1 DECEMBER 1917, Page 25

(To THE EDITOR Or THE SPECTATOR."] Sm.—In these Fen parts

deafness is fairly common, possibly by reason of a cumulative effect of quinine. I hove noticed that the people have a particularly placid and happy look, for they hear no had words. Gossip, ill-natured or otherwise, is not likely to be shouted at them. To nog at them would be waste of breath. Much of what annoys one most comes through the bearing. Innuendo and the quirk answer back do not reach them. They