feel that I can do justice in giving a description of the year's work of this mission. I visited the school several times during the year, and as I listened to the words and witnessed the work at the close of the school I could not but think of it all with admiration and praise. I have been here and witnessed the rise and progress of this work. But a few years ago I sat in the school and listened-could hear but not understand, because the children would speak in a very low tone of voice, and that in Dakota. The display of articles manufactured by the scholars in the several departments of the school was very creditable; also the closing exercises, consisting of singing, reading, recitations, &c., all given in English, was quite entertaining and deserving of praise. Total number of teachers employed, 26 (male 12, female 14). Number of buildings occupied by this school, 18, all owned by the mission; are now trying to finish a large boarding hall which it is supposed will cost $20,000. For further information on this mission, I would refer you to report of Rev. A. L. Riggs herewith.

PONCAS OF DAKOTA.

These people are a part of the Ponca Indians that were removed to Indian Territory in 1877, who returned here under Standing Bear, and have settled on their old agency near where they were removed from. Their present locations are along the north bank of the Running Water in Dakota, from 3 to 10 miles from Niobrara, Nebr.; they have selected land and are getting nice farms started at their several locations. They have this year 124 acres sown to wheat, 19 of flax, 440 of corn, 21 of potatoes and other vegetables, and 151 acres broken this year. The crops we think are good, and will produce 2,000 bushels of wheat, 13,000 of corn, 1,600 of potatoes, and 133 of flax; they put the grain in their houses so that they are sometimes crowded for room. Standing Bear has recently suggested to me that I must build them houses to put their grain into or build new houses again for them to live in. I see nothing to prevent these people from making a successful living. They number 178 souls, all wear citizens' clothing, except 7 old persons; they dress as citizens in part. They have given their crops better attention this year than usual; the grain was generally sown in good season and order; corn was nicely planted, and has been well cultivated. They have shown quite an interest in plowing their corn; two of them sold ponies and bought two two-horse plows for working in their corn. I think they are commencing to understand or appreciate the value of cattle more than in former years, but they like American horses better than oxen, and with my permission have exchanged for horses and cows or young stock.

I have built during the year 20 houses for these people. I had a surveyor to go over the ground and make the locations, so that in allotting the land they would not interfere with one another, but each head of the family for whom a house was built has his or her 160 acres of land for their farm.

They have 5 agency buildings, situated on a beautiful sloping prairie, consisting of 2 dwelling-houses, 1 warehouse, 1 blacksmith-shop, and 1 school-house, in which religious services are held and a day-school taught by Rev. John E. Smith. For further information on this subject, see friend Smith's report herewith.

FLANDREAU INDIANS.

The Indians are located on the Big Sioux River, covering a radius of 20 miles. The Government property-a school-house, doctor's office, warehouse, &c.-is located in the town of Flandreau, Moody County, Dakota. In reviewing the work for the past year we can see much for future encouragement.

During the year the school-house has been repaired, painted, and made comfortable both for teacher and pupils. The school-grounds have also been inclosed by a substantial fence, neatly painted. The grounds have been ornamented with shade-trees, which add very materially to the general appearance of the entire place, making it pleasant for the children and an ornament to the town. The school has been kept open during a term of ten months under the direction of Hosea Locke, teacher. Twelve children have learned to read in English during the term, while others have been advanced.

A marked improvement can easily be discerned, even in one year, among the Flandreau Indians. Mrs. Duigan, a Christian missionary lady, has been laboring during the year among these people, principally teaching them sewing and how to keep their homes like white people. Farmers begin to take pride in their farming. We have 4,606 acres in homesteads and 1,252 acres under cultivation, averaging 23 acres per farmer. It seems quite necessary for some one interested to visit the Indians at their homes and encourage them to persevere in their work. There are several points of importance, such as breaking in the proper season, plowing in the fall, in order to secure a better crop, &c.

I have been requested to a lvocate the erection of school buildings for the purpose

of starting a boarding-school, but I do not feel clear that such a move would be for the best interests of the Indians. I think if our present day-school is continued, and some assistance is rendered in boarding the children who live at too great a distance from school to come from their homes each day, that the young people will be intelligent and useful citizens.

The Government extends a kind care over these people, employs a teacher and physician for their benefit, distributes farming implements, stock, &c., among them. They are Indians that left Santee Agency and other places, and located here by taking up land the same as white people do. They are recognized as citizens, and are generally respected by their white neighbors around them. They have been gradually decreasing in numbers, from 331 in 1879 to 243 in 1885-cause: disposing of their land and removing to Minnesota and other places; but I think they have held their land equally as well and perhaps better than the first white settlers of our western country have done. The first settlers generally dispose of their land and pass on, and the second or third class get it and hold it as their permanent home.

