28 OCTOBER 1899, Page 14

[To THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR."] SIR,—I can vouch for

the truth of the following. Two gentlemen—cousins—became members of the Art Union on the same day, and, like other members, participated in the yearly drawing, or lottery, for prizes. A drew a prize ever'y year for many years. B never succeeded in getting one, and after many years resigned in disgust. Was B simply an unlucky man, or did he in any way contribute to his ill- success ?—I am, Sir, &c., E. L. LAYARD, C.M.G.,

late of H.B.ht.'s Consular Service.

Otterbourne,' Budleigh-Salterton.