274 MISSIONARY STATIONS. 



The Blackfeet, though included among the Oregon tribes, properly belong 

 to that portion of the Rocky Mountains contiguous to the head waters of 

 tlie Missouri. They make occasional irruptions into the country occupied 

 by tlie Flatheads, Snakes, and Nesperces, and for this reason are included 

 ■in the above list. 



The Tlameths and two or three other inferior tribes in the neighborhood 

 'of California and north of the Columbia river may be considered trouble- 

 some and rather ill-disposed ; but not dangerous, unless it be in cases 

 where they have a very decided advantage. 



The Indians of this country are less warlike than those east of the Rocky 

 Mountains, and far less dangerous, even as enemies. They may be con- 

 sidered, on the whole, as friendly to the whites, and quite susceptible of 

 civiHzation. They are tolerably industrious, and ready at all times to work 

 for the settlers at a trifling compensation. 



Many of them cultivate the ground and raise corn, potatoes, beans, and 

 melons, — but fish, horses, and game, as a general thing, furnish their prin- 

 cipal food. As an evidence of their quiet disposition, they rarely go to war, 

 and are usually found at or near the several places claimed and occupied 

 by them individually. 



The Nesperces are, perhaps, farther advanced in civilization than any 

 other tribe. Many of them (and some of other tribes) are beginning to 

 live after the manner of the whites, and the pb .anthropic efforts of Chris- 

 tian missionaries in their behalf have been attended with great success. 



There are eight of more missionary stations in Oregon, belonging as fol- 

 lows : to the Presbyterians, the Methodists, and the Roman Catholics. 



Four of these are situated between the Blue and Cascade Mountains, viz : 

 one near the Dalls one at Waiilatpu on the Wallawalla, one at Tshimakain, 

 and one at Clear Water. 



The mission at Waiilatpu is under the direction of Dr. Whitman, and 

 has a flouring mill and a very considerable farm connected with it, upon 

 which large quantities of grain and vegetables are annually raised, and also 

 numerous herds of cattle and horses. The station near the Dalls, with 

 the exception of a mill, is said to be but little behind that of Waiilatpu in 

 point of prosperity. 



The remaining four are in the Western Division. 



The most important of tliese are situated as follows : one at the Wallam- 

 mette Falls, about twenty-five miles below the Columbia, and the other in 

 the Wallammctte valley, some iorty or fifty miles farther south. 



Both of the above belong to the Methodists, and may be considered rich. 



There are two large farms and a store connected with the station iil the 

 Wallammette valley, and also large herds of cattle, horses, and hogs ; — it is 

 said to drive quite a profitable trade with the Indians and settlers in the line 

 of dry goods and groceries. 



The station at the Wallammette Falls has also a store, and carries on a 

 small business by way of merchandize. 



The two other stations are south and west of the last named, but have, 

 as yet, no very extensive improvements in connection with them. 



The Methodists have a press at one of their stations in Oregon, which is 

 employed in printing religious books for the benefit of the Indians. 