I fully expected one year ago, when I was writing my report, that it would be my last one, but for several causes I am here yet. My resignation has been accepted, and I see by the papers that my successor has been appointed; presume Le will soon be here, and I will go to my home in Platte County, Nebraska, where I hope to enjoy the remainder of my life trying to do my duty as best I can as a quiet citizen of the United States. I have been here eight and a half years, and it appears like home to me; but I wish to leave because I wish a home for my wife and children in a civilized community, where we will be surrounded by people of our own nationality. In retiring, I extend my thanks to friends and officers of the Department for favors and kindness extended to me. I know that civilization has gradually advanced here since 1877, that our work has not been labor in vain, but as bread cast upon the waters that can be gathered, or as seed sown that has and will grow in after years. I have grown weak and sometimes been overcome along the pathway of duty, but the intention has been directed to the right end, and where the forethought has not been equal to the afterthought I ask pardon for my weakness. I wish to express my gratitude to my employés, Indian and white, without excepting any, for their faithful labor and kindness extended, some of whom have been with me during my entire service. Our work has been closely connected. Others joined us more recently, and as we have lived and labored together we have learned to know each other better, and at our close I hope and feel that we are strongly united in sympathy, friendship, and love. I can say that my best feelings will remain and go with those who are now here and those that may come after me. The last year has been one of satisfaction to me. Work has gone on smoothly, nothing direct to mar the peace and progress of the Indians. So I leave the agency and work in the hands of those who may come after me, with my best wishes for their success.

SUGGESTIONS.

That the poor, aged, infirm, and blind be provided for in some Christian, humane manner; that some means be provided to look after, to instruct, and elevate the women of the Santee and Ponca people, so that they may be made better companions to assist their husbands and the balance of their tribe in elevating their people. That some better provision be made for looking after and caring for the sick of the tribe. For these two places we need a good Christian missionary lady (like they have at Flandreau) to instruct how to care for the sick and how to make home attractive, bright, and cheerful. The $500 appropriated for matron at Santee should be applied for this purpose. Pressure must be brought to bear so that horses and other stock is better cared for by the Indians. They must be taught to rely upon their own resources for all that they get, to consider that all things have a value, and to properly care for that which is placed in their hands.

I am thy friend,

The COMMISSIONER OF INDIAN AFFAIRS.

ISAIAH LIGHTNER,
United States Indian Agent.

SANTEE NORMAL TRAINING SCHOOL, Santee Agency, Nebraska, August 18, 1885. DEAR SIR: The condition of our school for the year ending June 30, 1885, has been very encouraging both in the increased number of our scholars and a better attention to study. A considerable number of our pupils are really beginning to study. During the year past we have taken up the department of drawing, with very marked success, some of our pupils developing considerable genius in that direction. Marked

advance has been made in the use of English, particularly in the line of common conversation and in declamations and recitations. The exercises in English composition are very much better than they ever were before, and are really very creditable, and I would call attention to the fact that we have reached this result without discarding the use of Dakota.

Our industrial departments have all been in good running order during the year except the shoe shop, the superintendent being away most the year, but has now returned and is at his post. The exhibit of our school at the meeting of the National Educational Association at Madison, Wis., last summer excited great interest and won high praise. Henry H. Belfield, director of Chicago Manual Training School, who visited us this last spring, says of our iron work that it is of a very superior quality, fully as good as similar articles made in any industrial school in the country.

The pressure upon our accommodations for housing scholars has been so great that we have been obliged to turn a large number away. We are hoping for some relief from this pressure when our new building is finished; but no doubt larger room will invite more students and the relief will be but temporary. The increasing hunger of the Indian for learning is most hopeful and encouraging, but it brings upon us who are working in the field a burden too heavy to be borne.

In regard to the people generally, I notice that they are becoming more calculating, which is the first step towards economy. It would seem at first as though they were becoming more selfish; but on the other hand we bear in mind that giving means more to them. The contributions of our native church during the past year, $417.50, are a proof that the springs of liberality are not being dried up in them. Of this sum over $215 was contributed for missionary work among other tribes. The value of such offerings in counteracting the greed of selfishness induced by the habit of civilization is of the highest importance.

One thing that would now be very helpful to this people would be some opportunity of depositing their savings. The United States now holds in trust large funds for the different tribes of Indians. It would be worth fully as much if the United States should become the guardian of the trust funds of the individual Indian and would provide some way for encouraging his individual savings.

