OLIGOCENE PERIOD 
Small reptiles truly, in past age domains, 
Held wondrous treasure hidden in their veins. 
Yet all through Nature wonders do we find, 200 
And this one not more strangely strikes the mind, 
Than that in sea-weeds sylvan life began, 
Or that in Lemurs lay the seed of Man. 
The insect life, though it be called to pay 
Enormous toll to Death, and day by day, 205 
If judge we may by creatures that we see 
About Europa's central territory, 
Fares well enough. White ants of giant size 
Are here abroad, and monster dragon flies. 
Grasshoppers too, big-bodied, here abound, 210 
As they indeed a paradise had found. 
Here too Vanessa butterflies, with wings 
Of dusky hue, have happy wanderings. 
And though the insect world has much to pay, 
Light is the heart with which it goes its way. 215 
About Columbia's land, where oft have been 
Life-forms unique, such life may still be seen. 
Long here has Brontops lived, a thick skinned beast, 
With length that measures twice six feet at least. 
His bulky carcase seems most to present 220 
Rhinoceros looks, with points of elephant, 
i 129 
