The Quadrupeds' Pic-Nic. Unknown

thought by the company very unfitting.

      But, to shorten my tale, all the New World were there,

      From the tiny shrew mouse to the fierce grisly bear;

      Though it seems that the peccary was not invited,

      For he as a nuisance had just been indicted.

      From the Old World, the lion and tiger with glee

      Would have join’d them, but dreaded the journey by sea.

      Beneath some fine trees, on the beautiful green,

      A knot of philosophers was to be seen

      Looking gravely about, and conversing together;

      Some on learning and science, and some on the weather.

      Dr. Mole on geology talk’d in high strain,

      And declared his researches had not been in vain,

      And that many geologists would have been glad

      To have found opportunities such as he had;

      For whilst searching for food in his underground travel,

      Midst fossils, roots, shells, hid in chalk, sand, or gravel,

      He the monstrous remains of great mammoths had seen,

      Who no longer existed, but who once had been;

      “The theories about them are various,” said he,

      “As to how they came there, and what they may be;

      But not one of these I incline to receive,

      For that they were elephants, who can believe?

      There was one Mr. Cuvier, who talk’d of the sloth,

      But to listen to nonsense like this I am loth;