The Land of Little Rain – Publ

A collection of essays on flora and fauna of the American Southwest.

The Land of Little Rain is a collection of essays on flora and fauna of the American Southwest. Author Mary Austin begins by describing the unbearable heat in this area but emphasizes that despite the hot climate and the tough environment it is worth living there because the solitude provides a peaceful state of mind. Austin is fascinated by the animals who found their place in nature there, with their almost magical power of finding water. Logically, she moves on to give an account of the scavengers, i.e. animals that feed upon carrion, such as the buzzards, vultures, and carrion crows. She acknowledges that they are a necessary part of the desert life but also criticizes humans for their littering because their trash cannot be eaten by the scavengers and therefore remains outside the natural recycling process.

After describing the animals, Austin portrays the Pocket Hunter whose real name she does not reveal, as a small, bowed man, with a face and manner and speech of no character at all. He has traveled great distances using only the simplest tools. After briefly living in England, which was his goal all along, he soon returns to Southern California, which Austin claims is his destiny. Similarly, she is fascinated by the people living in Jimville, whose inhabitants experience a pull despite having to endure many hardships.