denio] THE ASSINIBOIN 543 



numerous as they now are these tribes will have no difficulty in main- 

 taining themselves by the chase. Traders are too observant of their 

 own interests to let them suffer for the means of hunting, but should 

 the buffalo fail the very reverse would be the case. In that event 

 the trade not being of sufficient profit would be discontinued, and 

 the Indians thrown upon their own resources, which are extremely 

 deficient. 



They are no deer hunters, and besides only a small portion of 

 their country along the rivers is stocked with deer and elk and the 

 greatest famine and distress imaginable would follow, as they are 

 entirely unacquainted with agricultural pursuits. 



There appears to be an anxiety exhibited on this point in many 

 of the queries, viz, whether the chase is sufficient for the support 

 of the Indians, and whether they would not be benefited by the 

 introduction of agriculture. It does not admit of a doubt; neither 

 are any arguments required to prove this. Having witnessed their 

 eating their own children during a temporary absence of buffalo 

 in 1845-46 is enough to satisfy any person on this head. Any rail- 

 road or emigration of whites through their country would ruin it 

 at once as a buffalo country, and the misery above alluded to would 

 as surely follow as night succeeds day. 



We think, however, that attention on the part of white friends is 

 not enough directed to pastoral pursuits instead of agricultural and 

 mechanical. It appears to us that the former occupation would suit 

 the Indian better to commence with. He would thereby gradually 

 emerge from his savage state into another which would lead to 

 agriculture in the end. The tilling necessary for the support of his 

 stock would be increased in proportion as he saw the advantages 

 arising therefrom. It would be expecting too much of the Indian 

 to suppose that he would suddenly change his indolent life for one 

 of hard and constant labor, but it seems reasonable that the raising 

 of horses, cattle, hogs, and sheep, for which their country is admi- 

 rably adapted, would be to them both interesting and profitable em- 

 ployment, particularly as they could unite these operations with the 

 chase when game came near. This state would be but the chrysalis 

 in the present generation, to merge into agriculture, mechanical 

 arts, and civilization in the next. 



Another argument in favor of this is that they are accustomed to 

 animal food entirely, therefore grain of any kind could not replace 

 this; but domestic animals, fowls, eggs, etc., would — and in the mean- 

 time a relish would be formed for breadstuff and vegetables, the 

 want of which is not now felt. The course to be pursued (that is if 

 any be in contemplation) by persons in high stations appears to us 

 to be very plain, and must be apparent to any one who makes him- 

 self acquainted with their real character as set forth in these pages. 



