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to gather acorns and seeds. The question then was - What ought, what can be done done --- to alleviate their condition; and afford that protection to property to which it is entitled? Upon mature examination of the subject it was decided to appoint Special Agents in such localities as their presence was deemed essential; and men whose qualifications for this service were well known in the various sections of the State were selected. A large majority of them - more than twenty in number, acted from motives of Philanthropy, and without compensation. Others, some six or seven, in the year 1858, were allowed a small compensation, in proportion to the service rendered. This policy I am glad to say has been quite successful, and very beneficial -- having been more real benefit to the Indians than the Expenditure of the same amount of money in any other way. A single Agent at a salary of $100 -- per month -- which is a [bare] support, can in many instances attend to a whole district of Country inhabited by hundreds of Indians -- settle disputes and preserve peace between them and the Whites -- protect them from the use of Ardent spirits, and in their rights to the natural products of the Earth, and save them at least, for the time being, from a lingering death or prompt extermination. I do not hesitate to say that, more good can be done by this System for a given expenditure than by any other that has been yet adopted or suggested.

In making these appointments I acted in accordance with the convictions of my