increased to more than 200 by 1888. They lived in 22 camps, divided into
five distinct towns. Today (1939) they number more than 600.

In the early days many of the tribe lived in log huts. In the
'Glades, however, less trouble was taken. Four posts supporting a
framework roof thatched with cabbage palmetto leaves, went into
the construction of a hut. All they needed inside this shelter, called a
"chickee," (Mikasuki Seminole word for "house") was a length of
cheesecloth draped around the raised sleeping platform to keep out
mosquitoes and sandflies.

Near the woods where the shelters were created, were
clearings where they raised corn, sweet potatoes, melons, pumpkins,
bananas, oranges, and some sugarcane. They had cattle, hogs and a
few ponies.

Early in the 1890's the Government responded to the efforts
of the Women's National Indian Association, bought 80 acres at
Immokalee for the Indians, and appointed Dr. J. E. Bracht Seminole
Agent.

The reservations was fitted out by the Government with a
sawmill, farming implements, mules, oxen, carts, and facilities for
instruction. The venture, however, failed. The Indians came out of
curiosity, but when that was satisfied they returned to their
permanent camps 20 to 20 miles away. In their stiff pride,