Allow me to express here my heartfelt regret at the speedy close of your relation to this people. I can testify that you have been the firm friend of this people, and have been full of sympathy and ready to help any good word and work which has been put forth in their behalf. As the Indians say, With a sorrowful heart I shake hands with you.

Yours, respectfully,

ALFRED L. RIGGS,

Missionary.

PONCA AGENCY, DAKOTA,
August 19, 1885.

DEAR SIR: It gives me satisfaction to submit to you the following statement of the conduct and progress of the Poucas since I came among them in December. In school and religious work a beginning has been made. The school was commenced under those obstacles which are incident to each party not understanding the language of the other. A few were found who could understand a little English, but for the most part the questions and requests were answered by a blank expression of countenance. Then, again, a school was an untried experiment to them, and whether the results from such an institution would be good or bad was still doubtful, and it was a question in the minds not only of the children but of some of the older people whether the teacher would not prove a tyrant instead of a friend. But slowly these hindrances have been overcome, and some progress can be shown. Ten or twelve of those who have attended school can read a little, about an equal number have made some progress in writing, while all can print more or less legibly on a slate. Several can count as high as a hundred, a few can add small numbers, a few can say portions of the multiplication table-one girl as high as the sixes.

In the matter of punctuality and regular attendance I can see little improvement, though the older people seem to have a growing appreciation of the value of a school. While this is the day of small things-very small in most respects-yet we are going in the right direction and hope to gain headway as we go on.

We have a religious service every Sunday and a meeting of more general character on Friday evening. Both are fairly attended and good attention for the most part is paid to the things said; often various ones have expressed their appreciation of the things spoken to them. They have made considerable progress in singing, both in school and in the meetings, and many of them seem to have a real enjoyment in sing.

ing, and not only has there been improvement in school and religious matters, but from all I can learn there has been full more improvement in farming and home life. The most of the children are quite comfortably dressed, and especially on Sundays many of the men and women are quite well dressed with well-fitting clothes. Dresses and skirts and several of the plainer articles of dress are made by themselves. The babies often have on sunbonnets and leather shoes. How well the food is cooked I cannot say, though I have seen some specimens of bread that were quite creditable. In the matter of caring for the sick they are very deficient and seem to have no conception of properly nursing one who needs such attention. A spare room to which the sick, especially sick children, could be brought and properly cared for would save them much suffering.

Many of their crops this year were well put in and carefully cared for. Many fields of corn are quite free from weeds, quite as much so as many fields of their white neighbors. In the matter of garden truck there has been some little improvement, though not much, I think. There is a growing disposition to raise stock. Two pastures have been fenced in this year and the stock restrained from running at large and destroying the crops. The people are thinking evidently more of working and of raising something than heretofore. In many letters which I have written for them to their friends in the Territory they have said that this summer they were doing nothing but work, and that they were getting along first rate. They are quite ready to hear and follow advice and directions how to work, and evidently realize that the whites have a better mode of life than theirs. Of course the old spirit often asserts itself, and indisposition to continued and persistent activity for whose results they must wait often prevents them from reaping many benefits which they might receive. But amid all the backsets I feel that we may be very hopeful of their future.

Yours, respectfully,

Maj. ISAIAH Lightner,

JOHN E. SMITH,
Missionary and Teacher.

Santee Agency, Nebraska.

SIR: In compliance with instructions, I have the honor to submit this my first annual report of the workings of this agency, and the condition of and progress made by the Indians thereon. I assumed charge October 3, 1884; therefore cannot make as detailed a report as would be expected from one longer in the service.

RESERVATIONS AND INDIANS.

This agency consists of three reservations, viz:

Pyramid Lake, which is the headquarters, and contains, as per previous reports, 322,000 acres, including a lake covering a surface 40 miles long by 15 in width, said lake being a source of great revenue to the Indians from the large quantities of trout which they catch during the fishing season, from October to April, which they sell to the licensed traders and residents of adjoining towns, at prices ranging from 5 to 10 cents per pound. It is estimated that the catch in the lake and Truckee River during last season amounted to 80,000 pounds, and netted them $5,600. The reservation buildings are situated 18 miles north from the town of Wadsworth, which is on the line of the Central Pacific Railroad.

Walker River Reserve, as per previous reports, contains 318,815 acres, including Walker Lake, which is about 30 miles long by 10 miles wide. This lake also abounds with trout, but of a different species, being much larger and not as marketable as those of Pyramid Lake, but valuable as food for the Indians, who catch large quantities during the fishing season and dry them. Said reserve is situated about 75 miles south across the country, or 160 miles by rail from agency headquarters, on the line of the Carson and Colorado Railroad, near Schurz Station.

