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In The Great Plains, Webb begins by introducing the land’s unique characteristics that set it apart from the neighboring landscapes. Physical characteristics like rainfall, wind, topography, etc. are illustrated. There can be a considerable amount of variance as one studies different areas ranging from Texas to Canada. Webb then describes vegetation in the plains and moves up the food chain from there. Different animals and their adaptations to the environment are identified and compared with similar species. A chapter on Native Americans that inhabited the plains portrays the lifestyle they lived for years and how the use of horses changed some of these practices. Exploration and discovery of the plains is given from the Spanish and American perspectives. Adaptations to the land are depicted through discussion on fencing, transportation, and the search for water. Webb concludes his book on the topics of literature and mysteries (ex. effects on humans from the land and romanticism) of the Great Plains.
Webb does a very good job in establishing a foundation on which he builds his statement of land changing the people. This foundation is important because it gives the reader an understanding on why some of the adaptations are made. For example, the Native Americans used sign language that was more prominent signals that were made away from the body so they would be noticeable from a farther distance. This has correlation to the landscape which Webb described in the beginning of the book. The sign language might be composed of smaller gestures if the communication was used in an area where the distance between the two individuals was smaller. Similar suggestions could be given for fencing, water sources, and many other examples in his book. Growing up on a farm, this book served as an “eye-opener” in that it made me think about why some of the practices are done the way they are. For example, the use of no-till is an adaptation that helps reduce wind erosion. This book helped me to think on a different level about adjusting to the environment.
Webb, in my opinion, was successful in getting his point across. He discussed a great deal about horses and transportation and how they revolutionized the plains. I think there could be a whole chapter on how machinery has helped change the plains into a more efficient and productive area. –Chris Schmaltz