MIOCENE PERIOD 
Some forms, perchance, in Tillodonts inmated, 
And to Ant-eaters and the like related, 1 50 
Now haunt the scene ; and keen with claw and tongue 
Soon make their presence known and felt among 
The fertile swarms, though " legion " be the throng. 
Alike maybe from Tillodonts derived 
Are creatures here, that have in time contrived 155 
To found a family ; or at least are giving 
Promise of such. For these new forms here living, 
Judged by their teeth, seem over ancient lines, 
And on their way to true formed Porcupines. 
Nor will the little creatures tamely yield 160 
To butcher brutes, that seem to hold the field ; 
And many a tiger form, in times ahead, 
Progged by their spines, will slink discomfited. 
In Lemur ranks clear has the cleavage grown, 
And in distinct and bold relief are thrown 165 
" Stagnants " and " Progressives," those on the way 
To higher planes, and those condemned to stay 
In Lemurage ; and be by Nature there 
Slow crystallised, or ear-marked as it were. 
And now by clime compelled, and apes maybe, 170 
(And relatives not always do agree) 
Lemurs forsake Europa's territory. 
But far away in Africa's domain 
Haunts will they find : and still some pride retain. 
141 
