This region, which resembles one of the ancient steppes of Asia has not inaptly been termed 'the great American desert.' It spreads forth into undulating and treeless plains, and desolate sandy wastes, wearisome to the eye from their extent and monotony, . . . It is a land where no man permanently abides; for, in certain seasons of the year there is no food either for the hunter or his steed." – Washington Irving, Astoria, 1836 In the above excerpt, Washington Irving expresses an opinion about the Great Plains. Which phrase does not show Irving's bias against the Great Plains? A. "has not been inaptly termed ‘the great American desert'" B. "wearisome to the eye" C. "resembles one of the ancient steppes of Asia" D. "desolate sandy wastes"