23 SEPTEMBER 1995, Page 31

Eight-legged egghead

Sir: 'Do octopuses have souls?' Simon Jenkins asked, while failing to spear his din- ner on the Mediterranean sea-bed (Centre point, 9 September). Hard to say, but what they do have is brains. The octopus is the most intelligent invertebrate, with mental powers comparable to a dog. Scoffing its tentacles is akin to eating puppy dog's tails, but presumably more tasty.

Christopher Hirst

12 Fairfield Road, Beckenham, Kent