A writer in the _Almanach des Gourmands_ says, in praise of a certain viand, "this is a dish to be eaten on your knees." There are writers who, with, goose-quill in hand, never approach royalty, but they--write upon their knees! Q. * * * * * PUNCH'S PENCILLINGS.--No. XXII. [Illustration: JACK CUTTING HIS NAME ON THE BEAM.] * * * * * PUNCH'S INFORMATION FOR THE PEOPLE. INTERNATIONAL GEOGRAPHY. The Fleet is a very peculiar isolated kingdom, bounded on the north by the wall to the north or north wall; on the south, by the wall to the south or south wall; on the east, by the wall to the east or east wall; and on the west, by the wall to the west or west wall. The manners and habits of the natives are marked with many extraordinary peculiarities; and some of the local customs are of an exceedingly interesting character. The derivation of the word "Fleet" has caused many controversies, and we believe is even now involved in much mystery, and subject to much dispute. Some commentators have endeavoured to establish an analogy between the words "_fleet_" and "fast," with the view of showing that these being nearly synonymous terms, "the fleet is a corruption from the fast, or keep _fast_." Others again contend the origin to be purely nautical, inasmuch as this country, like the ships in war time, is mostly peopled with _pressed men_. While a third class argue that the name was originally one of warning, traditionally handed down from father to son by the inhabitants of the surrounding countries (with whom this land has never been in high favour), and that the addition of the letter _T_ renders the phrase perfect, leaving the caution thus, _Flee-it_--now contracted and perverted into the commonly used term of _Fleet_. As we are only the showmen about to exhibit "the lions and the dogs," we merely put forward these deductions, and tell our readers they are welcome to choose "which_h_ever they please, _h_our little dears!" while we will at once proceed to describe the manners and habits of the natives.