19 MARCH 2005, Page 46

Q. I have recently returned from a hiking holiday in

La Palma where I stayed with two elderly vulcanologists. Everything went well until I had to share a lunchtime picnic of smoked Serrano ham, when the male vulcanologist became petulant and accused me of taking more than my fair share. I was taken aback by his impersonation of a caveman. How can this problem be avoided in the future?

G.W., Wilts A. It is well known that male territorialism comes to the fore at barbecues, bonfires and picnics. Males do not like sharing from communal piles of food. The problem of clashing antlers can be avoided if each male is presented with a separately packed and labelled picnic. In future the female vulcanologist should ensure that this provision has been made.