two other losses: PERCIVAL LEIGH, last survivor of the 'Old Guard,'
dying on 24th October, 1889, whilst, early in the present year,
the inimitable CHARLES KEENE, universally acknowledged to be the
greatest master of 'Black-and-White' technique who ever put pencil
to wood-block, was taken away from me.

"Merely to mention _all_ the bright pens and pencils which have
occasionally contributed to my pages, would occupy much space. Amongst
Writers may be named MAGUIN HANNAY, STIRLING COYNE, COVENTRY PATMORE,
MORTIMER COLLINS, GEORGE AUGUSTUS SALA, ANDREW LANG, JAMES PAYN, and
Lord TENNYSON; amongst Artists, HOWARD (whose signature, a trident,
was at one time familiar to _Punch_ readers), Miss BOWERS, RALSTON,
BRYAN, BARNARD, W.S. GILBERT (who illustrated several of his own
articles), CORBOULD, CALDECOTT, RIVIÈRE, H.S. MARKS, FRED WALKER,
SIR JOHN MILLAIS, and Sir FREDERICK LEIGHTON.

"The present Staff, Mr. ANNO DOMINI, you may see assembled 'round
the old Tree' in the accompanying Cartoon. Around on the walls are
the counterfeit presentments of their illustrious and honoured
predecessors. My guests, you perceive, are drinking a toast. That
toast is, '_Mr. Punch_, his health and Jubilee!'"

"In which I am delighted to join!" responded ANNO DOMINI. "_Mr.
Punch_, you must be as proud of your 'Mahogany Tree,' and its many
memories, as King ARTHUR of his Table Round."

"'For dear to ARTHUR was that hall of ours,
As having there so oft with all his Knights
Feasted,'"