QUEEN CHARLOTTE TSLAXDS. 175 B 



-customs fully developed as to the inheritance and transfer of lands. 

 The authority of the chiefs is now so small that it is more than 

 doubtful whether the people generally would acquiesce in any bargain 

 between the chiefs in an official capacity and the whites, while 

 the process of extinguishing by purchase the rights of each family 

 would be a very tedious and exjDensive one. The negotiations will 

 need to be conducted with skill and care. At present, anyone requir- 

 ing a spot of ground for any purpose, must make what bargain he can 

 with the person to whom it belongs, and will probably have to pay 

 ■dearly for it. 



