show a disposition to provide for the future. It is noticeable that those who live farthest from a town or village are usually the most progressive.

Temperance and Morality. - Through the influence of their pastors, the majority of the Indians are strictly temperate. There are others, however, whom no teaching will prevent getting drunk whenever an opportunity offers. I have endeavoured to prohibit the sale of liquor to Indians, but while the local liquor-dealers will not sell directly to them, they manage to get liquor indirectly from sailors and on board fishing-vessels. They are, as a rule, quite as moral in other respects as their white neighbours.

I have, & c.,
WM. D. CARTER,
Indian Agent.
NEW BRUNSWICK,
SOUTH-WESTERN DIVISION,
FREDERICTON, 31st July, 1896.

The Honourable
The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs,
Ottawa.

SIR, - I have the honour to present my annual report and tabular statement for the year ended 30th June, 1896.

KINGSCLEAR RESERVE.

Location. - This reserve is situated eleven miles distant from Fredericton.

Vital Statistics. - It contains a population of one hundred and three, being a decrease of four compared with returns of last year. The births for the year were six. The deaths were six - three adults and three children. In most cases death was the result of lung trouble.

Industries. - The Indians of this band engage in the manufacture of all kinds of Indian wares, farming, river-driving and work in the woods. Last spring, prior to the farming season, quite a number hired for stream-driving; this work usually lasts about a month, at wages ranging from $1.50 to $2.00 per day and board. The Indian wares manufactured by the band, which is their principal business, are disposed of at Fredericton and to farmers in the vicinity of the reserve. The Indians take from the latter in return for their wares, provisions and produce of the farm. They prefer this trade to that of the city of Fredericton, where, in consequence of an over-stocked market, they cannot realize at times half the value of the article offered for sale. This dulness of trade and the fact that this is the source from which they derive the most of their income, leads them to seek other markets, hence their migratory habits and visits, particularly in the summer season, to watering-places that are frequented by pleasure-seekers, to whom they sell fancy wares at double the prices to be obtained at home. Some of them that are experts at the business make considerable money, whilst others do not improve their condition, yet this habit is very agreeable to their taste.

Agriculture. - This reserve is favourably situated for farming; about half of the band take an active interest in this pursuit, whilst the remainder prefer other employment. The crops planted last year consisted of potatoes, buckwheat, oats, beans, pease and garden vegetables. The produce raised by those who had manure for the land was a fair yield, whilst that of those who depended on the soil without proper fertilizing was not nearly so good. A few of the Indians are paying more attention to the raising