Page:Oregon Historical Quarterly vol. 6.djvu/105

Rh the sufferings of emigrants on the route; the strength, the resourcefulness, the essential hopefulness and idealism of the true American pioneer (qualities so admirably illustrated by the character of John Ranger, known to be Mr. Scott, the author's father). These are not lost sight of in all the windings of the story, however much imagination or pure fancy may have had to do with fitting it to the tastes of readers of light literature. The volume is not a history; but it throws many sidelights upon Northwestern history, helping- us to realize the past of this region in such a way as to make it easier to idealize it. Herein lies its peculiar value.

It is also to be regarded as a legacy from an honored woman of an earlier generation, 'round whom "Life's twilight's shadows" are falling, to the young women and men of to-day. Whether or not they agree with the author on social and political questions, which she could not resist the temptation to discuss in these pages, they can not but receive benefit from reading this interesting book. J. S.