15 JUNE 1956, Page 31

In revising a work of reference, one of my colleagues

discovered various lines of prose which had the familiar five-foot iambic cadence. This prompts me to offer the usual prize of six guineas for a sonnet, or up to 14 lines of blank verse or heroic couplets, beginning either : 'The pilchard, parent of the true sardine' or : 'Tractors and turbines in the Promised Land.'

Entries, addressed 'Spectator Competition No. 331,' 99 Gower Street, London, WC1, by June 26. Results on July 6.