, and one horse, besides four 
stolen by the CafFres. He stated, that from childhood 
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