JURASSIC PERIOD 
Though different lands may favour special creatures, 
Life little varies in its general features ; 355 
Except, may be, in regions far away, 
In polar lands, and from whose scenes may stray 
A glorious life, though distant be the day. 
New forms of flying lizards hover o'er 
Europa's isles, and up and down the shore. 360 
Some little creatures, sparrow-sized, are here 
With skulls that likeness to a sparrow's bear. 
And teeth have they, though but a scant supply 
Compared with some of their fraternity. 
For some of woodcock size pursue their way 365 
Whose opened bills full rows of teeth display. 
Some forms with swan-like bills are in the throng ; 
Others with massive heads career along. 
And some there are with narrowed flying sails, 
And long free swinging, rudder-serving tails. 370 
Quaint group they form, these tenants of the air, 
And to what end is Nature pressing here ? 
Or are these creatures now but culs de sac, 
Relics of life whose part was played far back ? 
Still thrive the mammals, spite of struggles keen, 375 
And some new groups of young blood stir the scene. 
Rat-kangaroo-like creatures leap along 
The forest glades, and ferny brakes among. 
73 
