THE CHEMAWA AMERICAN
11
but one course open for us in the future, and that fs to study agricul
ture in a business-like manner. We will, within a few decades, be
obliged to produce a great deal more on the same number of acres than
we are today, or many of us shall go hungry. This demands that we
learn vastly different and superior methods of farming than have been
in vogue in the past and are in fashion, as a rule, today.
Many of our students will inherit land and we invite and admonish
them to prepare themselves so that when the proper time arrives they
will be fitted to handle it for their own well-being and the well-being
of others. The ownership and care of this land is a trust and respon
sibibity placed upon them. We sincerely hope that they may prove
equal to it.
If any race should be pre-eminently fitted by ancestry and inherent
love of out-door life for the occupation of a farmer, it must be the In
dian people. Here is a sure way to native independence, yea! to pros
perity. It is an honorable vocation; it is the most healthful business in
the world. Its future is presented in brilliant colors. As the years roll
by the reward of honest toil on the farm must surpass anything which
we can surmise at this time. If you have land, hang to it; make up
your mind to farm it and prepare yourself for the job. Prepare now!
INDIAN ARTS
Of all the arts of various races we know of none more distinctive than
that of many clans of American Indians. There is something about
their weaving, and carving, and modeling, which grips the attention and
never lets go. It will be cause for everlasting regret if such art, or arts,
shall be lost to the world, At present Indian art is not appreciated at
its true worth except by a comparatively few people, but in the years to
come we shall see it come into i,(s own..
From our limited opportunity for observation it would seem that the
tribes of the northern regions excel in basket weaving and in bead work.
In certain southern sections are tribes whose fame for the weaving of
blankets and rugs is becoming world-wide we have in mind the Nava
jos. Still others of the south have developed the art of working clay,
and modeling therein. The pottery of these people is much sought and
held in high esteem. Should such types of art be allowed to perish the
world will indeed suffer a loss greater than words can tell.