5 DECEMBER 1931, Page 12

A Hundred Years Ago

THE SPECTATOR," DECEMBER 3ao, 1831.

SOMNATLSM.

An Irishman, in the employment of Mr. Fitzpatrick, Ship Agent, Cork, took on Sunday sennight to the rather rare amusement of swimming in his sleep. He was picked up, a hundred yards from the shore ; and is supposed to have swum a mile and a half, without waking. He could hardly be persuaded that he was not in bed. The cholera will hardly venture on this fellow ; no cold will abafc his strength.