amounted in the twelve months to $48,219. I took steps, with the assistance of the Head of that Branch, whose report accompanies this, to diminish the cost of agencies and other expenses, and to sell at once, or prepare the way for selling all land not required by the Government for public purposes. With the same view, orders were given to ascertain if it would not be of advantage to dispose of the rights of the Crown in the Seigniory of Sorel.

I may add, that since the Ordnance Lands were transferred to Canada, that is to say, within the last twelve years and a half, the sums received for the price of land sold, for interest and for rent, have amounted to $372,601.

I come now to Indian affairs, and I am happy to say that, thanks to the fatherly protection of the Government, the Indian tribes in general continue to be in a prosperous condition. This portion of the population, as a general rule, is increasing, or at least not diminishing. Its members are acquiring a taste for agriculture, and seeking to take advantage of the means of education placed within their reach in the schools kept up for their benefit.

In a pecuniary point of view the tribes in Ontario are much better off than those in the other Provinces, owing to the fact that the lands reserved for them originally, that is to say, from the first establishment of British Government in this country, were situated in localities highly favored in regard to climate and to fertility of soil. The tribes in Lower Canada, although much less highly favored in these respects, have, thanks to the foresight of Government, incomes which seem to suffice for their wants. As for the tribes in Nova Scotia and New Brunswick, I asked for an increased grant for them last year, and I am of opinion that such a grant will be absolutely necessary for them, for several years at least, in order to the maintenance of the schools which are beginning to be opened among them, and to the establishment of others for the use of tribes which have children to send to them.

I refer your Excellency to the annexed Report of the Deputy Superintendent General and the interesting statistics which accompany it.

Your Excellency will see there that this Branch of the Department, as well as the others, has been largely developed.

All of which is respectfully submitted.

Department of the Secretary of State,
Ottawa, 8th November, 1869.

SIR, - In obedience to your instructions I have the honor to submit a report on the transactions of this Branch of your Department, to the termination of the past fiscal year, 30th June, 1869.

I beg leave, however, to remark that any last report, dated 15th March, 1869, laid before Parliament and printed by order, contains all that could be said, and all the information that could be given, up to the above date, and that an interval of three months and a half, chiefly occupied by the Session of Parliament which rose on the 22nd June, although amply