Discuss the independent life of a trapper and mountain man. Is this an exciting life of beautiful scenery and experiences? Is this a place where a man can make his financial future? Does Osborne Russell become lonely?

Discuss the development of the West and the Oregon Territory. There are no towns in the northern Rocky Mountains yet except for Forts. Still, supply parties and brigades are regularly traveling from Missouri in the United States, to the Columbia River mouth on the Pacific Coast. Does the reader get a sense that economic activity is increasing and being developed?

Discuss relations between the trappers and the Indians. Some Indians, notably the Blackfeet, are generally hostile and trying to defend their territory from the whites. Other Indians are friendly to the white trappers and even join them or intermarry with them. Are the trappers being fair to...