25 FEBRUARY 1899, Page 15

IRISH LIFE AND CHARACTER.

(To THE EDITOR OP THE " SPECTATOR.1

SIR,—The reviewer of Mr. Macdonagh's book, in the Spectator of February 18th relates an amusing experience of a Donegal critic and a " persevering " mother. I employed a gdlie at Gweedore last autumn, who may or may not have been a blood-relation of your reviewer's friend. On my remarking that the lough seemed an attractive place for wildfowl, and that I supposed a good many clacks visited it in winter, "Ducks, is it?" was the reply, "sure in the winter the lough is fairly tattooed wi"em!"—I am, Sir, &C., RALPH B. BENSON.

39 Norfolk Square, W., February 18th.