23 NOVEMBER 1934, Page 10

A Hundred Years Ago

" THE SPECTATOR," NOVEMBER 22xxi, 1834.

An elderly lady at a village in Norfolk has adopted the singidar idea that she is an old' hen. Her restlessness and vexation were excessive so long as her friends contradicted the notion ; but after a time they ceased to do so, and at the recommendation of her medical adviser, suffered her to think and act as she pleased. In consequence Of this indulgence, the good dame- is more positive- than ever of her feathered state, and has even gone so far as to make herself a nest in a clothes-basket ; where she site a greht part of the day, 'with most praiseworthy patience, on three Dutch cheeses, asserting that they will be hatched in seven weeks' time.