28 FEBRUARY 1970, Page 26

War at sea

Sir: One of your reviewers (7 February) talks of a fleet 'comprising' U-boats, cruisers, etc. Another talks of thirteen essays which 'comprise' a book. Your readers are invited to decide which qualifies for the wooden spoon, and what is wrong with the quotation: `0 saisons! 0 phiiteaux! Quel 'time est sans defauts?'