14 APRIL 1990, Page 28

Welsh japes

Sir: It is really very naughty of two Welsh contributors to perpetrate subtle linguistic japes at the expense of your genial readers on the wrong side of Offa's Dyke (Letters, 24 March and 31 March). The English may make an affectation of incompetence at all languages, especially their own, but it is not kind to twit them with it. And if your letter-writers insist on regaling your read- ers with heavy-footed philological pas de deux, they should avoid the 'heavy plant crossing' joke, which was of quite Arthu- rian venerability when I first heard it nearly a quarter of a century ago.

Harri ap Hugun

12 Neville Place, De Morgannwg, Wales