JURASSIC PERIOD 
But in what special forms in times gone by, 
These flying lizards had their ancestry, 
What man can say ? A link is missing here 
In Nature's chain, that some day may appear. 205 
Amongst some unknown reptiles of the past, 
Perchance they and the dinosaurs possessed 
A common ancestor : whose bones from sight 
Lie in the rocks, or else have perished quite. 
But here they are, these dragons of the air 2 1 o 
Though small with mythic dragons they compare. 
Still though the largest that amongst them flies 
In body scarce exceeds a rook in size, 
Yet some there are whose bat-like wings display 
Far more expanse, than rooks' wings have to-day. 215 
Sharp teeth they have, and large bird-looking skulls ; 
And tails have some, nigh half the length of bulls'. 
A " little-finger " lengthened, holds and sets 
Their flying cloak ; and as might epaulettes 
The other fingers hang, with freer play ; 220 
To be with vigour used, in holding prey. 
Keen hunters are these creatures on the land 
Of mammal life, and fishes ofF the strand. 
Far o'er the land marsupial forms are spreading ; 
The largest not in size pole-cats exceeding. 225 
Resemblance to opossums most they bear, 
And banded ant-eaters, as in Trias were. 
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