THE PRESERVATION OF OUR FAUNA 209 



ing when and where we are forced to maintain our own 

 competitive position. 



Until we have fathomed that great problem, the evolu- 

 tion of the mind, we have no right to be dogmatic in our 

 assertions that animals cannot understand and even 

 think. What may be their attitude towards us and our 

 boasted civilisation ? There is sound common sense in 

 Edward Carpenter's allegorical lines on "Squinancy- 

 wort": 



" What have I done ? 

 I am a little flower, 

 Out of many a one 

 That twinkles forth after each passing shower. 



* * * 



" Many an age agone, 

 Before man walked on earth, 



was. . . . 



Web-footed monsters came 

 And into the darkness went 

 In ponderous tournament. 



* * * * 



" What have I done ? Man came, 

 Evolutional upstart one ! 

 With the gift of giving a name 

 To everything under the sun. 

 What have I done ? Man came 

 (They say nothing sticks like dirt), 

 Looked at me with eyes of blame, 

 And called me ' squinancy-wort.' 



* * * * 



" Yet there is hope. I have seen 

 Many changes since I began. 

 The web-footed beasts have been 

 (Dear beasts !) and gone, being part of a wider plan. 

 Perhaps in His infinite mercy God will remove this 

 Man 1" 



