1. The Prairie James Fenimore Cooper

2. THE AMERICAN PRAIRIES Sit back and relax. 3. Prairie Is a land predominantly in grass. 4. American Prairies This is according to James Fenimore Cooper. This is written as one of the parts of the preface of the book. The American Prairies are of two kinds. 5. American Prairies The first kind is the following: Those which lie east of the Mississippi are comparatively small, are exceedingly fertile, and are always surrounded by forests. 6. American Prairies The second kind is the following: Those which lie west of Mississippi, at a distance of a few hundred miles from that river are called The Great Prairies. This region is nearly destitute of brooks and the smaller water courses. 7. INTRODUCTION The Prairie was third in order of Fenimore Coopers Leatherstocking Tales. Its first appearance was in the year 1827. 8. INTRODUCTION Author James Fenimore Cooper had been taking every chance that came of making a personal acquaintance with the Indian chiefs of the western tribes who were to be encountered about this period on their way in the frequent Indian embassies to Washington. 9. INTRODUCTION He saw much to command his admiration, says Mrs. Cooper in these wild braves It was a matter of course that in drawing Indian character he should dwell on the better traits of the picture, rather than on the courser and more revolting though more common points. 10. INTRODUCTION The Great Prairies appear to be the final gathering place of Red Men. The remnants of the Mohicans, and the Delawares, of the Creeks, Choctaws, and Cherokees, are destined to fulfill their times on these vast plains. J. F. Cooper, Paris 1832