20 FEBRUARY 1959, Page 31

If Andrew Marvell had been living today he would have

had much more material to draw on for his garden poems, what with modern importa- tions like chincherinchees, and flowers that have been developed since his day. The usual prize of six guineas is offered for a poem, not exceeding twelve lines, in the manner of Herrick, Tennyson, Shelley, Swinburne, Andrew Young, or Marvell himself, introducing modern flowers.

Entries, addressed 'Spectator Competition No. 471,' 99 Gower Street, London, WCI, by March 3. Results on March 13.