184 



able. It is most probable however, that the whole were never at once in 

 the same condition of prosperity, but that fluctuations occurred among dif- 

 ferent tribes at various times. Mr Hale, to whose work I have only recently 

 had access, does not touch upon the Sound tribes, with the exception of the 

 Niskwalli (Skwale); and the estimates furnished by Captain Wilkes in the 

 same year (1841), althoug-h covering a portion of the deficiency, are yet 

 very incomplete, and do not coincide with the others in those mentioned by 

 both. The census of a portion of the Sound tribes, made by Dr. Tolmie in 

 1844, and published in the former report, is, though undoubtedly more 

 accurate than the above so far as it goes, but a very partial one. I have 

 endeavored to combine all these, on the assumption that no great changes 

 liad taken place in that interval, but without being able to arrive at any 

 valuable result as regards details. It seems probable, however, that the 

 total population of the western district at that time reached 15,000, and that 

 the tribes most exempt from diminution since have been those of the eastern 

 shore of the sound below the Puyallup River. 



The more recent estimates of General Lane, in 1849, I have passed 

 over as being- mere estimates, and not entirely complete. They cannot aid 

 in any way in drawing accurate conclusions. 



On one point connected with the subject of pojiulation, a fact of ethno- 

 logical importance may be referred to, viz, the very small number of indig- 

 enous half-breeds. Notwithstanding the length of time that the fur com- 

 panies have occupied the country, and the almost universal connection of 

 its employe's with native women on permanent terms, the number of metifs 

 is hardly appreciable. 



TRIBAL ORGANIZATION AND GOVERNMENT. 



No division of tribes into clans is observable, nor any organization 

 similar to the eastern tribes, neither have the Indians of this Territory 

 emblematical distinctions resembling the totem. Among some of the northern 

 tribes, as I am assured by Mr. John Work, of the Hudson Bay Company's 

 service, these exist. As regards the chiefdom, it is theoretically hereditary; 

 but if on the death of a chief the eldest son is objectionable from stupidity 

 or bad reputation, it is said that the tribe sometimes set him aside for the 



