24 MAY 1924, Page 15

'POPULAR SONGS AND ENGLISH HUMOUR. [To the Editor of the

SPECTATOR.] Sm,—Brought up on Edward Lear and Lewis Carroll, I have 'long been a devotee of nonsense. Now, I am told that among the popular songs of the moment are three with the following titles : "When it's night-time in Italy it's Wednesday over here," "Do shrimps make good mothers ? " "Why tigers play tennis." Is this a fact, and if so, are there any more songs in the same vein, and are they of English or American origin ? To me they seem to possess the verve, apparent sobriety, and wildness of the best classical school of English nonsense.—I am, Sir, &e.•

NORTH WALE&