31 MARCH 2001, Page 35

Cocktails of Remsenburg

From Mr Patrick Skene aiding Sir: Another life of P.G. Wodehouse? Robert McCrum (Plum job', 24 March) is to be applauded and deserves all the assistance he can get. In the article on his research there is an error that should not be allowed to sully his final draft. Plum's `matutinal routine' at home in Remsenburg never, never, never included a cocktail before lunch. Ethel invariably served the first cocktail of the day, a large, exquisitely dry Martini, the first of two, no fewer, no more, at exactly 1800 hours. I was there, Patrick Skene Catling

Ahakista, Co. Cork, Eire

The Editor writes: this column is taking a well-earned rest from Middle Eastern questions this week, though the correspondence is not yet officially closed.