There are abundant evidences in abandoned villages, habitations and burial places, of their formerly having been quite populous, probably ten times their present numbers.
No country which I have ever visited affords greater natural resources of food supply from the sea and forest.
Respectfully, your obedient servant,
NEWTON H. CHITTENDEN.
* * * * *
PROGRESS REPORT NUMBER THREE,
SKIDEGATE, QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS. OCTOBER, 1884.
Hon. Wm. Smithe, Commissioner of Lands and Works of the Province of British Columbia:
SIR:—Having completed the examination of the country bordering on Skidegate Inlet and Channel, embracing the southern portion of Graham Island, and the north end of Moresby, I proceeded to explore the west coast of Graham Island, North Island, the north coast of Graham island from Cape Knox eastward to Massett Inlet, also Viago Sound, Naden Harbor and Massett Inlet, penetrating to the heads of all of the inlets, bays, harbors and sounds, and following up the principal streams flowing into these waters from three to ten miles; concluding the circumnavigation of the islands at the mouth of the Yakoun River, that portion herein described, comprising a shore line of about five hundred miles.