FINAL RETREAT OF THE ICE 
THE monstrous ice, before increasing heat, 
Is beating now a slow but sure retreat. 
But as a tide, retiring from the shore, 
Oft rolls in waves, outstripping some before ; 
So does the sheet, although its range be less, r 
On bordering scenes, at times, in fulness press. 
But though in winter it may far extend, 
Yet is its ancient empire at an end. 
Some promise now Europa's landscapes hold 
To win again the softer looks of old. 10 
But though less arctic may her lands appear, 
E'en in the south oft is the cold severe. 
On Francia's southlands reindeer wander wide, 
Through scenes with northern mosses still supplied. 
Rhinoceroses of the " woolly " kind, 15 
And mammoths here congenial quarters find. 
Here too are living brown and grizzly bears, 
Musk-sheep, and chamois, wolves, and mountain hares ; 
Big " Irish " deer, and red deer too are roaming, 
And horses in their troops are hither coming. 20 
