weeks elapsed since I abode with them in the neighborhood of the great Flathead lake. They had computed forty-one months and some days.
Mr. Berland had exerted his zeal to maintain the Kootcnais and their brethren in the good dispositions in which consolation of finding them. Since nay last visit followed, to the very letter, all they remembered
nendations. I was obliged to decide spine controversial points, which they had misinterpreted or misapprehended. They habitually assembled for morning and evening prayer, continued the practice of singing canticles in French and Flathead, and faithfully observed the Sabbath precept.
On the feast of the Holy Heart of Mary I sang high mass, thus taking spiritual possession of this land, which was now for the first time trodden by a minister of the Most High. I administered the sacrament of baptism to tog persons, among wham were twenty adults. An imposing ceremony terminated the exercises of the day. Amidst a general salute from the camp, a large cross was elevated. The chiefs, at the head of their tribe, advanced and prostrated themselves before that sacred ensign, which speaks so eloquently of the love of a Man-God, who carne to redeem a fallen race.' At the foot of that sacred emblem, they loudly offered their hearts to him who has declared himself our ter and the divine pastor of souls. This station
name of the Holy Heart of Mary. One of our Fathers will soon visit the two branches of this tribe.
Though these poor people were much in want of food, they pressed me to remain some days amongst them, whilst they listened with avidity to nay instructions relative to their future conduct. After my departure they divided into small bands to go in search of provisions among the defiles of the mountains.
On the loth of August I bade adieu to the Kootenais. Two young men of their tribe offered to