temperate portions of the earth. The only
way you can explain this motley assemblage of trees is, to suppose that
in what is now Europe was a climate free from extremes, allowing the
trees to put forth flowers and fruits all the year round. "Reminding
us," says Prof. Heer, "of those fortunate zones where Nature never goes
to rest."<35>

Illustration of Miocene Mammals.-----------

Let us now inquire as to the animals that roamed through these great
forests we have been describing. The Miocene period extended over a
long lapse of time, and considerable change took place among the animals
belonging to the different parts of this age. We will only give a
general outline for the whole period. The marsupials lingered along into
the early stages of this period, and then disappeared from Europe. The
rhinoceros were present in the early stages, and continued through the
entire age. We meet in this period animals of the elephant kind, two
species, the mastodon and deinotherium. Antelopes and gazelles wandered
in vast troops over the plains of Hungary, Spain, and Southern France.
Carnivorous animals resembling tigers and hyenas found abundance of
animal food. Herds of horse-like animals fed on the rich herbage of the
meadows. The birds were largely represented. In the woods were to be
seen flocks of gayly feathered paroquets and trogons. On the plains
secretary-birds hunted the serpents and reptiles, which furnished them
food--and eagles were on the watch for their prey. Cranes waded in the
rivers for fish. Geese, herons, and pheasants must have been abundant.

Our main interest centers in the order Quadrumana. We must remember that
this order appeared in the Eocene. Several species were present in the
Miocene. They wandered in the forests of France, Switzerland,
Germany, and Italy, and doubtless found abundant food in the figs and
bread-fruit, walnuts, almonds, dates, and other nuts growing there.<36>
One of the most important is regarded as belonging to the same genus as
the Gibbons.<37> This is the genus which has been sometimes regarded
as making a nearer approach to man than any other monkey.<38> Others,
however, consider it as belonging to an extinct family.<39> In addition
to this species there were at least three other species: thus there was
no absence of simian life in the Miocene.<40>

From the sketch we have thus far drawn of the Miocene Age, it seems to
have been a very favorable one in every respect. One write