CHAPTER V.
THE FRENCH AND THE INDIANS.
The 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
