The Indians, from their mode of living, and the continual wars among their different tribes, were but thinly scattered over the immense country lying between the Rio Grande and Red River. The Lipans and the Carankaws lived along the lower Rio Grande and the Colorado and Brazos. They subsisted mainly upon fish. The next tribe, going east, was the Cenis, inhabiting Buffalo Bayou, the San Jacinto Valley, and the Trinity river. On the banks of the Trinity their villages were large and numerous. Their habitations were like bee-hives, and some of them were forty feet high. As they devoted much time to raising corn, they were comparatively wealthy. They traded with the Spaniards of New Mexico, from whom they procured horses, money, spurs and clothing. The next tribe east, were the Nassoriis, living between the Cenis and the Sabine river. These four tribes, two centuries ago, formed the original inhabitants of Texas. The landing of the colony of La Salle, was to them a new and wonderful event. The sight of ships, and the sound of fire-arms, were to them subjects of awe and astonishment. Living in the simplicity of nature, they were free from most of the diseases and vices of European nations. They were worshippers of the sun, and full of the superstitions common to other North-American Indians. They had their rain-makers, their game-finders, and their witches. Living in a mild climate, and among prairies covered with buffalo and game of all kinds, and near streams and bays abounding in fish, they obtained their living with but little effort. They were as contented and as free as people ever can become, who know nothing of the usages of civilized life.

Early and vigorous efforts were made by Catholic missionaries to convert them to Christianity. Establishments were formed called presidios or missions. Buildings were erected round a square, and consisted of a church, store-houses, dwellings for priests, officers and soldiers. Huts were erected at a short distance for the converted Indians. The ruins of many of these old presidios remain to this day. But the Indians are now all gone, and none are found except on the northern and western frontiers of the State. One race has disappeared, and a new one is fast filling their places. The weak have yielded to the strong--the savage to the civilized; and before many years roll round, the only record of once powerful Indian tribes will be the beautiful names which still cling to some of our rivers and our mountains.