210 
GENERAL INFERENCES. 
A fourth deduction is that te^nperature 
and climate have not been constant, that du¬ 
ring the first two geological epochs the 
climate in the Northern parts of the globe 
was very much hotter and more equable 
than at present. 
Fifth. The geographical range of species 
was far wider during the carboniferous 
period than at present; whilst during the 
tertiary formation, local floral provinces 
began to prevail. 
Thou unrelenting Past ! 
Strong are the harriers round thy dark domain, 
And fetters, sure and fast, 
Hold all that enter thy unhreathing reign. 
Far in thy realm withdrawn 
Old empires sit in sullenness and gloom. 
And glorious ages gone 
Lie deep within the shadow of thy womb. 
In thy abysses hide 
Beauty and excellence unknown—to thee 
Earth’s wonder and her pride 
Are gather’d, as the waters to the Bryant. 
