MODERN PERIOD 
More skill and finished workmanship appear, 
Than was of old on such work brought to bear. 
The art of grinding has discovered been, 
And implements are ground to edges keen ; 255 
And as some growing sense of taste to please, 
Polished are oft the smoothed down surfaces. 
Some knowledge too of pottery is theirs, 
Though rough and rude as yet may be their wares. 
Acquaintance too with spinning is possessed, 260 
As burnt clay whorls about their homes attest. 
A farming life must needs bring in its train 
A greater union in the ranks of men, 
Than hunter life can bring. And hence we see 
These husbandmen in close community. 265 
And families close-tribed must surely gain 
A strength unknown to widely scattered men. 
Where, then, are now the hunter-artists found ? 
Have they, through changing times, maintained their ground ? 
Or are they from this mortal scene all gone, 270 
Their part in life performed, their labours done ? 
No sign of them, indeed, we here can trace ; 
Perchance they driven were from place to place 
By these new farming tribes, and in the end 
Were clean wiped out, or forced far north to wend. 275 
As roving hunters scarce could they have learned 
To what advantage union may be turned ; 
217 
