CAPABILITIES OF THE HALF-BEEEDS. 181 



rum. The money is spent at once in simple necessaries, 

 dress, and ornaments. The establishment of a savings 

 bank would have an excellent effect, and doubtless 

 become the source of much permanent good. 



There are several hundred half-breeds who, like their 

 ancestors, pass their lives on the prairies, visiting the 

 settlements occasionally, according as they may be in 

 want of ammunition or clothing. It is impossible to 

 arrive at an accurate estimate of their numbers, but there 

 is no doubt that collectively they form a numerous and 

 influential body. 



The half-breed hunters, with their splendid organisation 

 when on the prairies, their matchless power of providing 

 themselves with all necessary wants for many months 

 together, and now, since a trade with the Americans has 

 sprung up, if they should choose, for years ; their perfect 

 knowledge of the country, and their full appreciation and 

 enjoyment of a home in the prairie wilds during winter 

 or summer, would render them a very formidable enemy 

 in case of disturbance or open rebellion against consti- 

 tuted authorities. The half-breed hunters of Eed Eiver 

 could pass into the open prairies at a day's notice, and find 

 themselves perfectly at home and secure, where men not 

 accustomed to such a life would soon become powerless 

 against them, and exposed to continual peril. 



The causes which have led to the present condition 

 and prospects of this people are truly a painful subject. 

 It is one which cannot escape the attention and care of 

 philanthropists. Men will inquire how it is, that a race 

 giving evidence of admirable discipline, self-government, 

 and courage, when in the open prairies, should subside 

 into indifferent and indolent husbandmen when in the 

 settlements. Considered as the native population of Eed 

 Eiver, how is it, it will be asked, that so few among the 



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