158 THE CANADIAN NATURALIST. [Vol. ix. 



exterminate them, and as European wild plants accidentally im- 

 ported, have become the most sturdy and strong in our North 

 American pastures ; so the Indian races seem to diminish and 

 melt away in contact with the civilization of Europe, developed 

 during centuries of conflict in which they have had no part, but 

 during which their history has moved in a smaller circle, ever 

 returning into itself. Even the diseases engendered in the pro- 

 cess of civilization, and looked upon in the Eastern hemisphere 

 with comparative indifference, become, when imparted to these 

 primitive peoples, the most deadly plagues. Dr. J. C. Nott (as 

 quoted by Prof. Wilson), writes : " Sixteen millions of aborigines 

 in North America have dwindled down to two millions since the 

 Mayflower discharged on Plymouth Rock ; and their congeners 

 the Caribs have long been extinct in the West Indian Islands. 

 The mortal destiny of the whole x\merican group is already per- 

 ceived to be running out, like the sand in Time's hour-glass." 

 Dr. Wilson has, however, himself shown that though the Indian 

 as such can not very much longer survive, Indian blood in quan- 

 tity quite inappreciated by casual observers now courses through 

 the veins of white persons of the continent. 



The ultimate object of all Indian legislation must be, while af- 

 fording all necessary protection and encouragement during the 

 dangerous period of first contact with the whites, to raise the 

 native eventually to the position of a citizen, requiring neither 

 special laws of restraint or favour. When it is found that the 

 paternal care of the State begins to act as a drag on the progress 

 of the Indian, and that after reaching a certain stage all further 

 advance ceases, the state of dependence must be done away with. 

 To render this change possible, and to effect it in cases where it 

 would already be advisable, the Dominion Act of 1876 was 

 framed. That this measure has not been adopted too soon 

 appears from the concurrent testimony of many interested in the 

 welfare of the Indian, and acquainted with the working of the 

 present system. In concluding, a few of the opinions expressed 

 on this subject may appropriately be given. The Rev. J. Ma- 

 rault (as quoted by Dr. Wilson), writes : — " Many suppose that 

 our Indians are intellectually weak and disqualified for business. 

 This is a great mistake. Certainly as far as the Abenakis are 

 concerned, they are all keen, subtle, and very intelligent. Let 

 them obtain complete freedom, and this impression will soon 

 disappear. Intercourse with the whites will develop their talent 



