234 PIONEER LIFE ; OR, 



long time before they comprehend fully the instruc- 

 tion of their teachers. 



These circumstances operate to make the school 

 room a very dull and uninteresting place to the 

 teacher, and the reflex influence gives the scholar 

 the same appearance. When they can once rise 

 above these circumstances, and overcome these ob- 

 stacles, they make good proficiency in their studies. 



Believing that these statements cover the ground 

 of your inquiries, I subscribe myself, dear sir, 

 Respectfully and truly yours, 



ASHER BLISS. 



LETTER FROM REV. WILLIM HALL TO H. R. SCHOOLCRAFT 



Allegany Mission, Sept. 8th, 1845. 



Dear Sir: — Your inquiries in relation to the state 

 of religion, education, etc., among the Indians of 

 this reservation, if I rightly understand them, are 

 briefly answered as follows : 



Christianity Very much prospered here during the 

 four years next preceding the past. 



The number of church members during that 

 period was nearly tripled, and very encouraging 

 additions were made to their knowledge and zeal. 

 But the past year has been one of stupidity and 

 drought. 



There has, however, been four additions from the 

 Jndians made to the church, by profession of faith, and 

 two whites. 



