THE INDIANS

FARMING AT FORT BERTHOLD.

BY AGENT KAUFFMAN.

The number of Indian men engaged in doing farm work is constantly increasing. In issuing wagons to Indians last fall, I required that each man receiving a wagon should farm at least five acres of land for himself, or forfeit his wagon. All, with one exception, complied with this condition. Agency Indians farmed this year 832 acres; they prepared the ground in the spring under the direction of my farmer in excellent manner, and sowed 146 acres of wheat, from which I estimate a yield, from two days’ threshing now in progress, of 2,600 bushels of very good quality. This is the first effort of my Indians in raising wheat, and they are greatly elated with their success, and many are already asking for more land for next spring sowing. This improvement in farming by the Indians is gratifying to myself, as two years ago an Indian rarely cultivated to exceed from one-half to three-quarters of an acre; now some have cultivated this year 20 acres, others from four to twelve, and ask for more land for next year. Twenty Indian men, heads of families, have consented to go this fall 22 miles west of the agency, build houses and remain to farm 133 acres of land which I have had broken this summer.

These Indians are peaceable and friendly; many would assume the position of citizens and compare favorably with the average white man if they could have lands in severalty and the protection of the law. During May and June last I had flouring gearing put in position in the agency mill for grinding wheat raised at this agency last year, and manufactured 44,000 pounds of flour of good quality; there were also sawn during the year at the agency saw-mill 20,812 feet of lumber.

RELIGIOUS INTEREST AT S’KOKOMISH.

BY REV. MYRON EELLS.

There has been considerable religious interest among the Indians. The Indians on other reservations have been more interested than usual, and intercourse with these has caused a similar interest here. Then the most severe sickness which has visited the reservation since my residence here came upon us last winter and awakened serious attention in the minds of many. This additional interest has caused increased work, so that I now hold prayer meetings at two logging camps regularly. Some of our young people are taking hold of the work, and at times conduct meetings with the Indians during my necessary absence.

New hymns have been made in the Twana and Clallam languages, the native languages of the Indians. Hitherto we have used hymns in the Chinook language, which is generally understood by most of the Indians, yet it is by no means so good a language to convey religious truth as the native languages.

The average attendance at Sabbath-school at S’kokomish is 47, on church prayer meetings 30, on other prayer meetings among the Indians 36, on public worship 67. Families under pastoral care 52. Total contributions for benevolence $451.05.

SCHOOL AT LEECH LAKE.

BY REV S. G. WRIGHT.

Twenty-seven children were boarded and clothed about eight months of the year, and fifteen attended very regularly as day scholars. The text books used were elementary speller, model reader, first, second and third readers, mental arithmetic. Several of the most advanced pupils are also familiar with the four ground principles of written arithmetic. Nearly all made good progress in their studies. There is no lack of ability in the Indian child to comprehend any branch of learning. The only obstacle in his way is that all his knowledge of books must be acquired through a strange language. The lessons must be explained all through the second and third years of his schooling in his own tongue; otherwise he gets no new ideas from his books, though he may read and spell and write ever so well. I explain the meaning of the words they spell, and translate the lessons read in the different readers. Much religious instruction is given in the school-room and in the morning and evening worship. I returned to this place a year ago, after being absent about two years, and was very happy to find the little company of earnest, devoted Christians whom we left still faithfully pursuing their work for God. I meet with them every week on Thursday afternoon for prayer. They are truly the salt of the earth, burning lights in this great darkness.