The Coeur d'Alene Mission possesses a handsome church, which would be a credit to any civilized country. It is ninety feet in length by thirty-five in width and thirty in height, with a portico supported by six massive columns. There are three altars, adorned with three magnificent pic tures, brought from Rome. The beautiful statues of the holy Virgin and of Saint John at the foot of the cross, artistically sculptured by Father Ravalli, Coeur d'Alene missionary, attract especial attention.
The buildings consist of eight houses of logs squared on two faces, in which each Father and Brother has his chamber. There is a kitchen and a refectory. The barn and stables are very roomy, and are under one roof. Then there is a mill to grind the wheat, run by horse-power, and four closed sheds for provisions. The blacksmith, carpenter and baker have each man his shop. Around the church and not far from the Fathers in charge, are the cabins and lodges of the Indians, made of rounded wood, cedar-bark, skins and reeds, according to the various habits and tastes of the savages.
The redskins are fond of work. " The construction of their handsome church," said Father Gazzoli, " was the most agreeable pastime for them." All their leisure time they devoted to transporting the stones and timbers neces
sary in the construction. " To forbid a Coeur d'Alene to take part in the work, or to drive_ him away, is a very severe
punishment for him." This is the testimony of the superior of the mission.
The fields and grazing grounds of the mission, with those of the Indians, are composed of two vast and beautiful vales, where the land is very fertile and yields prodigious crops, especially of grain. Father Joset told me that a single grain of wheat produces about 1,ooo grains the first year. Last summer every acre produced 8o to 12o bushels of wheat.
If the Indians do not devote themselves more to agriculture, it is the fault of unfavorable circumstances surround