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.
Apart from describing white settlers, shepherds and miners, she also tells the story of Winnenap', an Indian medicine man who was killed by his tribe after his efforts were deemed ineffective. However, she quickly moves on to describe the breathtaking scenery and wildlife in Shoshone land.
From then on, Austin's criticism of the negative influences of modern civilization become more prominent. She condemns shepherds and Indians who exploit the land and damage the beauty of nature. Moreover, due to people living in modern houses and using advanced technology she claims that humans have become out of touch with nature and unable to appreciate its gifts.
The book ends with a description of the ideal way of life by presenting the seemingly utopian town of El Pueblo de Las Uvas, where houses are made of earth, and people live without any crime or class distinction, borrowing what they need from one another. In her closing sentence, she challenges her audience to visit Lave Uvas and change their selfish attitude.