Moapa River Reserve is situated about 1,075 miles by rail and private conveyance, or 650 miles by trail, across the mountains, southeast from agency headquarters, and contains, as per previous reports, 1,000 acres.

There are two tribes of Indians belonging to this agency, the Pah-Utes and Pi-Utes, the former belonging to Pyramid Lake and Walker River Reserves, and are estimated to number 3,600, of whom not more than 25 per cent. reside permanently upon said reserves. Many of them, particularly those at Walker River, find employment at the borax and salt marshes along the line of the railroad, receiving from $1.50 to $2.50 per day for their labor, while others are employed as farm hands and herders. They are much sought after by the whites, as they are reliable, steady, and industrious

workers, very peaceably inclined, and, as a general rule, of an even, mild temperament, kind to their families, indulgent to their children, but inclined to be selfish, and not disposed to assist one another in any manner. I have constantly tried to impress upon them the necessity and the advantages that would accrue to them by being more neighborly.

PROGRESS OF THE PAH-UTES.

The Indian farmers have been very industrious, and made good progress during the past year in breaking up new land, building fences, digging irrigating ditches, and preparing the ground for seeding. Their crops this year have not been as abundant as was expected, owing to the cold, backward spring; still they will harvest sufficient hay and grain to supply the contractor with 25,000 pounds of barley, for which they receive one and one-half cents per pound at the reserve, also to supply merchants and cattlemen with at least 60,000 pounds, and then have enough left to feed their own stock through the winter. Besides this they will have about 1,800 bushels of wheat and 380 tons of hay.

Twenty-two new farms, ranging from 15 to 25 acres each, have been allotted to Indians, which they have partially fenced and cleared-eight at Pyramid Lake, and fourteen at Walker River Reserves. I have every reason to believe that many more will be taken up the coming fall and winter, and partially grubbed, so as to be in condition for plowing early in the season. More particularly at Walker River Reserve, as heretofore the Indians at that reserve have received very little encouragement; but since the large amount of supplies was sent there by the Department, which were issued to them in June, they have taken hold, and are working with renewed energy and a seeming determination to become self-sustaining at no distant day.

PI-UTES.

Of the Pi-Utes located at Moapa River Reserve very little can be said in their favor. They are naturally inclined to be indolent, and care very little for anything except eating and gambling, preferring to take matters easy and have the women do the work. Owing to the distance, and expense that would be necessarily incurred by employing freighters to transport supplies from headquarters to said reserve, and as they have no wagons with which to come after supplies, I have not furnished any to them. I visited the reserve in October last, and I find there is a marked difference between them and the Pah-Utes. From some cause their number is being reduced very fast. In last year's report it was estimated that the tribe numbered 600. At the present time, as per report from the farmer in charge, they number but 157, of which number only 24 reside upon the reservation, and the 133 at points ranging from 25 to 100 miles from the reservation, as follows, viz: At Bunkerville, 30; Saint Thomas, 35; Las Vegas, 23; Pioche and Panaca, 25; Hico, 20. On account of the small number residing upon the reserve, and there being no apparent need of having a farmer in charge, except to look after the Government cattle and other property, I have recommended that said reserve be abandoned, or segregated from this agency and that all the property be sold, or allotted to the Indians who reside there permanently.

FREIGHTERS.

The Indians of this agency, prior to last November, had always been paid in rations for hauling the supplies from Wadsworth to headquarters; since that time they have been paid in cash. They have transported from Wadsworth to Pyramid Lake Reserve, 18 miles, 101,356 pounds of various kinds of supplies including lumber and fence posts, for which they received 50 cents per 100 pounds the round trip, amounting to $506.78. They were also paid for sixty six days' labor with their teams, at the rate of $2 per day, $132 for transporting heavy timbers from Wadsworth to the bank of the river, and in transporting stone a distance of 2 miles, for use on repairs to the dam. They also transported 148,644 pounds (estimated) of lumber and supplies for which they received rations and feed for teams. The Indians residing on Walker River Reserve transported from Wadsworth to said reserve, a distance of 53 miles, 8,853 pounds of supplies at the rate of $1 per 100 pounds, $88.53. They also transported from agency headquarters to said reserve 11,000 pounds (estimated) of supplies. Those to whom new wagons and harness were loaned, received credit for $116.55. Total amount paid in cash for transportation, $727.31.

EMPLOYÉS.

The employés are distributed as follows: At Pyramid Lake Reserve, 1 farmer to instruct the Indians, attend to Government stock and farm, superintend all the work performed by Indian laborers, and act as blacksmith; 1 carpenter who attends to