NEBULA TO MAN 
And whilst to true Rhinoceros some had tended, 
Others more nimble o'er the plains had wended 
To lead a roving life ; and little armed 275 
Had speed acquired to aid them when alarmed. 
But though Hyracodons not horses are, 
Nor ever will be, yet in Columbia 
Well have the pigmy equines pushed ahead, 
Far though as yet from being thoroughbred. 280 
Old four-toed steeds are still on hill and plain ; 
But life moves faster now ; and these must gain 
A speed more great, if they would hold their own 
Against old foes that quicker paced have grown. 
And forms indeed are here than they more fleet, 285 
To judge. at least by their more centred feet. 
For beasts there are, whose fourth toe nigh is lost, 
And middle toes have thriven at its cost. 
Thus do the equines for the times prepare, 
With toes more pulled together, as it were. 290 
And though on scenes they live where might is right, 
Yet flight its victories has no less than fight ; 
And these the Mesohippi called will bear 
The equine race through all its perils here. 
Small Camel types, but rabbit-sized, and few, 295 
That in the Eocene days here met our view, 
Seem vanished now. But new forms here and there 
Less dwarfish built, and longer necked appear. 
13* 
