ABSTRACT
In the old days, the only early trade which the Basuto had was with the Zulus. With the European influence, the new articles that were first wanted were guns, wagons, spirits, horses, clothes, wooden doors and windows and corrugated iron for roofs. These could be had in exchange for cattle or surplus grain. Stock is the most popular store of wealth as it increases itself through natural means, is useful and can be liquidated when necessary. The introduction of the European money economy now offers them a means of converting their stock into cash, which can be saved in various ways. Wealth is not confined to the political authorities, although it is concentrated there, and a few wealthy commoners with considerable incomes and property may be found. Some have their own trading stores and others have large herds and flocks, reckoned in hundreds of head of cattle and thousands of sheep and goats.
