2 FEBRUARY 1985, Page 19

Magnetic fly buttons

Sir: Your reviewer of Albanian Assign- ment, Timothy Garton Ash (Books, 26 January), professes not to know how to operate a magnetic fly button in a tight spot. One cut it off, found a dead flat surface in adequate light and 'hey presto' it had a knob or stud that pointed north, when dropped upon say a plate or table top. One's parts were then open to the elements. The silk maps were as valuable as Hermes headscarves, and useful for giving to beautiful admirers or sympathis- ers, nurses and suchlike.

Nicolas Powell

11 Somerset Street, Kingsdown, Bristol