NEBULA TO MAN 
Whilst then, perchance, back in the olden days 
In southern lands did Nature slowly raise 380 
Her woods and brakes of club-moss, ferns, and reeds, 
And other growths that sank in peaty beds ; 
And whilst pines, ferns, and cycads carried on 
The leafy life when older types were gone, 
Away in silent lands, far in the north 385 
Was she a different plant-life bringing forth. 
As time goes on more growths forsake a land 
Where maybe but as bushes could they stand, 
And press triumphant on their southward ways ; 
Like Gothic hordes on Rome in later days : 390 
Fighting what growths they meet ; for plants have wars, 
And what they gain, they gain as conquerors. 
Towards Columbia's lands in force they come, 
Of leafy states and dynasties the doom ; 
Pushing, with might as right, their frontier lines 395 
'Midst yielding cycads, and tenacious pines. 
See here the stalwart oaks their branches spread ; 
And hardy alders push their way ahead : 
And beeches stretching far their solemn shade, 
Jealous of other plant-life in their glade. 400 
Up sloping mountains birches find their way, 
And, rapid growing, forest wealth display. 
Walnuts are casting round their ample shade ; 
And tulip trees, in beauteous bloom arrayed, 
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