The Splendid Wayfaring. By John G. Neihardt. (New York :
Macmillan. 2 dollars 25c.)—This spirited book describes the adventures of Jedediah Smith in the Far West between 1822 and 1831. Smith's greatest feat was his journey in 1826-27 from Salt Lake to San Diego, California, and back by a more northerly mute. He was the first American to roach California by land from the east. In company with Ashley, he had already done much for the exploration of the great plains west of the Mississippi, instigated not so much by geographical enthusiasm as by a desire to collect furs. He was killed by Indians on the Arkansas river in 1831. The migration westward after his day was so rapid and so extensive that it is difficult to realize how completely unknown were the Western plains a century ago. Dr. Neihardt's book is well worth reading.
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