EOCENE PERIOD 
The breaking up of countless haunts of life, 
Changes in food supplies, and keener strife. 
Fierce epidemics too perchance had been, 
Filling the earth with many a ghastly scene. 
Nor in these movements, that afar had ranged, 75 
Could clime in many parts have kept unchanged. 
And change of clime brings changes in its train, 
A blessing here maybe, and there a bane. 
And much of life too specialized become 
Must, in the change, have met a ready doom. 80 
But causes that had far and wide removed 
Once thriving groups had also Life improved. 
For now at last come Mammals to the fore, 
And Reptiles big and stupid rule no more. 
What see we now about Europa's land, 85 
Where still the seas, though beaten back, command 
Vast breadths that in our day dry terranes stand ? 
Opossums still keep up the " pouchy " line, 
Though destined are Marsupials to resign, 
As spreads the newer, higher life around, 90 
All haunts, in time, upon Europa's ground. 
Small insectivorous creatures here are dwelling, 
Shrews, moles and hedgehogs and the like foretelling. 
And from their ranks some Bat -like forms have sprung 
Flying on leathery wings the woods among. 95 
103 
