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theme of this chapter has been so appropriated, indeed so richly and even exhaustively treated, by the most eminent and gifted of American writers of American history, that only the necessary recognition of it in its place in this volume could require a reference to it. Mr. Francis Parkman was favored in finding waiting for his taste and genius, for his attraction to it before reaching early manhood, and for his especial qualities for dealing with it, a rich and profoundly interesting subject for the pen of the scholar and historian. For more than thirty-five years he has given to it deep and quiet thought for apprehending its full significance; wide travel and exploration of the scenes of the great drama; the most keen, extended, and thorough research for documents and maps in print or manuscript in this country and in Europe, in public archives and in private cabinets; a skilled inquisition for any hidden and secret sources of information, and a most comprehensive range of reading and study in every field of intellectual work which would complete his mental furnishing for his subject. His pen has wrought in a style which in vigor, vivacity, richness, and marvellous adaptation to the scenery, the incidents, and the persons with which he has to deal, so engages the interest, sympathy, and understanding of his readers as to make them his companions along his way. He has a skill in woodcraft, in the science of the forest, in describing scenery and life, travel