Smith's Canadian gazetteer - ElectricCanadian.com

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along the river, -where the Indians cut sufficient hay for their oxen and cows,
and grow excellent corn. There are some good log houses, and several comfortable
bark shanties. On the hill, in rear of the flats, are several fine fields of
corn and potatoes. The Indians at this station have been remarkable for their
stedfastness since they embraced Christianity. They appear to be a happy
people: much attached to their missionaries, teachable, and give solid proofs
that they are progressing in civilization."
The chief superintendent, however, who visited them rn the same year,
reported that they appeared very poor and miserable, trusting verj- much to
hunting and fishing for their support. The fishing is very productive, and has
attracted the notice of the white people, Avho annoy the Indians by encroaching
n what they consider their exclusive right, and on which they rely much for
orovisions. They hunt in the tract belonging to the Canada Company, and on
phe unoccupied lands to the south and east of Saugeen river.
This settlement does not appear to have been visited by any officer of the
tGovernment since 1837; and so little is it known, that it is supposed to have
been incorrectly laid down on the map by the extent of half a degree. The
chief superintendent reports, that he cannot give an accurate account of it. He
states that the greater number of Indians lived for a long while in very small
log houses, and in houses made of elm bark. The present missionary states
that there are only six log houses, and that the rest are bark huts or wigwams.
The village is situated about two miles up tlie Saugeen River. From the report
of the cliief superintendent it appears that tlie Indians contemplated abandoning
this situation for one nearer the mouth of the river; but they have since determined
to remain in their old lociility; and have thisy'ear built by contract six
•excellent houses.
The mouth of the Saugeen River forms the best, and almost the only port of
refuge on the eastern shore of Lake Huron; hence it is likely to become a place
of considerable resort; and it is in coutomplation to carry two roads in different
directions through the Saugeen tract to this point. The rumour of this intention
was lately a source of uuich inquietude among the Indians, as they became
apprehensive of being obliged to quit their settlement, and surrender their improvements.
This apprehension, however, has been removed, and they are now
looking forward to the erection of a saw mill, and to the supplying the schooners,
touching at the port, with lumber and fish.
A missionary of the Wesleyan Methodists has long resided among them.
Their present missionary is an Indian, brought up at the Rice Lake Slission,
and at a sclu^ol in the United States. They have a cliapel which serves as a
school-housCf and a mission house, whicli were built by the Wesleyan Methodist
Society, about the year 183L They have also had a schoolmaster for some
time past. Almost all the tribe ha^e embraced Christianity.
These Indians are entitled to share in the annuity of £12.50, recently granted
in exchange for the Saugeen territory, surrendered to Sir F. Head in 1837.
SAUGEEN RIVER.
Takes its rise in the Indian territory, north of the Huron Trajct, and after
running nearly a west course, enters Lake Huron about sixty miles north of
Goderich. At the mouth of the river is a pretty gootl harbour, allowing the
entrance of vessels drawing eight feet of water; but the passage is difficult of
entrance.
SAUGEEN, GEGETO, OK FISHING ISLANDS.
A group of Islands, fii'teen or twenty in number, lying about seventy-eight
miles above Goderich, and eighteen above the Saugeen River. They are not
inhabited; but a large (pumtity of fisii is annually taken on their banks. About
1001) barrels are generally exported; but uvi/ ijudnlif// might be taken, there
being no limit to the supply. As nuieh as from two to three himdred barrels of
have been taken at a single haul of the seine.
fisli