Near the close of the thirteenth day we reached the Indian village of Skidegate, comprising thirty houses and 100 people. It is situated near the entrance to the inlet of that name, one of the most important bodies of water embraced within the Queen Charlotte group. At high tide it is navigable through connecting waters for small vessels entirely across the island, here about thirty miles, varying from one to five miles in width. Its shores are generally gradually sloping, with long stretches of sandy beach, bordered by a thick forest which, covering the mountains, rising from 800 to 3,500 feet, within from five to ten miles, bounds the horizon on every hand. Here are convenient halibut banks, salmon and trout streams. Codfish, flounders, crabs, clams and mussels, and dog fish in such great numbers that 5,000 have recently been caught with hooks by four men within twenty-four hours for the Skidegate Oil Company. The natives have extracted their oil for many years by throwing heated stones into hollowed logs, filled with dog fish livers. But the oil obtained by this rude process was so frequently burnt and filled with dirt that it became very unpopular and could only be sold at a low price. The company above mentioned, by the introduction of the most approved retorts, have succeeded in extracting an article so pure and clear that it meets with a ready sale at a good price, and is regarded as one of the best oils in use, especially for all lubricating purposes. The company manufacture about 40,000 gallons annually, giving employment to the Indians from all parts of the island during the summer months. They are now assembling at Skidegate, which they make their headquarters during the dog fishing season. The shore is covered with canvas, Indian men, women and children, dried halibut, herring spawn, fishing tackle, bedding and camp equippage, presenting a scene of great interest. Remaining here over night several voices were heard singing familiar hymns in a house close at hand. Going to the entrance I found a prayer meeting in progress, and, being invited in, remained to its close. Knowing that they had received only very limited missionary instruction, and none whatever for several months, I was considerably surprised that of their own motion, and without any white leader, they should hold such a well-conducted religious service. The songs were well rendered in English, the praying and speaking being in their native language.