Drive Deer Like Cattle?
The actual driving of deer which this book relates was pretty much a fiasco; but the fact the Forest Service even tried to round up deer and drive them like cattle is historical fact little known today. The reason for this attempt was: The deer were starving due to over population caused by the eradication of natural predators, and the "need" of some ranchers who wanted more government grazing land. Thad Eburne, the story's hero, speaking for Zane Grey as an advocate of conservation, a protector of nature and wildlife, and who hates the job he has been forced to do, just because of the ranchers, tries with all his energy to make the drive successful. Also, in the cast is Patricia Edgerton, a world famous model who has tired of her sophisticated life and seeks a change. She comes to the Grand Canyon and is awed by the magnificence of nature, and decides to stay for the summer visiting the other natural wonders of the area--The Petrified Forest, Monument Valley, and the like. She is seeking a new life, tired of the decadent lifestyle, and seeking value and worth in life. This theme Zane Grey used effectively in many other of his heroines--Carly Birch, Call of the Canyon; Madeline Hammond, The Light of Western Stars; etal. This is a well crafted book, well thought out and easily brings out the message Zane Grey intended.
