MIOCENE PERIOD 
And though these creatures " extra " toes possess, 
These toes to ground seem scarcely now to press. 
For Aaron rod like is the central toe 100 
Absorbing them, and doomed they are to go. 
And with feet more compact will come more speed, 
And greater safety in the hour of need. 
Hornless Musk-deer-like forms still meet our view, 
But deer are now abroad of fashion new, 105 
Small deep-forked horns upon their heads are growing, 
(As Muntjacs have), as Nature were bestowing 
Some means to meet conditions near at hand, 
That promise little peace throughout the land. 
Here too on plain and hillside live and thrive 1 10 
Creatures, that though of structure primitive, 
Are leaving Deer-like ranks to launch the throng 
To which sheep, oxen, goats, and antelopes belong. 
Small antelopes these creatures most appear, 
* 
And like their Muntjac looking cousins here, 115 
They too have horns ; and these, though small and slender, 
In love and war will useful service render. 
Big Mastodons, four tusked, are on the scene, 
Resembling forms that here of old had been. 
Yet some there are that bear in tooth the sign 120 
That they are working into closer line 
With species of to-day. Here too there range 
Some tusky trunky brutes of aspect strange. 
'39 
