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5

SALUTORY.

There is probably no field in modern American history more fascinating in the intensity of its interest than that which is presented in our rapidly extension frontier. The pressure of the white man, the movement of the emigrant train, and the extension of our railways, together with the military power of the General Government, have, in a measure, broken down the barriers behind which the Indian fought and defied the advance of civilization; but the West, in many places, is still a scene of wildness, where the sternness of the law is upheld at the pistol point, and the white savage and outlaw has become scarcely less dangerous than his red-skinned predecessor. [This last, while perfectly true when written (1883 ), is at present inapplicable, so fast does law and order progress and pervade the Grand West.]

The story of our country so far as it concern life in the vast Rocky Mountain region and on the plains, has never been half told; and romance itself falls far short of the reality when it attempts to depict the career of the little vanguard of pioneers, trappers, and scout,s whom moving always in front, have paved the way-- frequently with their own bodies-- for the safe approach of the masses behind. The names of "OLD JIM BRIDGER," "KIT CARSON," "WHITEBEAVER," "WILD BILL,"