MANITOWAPAH AGENCY, MAN.
make up for the loss of the fish and fur. Only the very destitute and sick get any help from the government. They furnish themselves with seed and often purchase it out of their earnings, when they are not able to save it from the previous year's crop. Their farms are of course small, but it takes hard work to clear the bush, and I think a little well done, is very much better than the reverse.

Unless anything unforeseen happens to mar the prosperity of these Indians, I see no reason why they should not continue to improve their condition, and become more and more independent as the years pass by.

I have, & c.,
F.C. CORNISH,
Indian Agent.
MANITOBA,
MANITOWAPAH AGENCY,
THE NARROWS, LAKE MANITOBA, 15th August, 1896.

The Honourable
The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs,
Ottawa.

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

SANDY BAY RESERVE.

Location. - This reserve is situated on the southwest shore of Lake Manitoba. The land is high, a ridge of considerable height running the entire length of the reserve, and with a sufficient quantity of timber near, and the lake affording plenty of good water, it has a pleasant, healthy location.

Area. - The reserve has an area street of twelve thousand one hundred and two acres.

Resources. - Hunting, fishing, digging senega root, and cattle-raising are the principal resources.

Tribe or Nation. - The pure-blooded Indians of this band belong to the Ojibway tribe, the reminder being English, French and Scotch half-breeds.

Vital Statistics. - The population consists of forty-two men, fifty-two women, and one hundred mid sixty-three children. There have been eight births and seven deaths, making in increase of one in the population, since the previous year. In the majority of cases the deaths were caused by consumption or scarlet fever. No emigration or immigration has secured on this reserve since the previous year.

Health and Sanitary Condition. - As a rule the health of the Indian is good, the diseases most prevalent being scarlet fever, whooping cough and consumption. Sanitary precautions are taken as far as possible by having the houses and surroundings kept in a fair state of cleanliness, and enforcing the liberal use of whitewash on the building, also by having the Indians vaccinated by Dr. George T. Orton during his visit to the reserve. During an epidemic of scarlet fever the school was closed, the patients were isolated, mid medicines were freely administered by medical officers.

Occupation. - A large variety of occupations are open to the members of this band, among the principal ones being hunting, fishing, digging senega root, acting as guides to tourists, working during harvest time for farmers, and the manufacture of flat sleighs, double and single sleighs, carts and cartwheels, harness, snowshoes, & c. Among the women butter-making is also developing into an occupation.