The Blackfeet, though included among the Oregon tribes, properly belong to that portion of the Rocky Mountains contiguous to the head waters of the Missouri. They make occasional irruptions into the country occupied by the Flatheads, Snakes, and Nesperces, and for this reason are included in the above list.
The Tlameths and two or three other inferior tribes in the neighborhood of California and north of the Columbia river may be considered troublesome and rather ill-disposed; but not dangerous, unless it be in cases where they have a very decided advantage.
The Indians of this country are less warlike than those east of the Rocky Mountains, and far less dangerous, even as enemies. They may be considered, on the whole, as friendly to the whites, and quite susceptible of civilization. They are tolerably industrious, and ready at all times to work for the settlers at a trifling compensation.
Many of them cultivate the ground and raise corn, potatoes, beans, and melons, —but fish, horses, and game, as a general thing, furnish their principal food. As an evidence of their quiet disposition, they rarely go to war, and are usually found at or near the several places claimed and occupied by them individually.
The Nesperces are, perhaps, farther advanced in civilization than any other tribe. Many of them (and some of other tribes) are beginning to live after the manner of the whites, and the philanthropic efforts of Christian missionaries in their behalf have been attended with great success.
There are eight of more missionary stations in Oregon, belonging as follows: to the Presbyterians, the Methodists, and the Roman Catholics.
Four of these are situated between the Blue and Cascade Mountains, viz: one near the Dalls, one at Waiilatpu on the Wallawalla, one at Tshimakain, and one at Clear Water.
The mission at Waiilatpu is under the direction of Dr. Whitman, and has a flouring mill and a very considerable farm connected with it, upon which large quantities of grain and vegetables are annually raised, and also numerous herds of cattle and horses. The station near the Dalls, with the exception of a mill, is said to be but little behind that of Waiilatpu in point of prosperity.
The remaining four are in the Western Division.
The most important of these are situated as follows: one at the Wallammette Falls, about twenty-five miles below the Columbia, and the other in the Wallammette valley, some forty or fifty miles farther south.
Both of the above belong to the Methodists, and may be considered rich.
There are two large farms and a store connected with the station in the Wallammette valley, and also large herds of cattle, horses, and hogs;— it is said to drive quite a profitable trade with the Indians and settlers in the line of dry goods and groceries.
The station at the Wallammette Falls has also a store, and carries on a small business by way of merchandize.
The two other stations are south and west of the last named, but have, as yet, no very extensive improvements in connection with them.
The Methodists have a press at one of their stations in Oregon, which is employed in printing religious books for the benefit of the Indians.
