Describe symbolism in Crossing Open Ground by Barry Lopez

The Moore family (and the briefly referred to hunters and trappers who have carved out a similar life with the land) are portrayed as being the contemporary, ideological descendants of the several indigenous peoples referred to throughout the narrative - specifically, communities of human beings who understand, respect, and live in harmony with, the land and the natural life that inhabits it. In this context, the author's anecdotal bookending of their story with the story of his finding and returning of the rocks can be seen as a symbol of not only what he learned as the result of his encounter with the Moores but also of what he learns as the result of each of the experiences described in the collection.