181 



River, and, in fact, tlieii- priiioipal intercourse is with Fort Liiiiu'ly and tlie 

 Indians in that direction. The above tribes were also treated with at Point 

 Elliott. It is believed that there is no other permanently located on the 

 main shore south of the boundary line; but some of the Vancouver Island 

 Indians cross over in the fishing season. Tlie names of tril)es liviny to the 

 north of the Niskwalli, cited by Mi*. Hale on the authority of a Canadian, 

 it may be mentioned are recognizable in those of Puyalluj), Sukwamisli, 

 Skagit, and Kowitsin or Kawitshen. 



With these end the Niskwalli nation. The enumeration here given 

 may be relied on as substantially correct. It was taken by Colonel Sim- 

 mons while distributing presents, and when almost all the Indians were got 

 in. The result is, for the Niskwalli connection, a total of 5,242; for the 

 total population of the Sound and Straits of Fuca, 6,258. Adding to this 

 the most recent enumeration, or estimate, of the coast and Columbia River 

 tribes, the Indian population of the district may be assumed at 8, GST. 



This total, as well as the details, differs considerably from the estimates 

 made in Januar}^, 1854, and, indeed, from the census taken in the winter of 

 1854-55, wliile the treaties were progressing. It seems to be pretty certain 

 that the lower tribes, instead of diminishing, are on the increase. This is to 

 be attributed in some measure to their being at peace among themselves and 

 protected by the settlements from northern invasion, and to the fact that no 

 epidemic diseases have recently attacked them. 



POPULATION. 



In my report to Captain McClellan, I made an attempt to compare all 

 the estimates of the Indian population of the Territory which was within 

 my reach. Sixice then, an actual count or census of most of the tribes in 

 this part of the Territory has been twice attempted, once by myself and 

 once by Colonel Simmons. In considering the different statements which 

 have been made from time to time, I am well satisfied that none of 

 them can be taken as the basis of any accurate calculations respecting the 

 ratio of increase or diminution, and I am further inclined to the opinion that 

 the aggregate former population, taking one period with another, has never 

 been very much greater than within our knowledge of it. In arriving at 



