11 JANUARY 1992, Page 22

Bard and bird

Sir: Coming from Norfolk, I not only sleep in my clothes during the winter but also know the heron by the name which would have been familiar to Shakespeare — harnser. Surely this sounds sufficiently like handsaw to merit Mr Pryor's consideration (Books, 21/28 December).

David Bet/tell

Bracondale, Overstrand Road, Cromer, Norfolk