CRETACEOUS PERIOD 
Thick piny woods, that captive hold the night, 
Spread on the plains, and many a mountain height. 355 
To California's " Big Tree" close allied, 
Sequoia firs are spreading far and wide. 
Great kingdoms will these Redwood giants found, 
As force they weaker growths to yield their ground. 359 
Though Time brings change ; and stand they not to-day 
As kings without kingdoms, or giants brought to bay ? 
But pines and cycads, that for long have held 
A wide dominion in the leafy world, 
Spreading from mountain heights to briny shores, 
Are now to face with new competitors. 365 
For willows, planes, and poplars grace the scene, 
The landscape lighting with a brighter green. 
Here too has ivy crept ; and growths allied 
To myrtle, fig, and laurel show their pride. 
Whence came these higher types that far surpass 370 
The cycads, ferns, and pines, and e'en the class 
To which the palms belong that stand indeed, 
By virtue of their seed-leaves, at the head 
Of all the leafy world ? Did land far north 
With once mild air, turned frigid, drive them forth 375 
To seek elsewhere clime suited to their growth ? 
And have the southern airs, now lighter grown, 
An opening offered in a milder zone ? 
9' 
