Food Supplies. - During the winter, moose, cariboo and fowl were plentiful, and in the spring sturgeon swarmed in the rivers, so that our Indians have been bountifully supplied.

Accidents. - During the year there have been numerous accidents, especially axe wounds. While none of these have been fatal, yet it proves that our Indians are in constant demand as woodsmen, and lumber and tie-manufacturers. There have been several gun-shot accidents. One boy, Adams, discharged a gun through his left hand, necessitating amputation of the index finger and other parts. He was only nicely recovered from this wound when he returned, having discharged another shot through his right hand. This hand has been saved. but its usefulness is greatly impaired. Another boy, at Sturgeon Falls, received a charge, consisting of one ball and several buckshots, with small-sized birdshot, into his legs. At last dressing all flie conditions were most favourable for saving the injured parts.

Diseases. - Phthisis, as usual, has filled a great part of the monthly report, but with improved sanitary precautions and regulations, I am hopeful of wonderful results as to final partial eradication of this most dread disease from among our Indians. Venereal disease, though somewhat prevalent, has not increased, and though there are several cases of old-standing disease, I am happy to report that I have found no recent cases of syphilis. A few cases of hip-joint disease have been reported and an effort made to procure hospital accommodation for them. Our far-removed and isolated position has heretofore precluded such facilities.

Hospital. - The ladies of Fort Frances have been most active and have now collected considerable money for the erection and equipment of a local hospital at Fort Frances. The lots have been procured from the Crown Lands Department, cleared, and the foundations laid for a convenient hospital building. When this building is completed we hope to be able to accommodate the most deserving cases of our Indians, and we fully trust that your generous department will appreciate the laudable effort.

I have, & c.,
W.W. BIRDSALL, M.D.,
Medical Officer.
MANITOBA SUPERINTENDENCY,
MEDICAL REPORT,
RAT PORTAGE, ONT., 30th June, 1896.

The Honourable
The Superintendent General of Indian Affairs,
Ottawa.

SIR, - I have the honour to submit for the information of the department my annual report for the year ended 30th June, 1896.

Medical Visits and Medicines. - During the year I have visited all the reserves under my charge, and paid especial attention to their sanitary conditions, taking great care in instructing the several bands as to the same, and leaving a supply of medicine with the school teachers and Hudson Bay Company's officers for cases of emergency, and until I could be sent for; and while absent from my office here, my son, Thomas Hanson, jr., who understands the uses of medicine, attended to all office calls.

Health and Diseases. - I am pleased to report that the health of the Indians under my charge has been better than usual during the past year, the only epidemic I have to report being at Lac Seul, where tonsillitis (sore throat) required a second visit to eradicate, and with but one fatal case, that of a child.