which shows for June quarter an average daily attendance of sixteen. Considerable improvement has taken place in the progress of the pupils during the year, and more interest in the education of their children is taken by the parents. The equipment of the school is not all that could be desired, but compares favourably with many rural white schools.

Religion. - Three religious denominations unequally claim the adherence of this band. There are one hundred Methodists, twenty-three Plymouth Brethren, and one Roman Catholic. A Methodist missionary is stationed on the reserve, and a church belonging to his denomination has been erected and in operation for a number of years. The interest taken in religion by this band is the same as that taken by any civilized community.

Characteristics and Progress. - This band is the most industrious and progressive of any in this superintendency. A mowing-machine has made its appearance on the reserve, which, considering the virgin nature of the clearings, speaks well for the enterprise of the owner. This with an addition of ten acres of new land brought under cultivation this season, and the, general air of comfort and plenty that is evident on all sides, leaves little to be desired in the matters of well-being and progress.

Temperance and Morality. - As far as I can judge, this band is most exemplary in these respects. Two cases of departure from the moral code that were reported to me caused much trouble and distress in the band. This, I take it, indicates a high moral tone generally.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

I have, & c.,
THOS. S. WALTON,
Indian Superintendent.
PROVINCE OF ONTARIO,
POTTAWATTAMIES AND CHIPPEWAS OF WALPOLE ISLAND,
WALLACEBURG, 28th September, 1896.

The Honourable
The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs,
Ottawa.

SIR, - I have the honour to transmit herewith my annual report and tabular statement on the Chippewas and Pottawattamies of Walpole Island, for the year ended 30th June, 1896.

Location. - The reserve includes the whole of Walpole Island in the county of Lambton, province of Ontario.

Area. - Estimated at twelve thousand acres fit for cultivation, with natural drainage, and fifty thousand acres of marsh and prairie land, reclaimable for the most part at moderate cost.

Resources. - The resources of this reserve are: farming, fruit-growing, market-gardening, fishing and stock-raising.

Vital Statistics. - The Chippewa Band is composed of one hundred and seventy men, one hundred and sixty-five women, one hundred and forty-one boys, one hundred and sixty-three girls; total, six hundred and thirty-nine.

The Pottawattamie Band consists of fifty-two men, fifty-two women, forty-four boys, forty-nine girls; total, one hundred and ninety-seven.

Total, both bands, eight hundred and thirty-six.