“The Prairie” was the third in order of Fenimore Cooper’sLeatherstocking Tales. Its first appearance was in the year 1827. The idea ofthe story had suggested itself to him, we are told, before he had finished itsimmediate forerunner, “The Last of the Mohicans.” He chose entirelynew scenes for it, “resolved to cross the Mississippi and wander over thedesolate wastes of the remote Western prairies.” He had been taking everychance that came of making a personal acquaintance with the Indian chiefs ofthe western tribes who were to be encountered about this period on their way inthe frequent Indian embassies to Washington. “He saw much to command hisadmiration,” says Mrs. Cooper, “in these wild braves... It was amatter of course that in drawing Indian character he should dwell on the bettertraits of the picture, rather than on the coarser and more revolting thoughmore common points. Like West, he could see the Apollo in the youn