THIS RAW LAND

Following his autobiographical appreciation of life in the Alaskan Panhandle, The Cheechakoes (1964), is this account of water-and-wilderness weathering after the author's marriage, when he brought his ""city bride"" up home to the rugged life. Like many outdoor men, Mr. Short is not long on style but he does manage to keep a busy log. Fishing adventures, trapping (animal-life conservationists beware--the traps are not the new-fangled humane sort!), battles with grizzlies (mainly purely defensive measures), storms at sea, great soul-stirring scenery--comprise highpoints of an obviously contented life. Adapting to the rigors of pioneer living seems to have set well with Mrs. Short, and she raises two youngsters, pilots a boat with energy and skill. Although the author warns that the frontier here, as in other outposts, is regrettably closing in, this salt spray journal may inspire a few arm chair settlers to pack a pannikin and head north. Raw land for the restless, mainly huntin', fishin' fans.