Sessional Papers

report themselves to officers or others connected with Indian Affairs. The population returns to be found in the Appendix exhibit, it will be perceived, as regards most of the bands, an increase and not a diminution in numbers; and, on comparing these with former returns, it will be found to have been continuous. This is doubtless the result of improved habits of life, proper medical treatment when sickness has occurred, better habitations and sufficient clothing, better food, and an ample supply of it. Added to these, may be the restraints their religious instructors inculcates, and the better tone of mind which, in many, is observable. There are now fewer complaints of the commission of crime, and when we do hear of it, it is usually traceable to unsubdued habits, or instances of intemperance. There can be little doubt that the good influences at work, are rendering the Indians better members of society.

With respect to the population returns for Manitoba and the North-West Territories, no census having yet been completed, the computation of their numbers is necessarily uncertain.

In regard to British Columbia, the information obtained by the Department is very imperfect, and it will be perceived that there are several bands, the population of which was entirely unknown.

It is trusted, that previously to the issue of another Annual Report, such additional information will have been collected as to furnish ample details in connection with all the important Bands.

It now only remains for me to state, in conclusion, that upon the whole the various superintendencies and agencies of the Department have been satisfactorily conducted, and that the Staff at Head-quarters have given a steady and praisworthy attention to their duties, which, on reference to the proper tabular statement will convincingly prove, have become increasingly onorous, and which entail responsibilities inseparable from the varied and special nature of much of the work to be performed and little understood by those not intimately conversant with them, and demanding an amount of time and attention considerably in excess of any former years.

I have the honor to be, Sir,

Your obedient servant,