604 THE UNIVERSE. 



the apiDroacli it makes towards ours. M. A. Brongniart 

 expresses liimself as follows : " Looked at as seen in 

 Europe," says this learned botanist, "this A^egetation dis- 

 plays, in particular, a great analogy Avith the present flora 

 of the temperate regions of the northern hemisphere." 



We are in fact astonished to find in the ancient strata 

 of this epoch unimpeachable remains of our ^^resent flora. 

 Nymphfeai allowed their beautiful flowers to float on the 

 surface of the trancpiil waters of the new worhl, whilst 

 the Potamogetons or pondweeds displayed their leaves in 

 the depths. Lastly, we find here also Goniferie, oaks, elms, 

 and other different contemporary genera. 



CHAPTEE VI 



QUATERNAEV OR POST -TERTIARY PERIOD, 



The first phases of this epoch are connected with the 

 tertiary period, and it is during one of those which follow 

 that we finally see man appear — man Avhose supreme essence 

 shows like a grand crowning of the work of creation. 



The post-tertiary is then the epoch to Avhich Ave belong, 

 and nearly all the creatures Avhich serve to enliA'en it are 

 those Ave see at present contributing their share to beautify 

 animated nature. But this period, Avhich perhaps contains 

 many myriads of years, Avas far from being so tranquil as 

 many geologists Avould have it. Though Ave no longer see 

 the immense seas which rolled their untamed AA^aves from 

 pole to pole, Ave find great deluges, tlie upheaA-al of moun- 



