EOCENE PERIOD 
And here and there on plain and mountain side 
Forerunners of the Deer tribes wander wide. 
Akin to these some forms here meet our eyes, 
That but as rabbits are in point of size, 
Though not with these lie their affinities. 430 
Like camels small, and lamas, most they seem ; 
And here glimpse may we catch of Nature's scheme, 
Which when in time worked out will bring to view, 
And through small forms does Nature work to new 
The Camel, Lama, and Dromedary true. 435 
In length twelve feet, in height six feet exceeding 
Some hoofed herbivorous monsters here are feeding. 
And of this strange Tinoceras so-called band 
No form is seen in any other land. 
Though with those big horned brutes, that met our eyes 440 
On Egypt's scene, seem their affinities. 
As elephants in bulk they most appear. 
Short-tusked they are, and on their skulls they bear 
Quaint knobs and horns ; of service for defence, 
If they can use them with intelligence. 445 
But small indeed their brains are ; and around 
No mammal beast so ill supplied is found. 
And in a world these creatures seem to live, 
That does to them but scanty welcome give. 
Not wide they range ; nor long time do they last 450 
Ere they as " failures " mingle with the past. 
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