24 MARCH 1961, Page 36

Explorer

Trampling new seas with filthy timbers, he Jotted down islands, speculated on Vestigial civilisations, ate strange fruits

And called his officers Mister. When sails were

g9ne Bundling and tumbling down the shrieking dirk, He trailed the Bible as sea-anchor; when Reefs shaved the barnacles from the keel, he took His gentlemanly snuff. Each night at ten,

Under the lamp from which his cabin swung;' He logged the latest, drank his grog and sprad, With only one uncomprehending sigh,

His wild uncharted world upon his bed.

NORMAN maccalo