12 PREFACE. 



durance, is now only a memory. This record of my life is 

 neither wholly comprehensive nor consecutive. I have re- 

 corded only those events, truly within the scope of this book. 



We can look back to the great Missouri and see no rail- 

 road crossing it until 1882. The opening of this wonderful 

 thoroughfare through the Dakotas and Montana, made ac- 

 cess to the wealth of the Northwest comparatively easy. The 

 face of the earth then speedily changed. The old hunter, and 

 the trapper with his packs and traps, stole sorrowfully away 

 to new fields in virgin hills, far from civilization,, where they 

 now reside or have passed with feeble footsteps over the 

 Great Divide. Next came the era of the plow. The pastures 

 of the buffalo were planted in grain and civilized homes were 

 built. The plains were irrigated and fertilized and now they 

 blossom as the rose. 



My life on the plains has exposed me to all kinds of 

 inclement weather, but, at the age of fifty-three years, I am 

 still in perfect health. I attribute this condition to the fact 

 that I use no alcohol, drugs or narcotics in any form, nour- 

 ishing myself with plenty of fresh air, pure water and whole- 

 some food. My sight is as good as ever, and I can still travel 

 over rugged heights with younger men. 



Go into the mountains, study the trees and flowers, ex- 

 plore the canyons, smell the fragrant hemlocks and pines. 

 Consider the ways of the majestic eagle, the noble elk, the 

 cunning fox and the practical beaver. Learn of the flowers 

 and ferns which beautify the hills, whose veins of gold, cop- 

 per and iron will enrich generations yet to be. Through 

 these creations, study the great Creator, and you will be the 

 better because you will feel the greatness of the Maker, and 

 realize your own insignificance without His guidance. 



W. A. ALLEN. 



