THE INDIANS.
SISSETON AGENCY.
Farming Tools Bought.
E. H. C. HOOPER, AGENT
For several years past, till last year, the crops on this reserve have been nearly all destroyed by grasshoppers; but this season promises an abundant harvest. The farming has been attended with unusual success, and the Indians feel very much encouraged with the result of their farm labor.
At present there are 2,191 acres of land broken on this reservation, 450 acres of which are new land broken during this season. Seventeen hundred acres are under cultivation by the Indians. There was a much larger acreage plowed last fall than ever before at the same season of the year, and, under the supervision of our farmer, it was well prepared for seeding in the spring. Nearly all our Indians, who were without seed, were provided from the warehouse early in the season, and manifested a good degree of interest in planting and cultivating.
Early in July, many of the Indian farmers, feeling confident of a large yield of grain, were very earnest in their appeals for grain cradles and other appliances with which to secure their crops. And, under authority from the Department, a lot of grain cradles were bought and issued to them. But the number purchased was insufficient to supply the wants of all, and a considerable portion of the wheat in small fields was cut with scythes.
Several of our Indians who have large wheat fields, have bought harvesters for themselves, at a cost of from $165 to $200 each, and are to pay for them from the proceeds of their sales of wheat; this is a move in the right direction and cannot be too highly commended.
All our Indians are half-breeds (with but few exceptions, and these generally confined to very old people) wear citizens’ dress, and a large majority of them live in very comfortable houses, made of hewed logs, and are furnished with cook-stoves, tables, seats, and other housekeeping conveniences.