Such a tale of Science seems
  Like the offspring of wild dreams;
  Fiction surely, in good sooth,
  Can invent no tale like truth. 
  Stranger story none could write
  Than this of the Phagocyte.

  The Astronomer descries
  Worlds on worlds beyond our eyes;
  ’Neath the microscope weird things
  Erst unseen whirl round in rings;
  Hence it is that we indite
  Stanzas to the Phagocyte.

* * * * *

[Illustration:  “SHADOWED!”]

* * * * *

[Illustration:  A SPECULATIVE OFFER.

Driver. “NOW, TOM, WHEN WE ARRIVE AT THE TURN, I’LL SELL YOU THE DOG-CART FOR A SOV!”]

* * * * *

MR. PUNCH’S SWIM ROUND THE WORLD.

(From his own Prophetic Log-book.)

Herne Bay.—­The weather being extremely favourable, I jumped off the end of the new pier, and, getting the benefit of the flood tide, passed the Nore and inspected Southend.  Swimming quite easily, assisted by one or two short rests.

Margate.—­Beached this popular seaside place a few hours later.  Swam out of sight of the sands to rid myself of a view of the excursion riff-raff thereon congregated.  Sea completely smooth, but cold.  Took a nip of ——­’s English Cognac.

Ramsgate.—­Very pleased to find myself abreast of the Royal Crescent, which seemed delightful.  Cape Grisnez still bearing N.E. by E. Munched one of ——­’s excellent Birchrod Biscuits.

Dover.—­Just had a good long rest in front of Clarence Lawn, which glistened in the sunlight.  Greatly refreshed after a drink of ——­’s Essence of Gravy beef.

Calais.—­A shower of rain came on at this point.  However, one of ——­’s excellent umbrellas kept my head dry, and, being easy to hold, did not prevent me from swimming and writing up my log.

Gibraltar.—­I felt very fatigued going through the Bay of Biscay, but recovered much of my strength off the fortress by sucking one of ——­’s capital Kill-cough Lozenges.

Malta.—­I have now been in the water six days and three nights continuously, and yet am nearly as fresh as when I started.  I attribute this marvellous fact to my practice of sipping ——­’s Essence of Coffeetine.

Aden.—­Water extremely hot, but am still confident of success.  Went to sleep for an hour in the Red Sea, smoking one of ——­’s Anti-alligator cigarettes, which are a real preventive against crocodile annoyance.

Madras.—­Am continuing my side-stroke but somewhat languidly.  I half regretted that I was unable to go on shore to see the Indian curiosities.  Much refreshed after partaking of the contents of ——­’s Patent Luncheon Basket.

Singapore.—­Have now been continually in the water for six weeks.  Regret that my log should be so “scrappy,” but my time just now is very much occupied by other things.  Tired, but confident of success.  During the last fortnight have fed with great relish upon ——­’s Puree de foies gras. It is not only cheap, but excellent.