102 The Wilson Bulletin — Xo. 108 



THE ART OF SUBSPECIATION 



The species that were, 



The species that are. 



The species that are to be. 



Are a source of dismay, 



In the present day. 



To philosophers, such as we. 



To cover the need 



For a definite creed, 



We scientists large and small, 



Have developed a scheme. 



Which, on the surface, would seem. 



The ultimate all-in-all. 



That it happened by chance, 



You may see at a glance. 



For it's simple as two and two; 



To arrive at the point 



You just measure a joint. 



And look the specimen through. 



Then you note in your book, 

 With a wisdomful look, 

 (It's a matter of touch-and-go) 

 And you give it a name, 

 It may all be the same, 

 Buteo buteo buteo. 



Then you pass it along 



To the ignorant throng, 



With a most magnanimous air. 



Then act as the sponsor, 



And stand-by to answer, 



For the species that isn't there. 



— Arthur Laavrence Bolton. 



