When “The Pathfinder” came later from the author’s pen critics were startled from the press-estimate of his character by “the novel beauty of that glorious work—­I must so call it,” said Bryant.  Natty’s goodness a dangerous gift might prove for popular success, but its appeal to Washington Irving won this record:  “They may say what they will of Cooper; the man who wrote this book is not only a great man, but a good man.”  Balzac held it to be “un beau livre” and thought Cooper owed his high place in modern literature to painting of the sea and seamen, and idealizing the magnificent landscapes of America.  It was of Cooper and his works that Balzac wrote:  “With what amazing power has he painted nature!  How all his pages glow with creative fire!”

[Illustration:  J.W.  TRUMBULL.]

Concerning Cooper’s innate love for his home-country scenery, Dr. Francis gives this incident:  “It was a gratifying spectacle to see Cooper with old Colonel Trumbull, the historical painter, discanting on Cole’s pencil in delineating American forest-scenery—­a theme richest in the world for Cooper.  The venerable Colonel with his patrician dignity, and Cooper with his aristocratic bearing, yet democratic sentiment.  Trumbull was one of the many old men I knew who delighted in Cooper’s writings, and in conversation dwelt upon his captivating genius.”

[Illustration:  JAMES FENIMORE COOPER.]

Personally, Mr. Cooper was a noble type of our race.  He was of massive, compact form, a face of strong intelligence and glowing with masculine beauty, in his prime.  His portraits, though imposing, by no means do justice to the impressive and vivacious presence of the man.  This pen picture is by one who knew the author well.

[Illustration:  CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS.]

[Illustration:  COLUMBUS’ FLEET.]

On July 8, of this year, Cooper was made a member of the Georgia Historical Society, and the following autumn “Mercedes of Castile” came from his pen.  It relates the first voyage of Columbus, and “with special knowledge of a seaman, the accuracy of an historian, and with something of the fervor of a poet.”

Gleaning Miss Cooper’s “Pages and Pictures,” one reads, as to “The Deerslayer”:  “One pleasant summer evening the author of ’The Pathfinder,’ driving along the shady lake shore, was, as usual, singing; not, however, a burst of Burns’s ‘Scots wha ha’ wi’ Wallace bled!’ or Moore’s ’Love’s Young Dream,’—­his favorites,—­but this time a political song of the party opposing his own.  Suddenly he paused as a woods’ opening revealed to his spirited gray eye an inspiring view of Otsego’s poetical waters.”  When the spell was broken he turned to his beloved daughter and exclaimed:  “I must write one more book, dearie, about our little lake!” Another far-seeing look was taken, to people this beautiful scene with the creatures of his fancy, followed by a moment of silence, then cracking his whip, he resumed his song with some careless chat,