APRIL.] 
BETHELSDORP. 
12S 
Piet Manual brought with him a waggon and seven 
oxen, about four years ago, has now eight oxen, and has 
sold three, and two were stolen from him by the CafFres. 
I inquired if they knew of any belonging to the 
settlement who brought more oxen than they possessed 
at the present — after much conversation among the 
six Hottentots, they said they recollected none ; but 
one of them (William Valentine,) stated, that his 
aged father who came to Bethelsdorp two years ago 
with nine oxen, has now sixteen. 
It is proper to remark here, that all the above have 
cows ; but I only took an account of their oxen, as 
being more connected with their industry. They appear 
more desirous to obtain some substantial property 
that will bring in something for the support of their 
families, such as waggons and oxen, than they are to 
obtain dress, good houses, furniture, &c. supposing 
that these other things must follow the obtaining 
waggons and oxen. Many are living sparingly, to save 
money in order to procure waggons and oxen, because 
little can be done to obtain a living in this part of 
Africa without these. 
Those who have obtained most property are such 
as have remained most constantly at the settlement, 
w4iile those who have been much in the service of 
the boors have gained little. . Some of those who were 
present have Hottentots in their service, to whom they 
give twelve dollars (with other advantages) in the yeai\ 
R 2 
