11 SEPTEMBER 1915, Page 15

" scoff " or " skoff," has long been current

at the Cape in the sense of a trek or march. Thus, speaking of a journey performed by a span of oxen or a column of troops, it is usual to say " We did a mighty long scoff last night." This meaning of the word is no doubt an extension of the original Dutch schoft, a quarter of a day; but the Oxford Dictionary so far has overlooked it.—I am, Sir, &c., N. W. H.