4 FEBRUARY 1905, Page 15

Sin,—Fox's witticism was certainly applied to Thurlow, not to Eldon,

as Mr. Fletcher suggests. If ever it was aimed at the latter, it must have been after Thurlow's death, from an unwillingness to let a good story lose its point. There is abundant contemporary testimony to Lord Thurlow's owl-like look of wisdom, not the least amusing being the story of the Duke of Norfolk's solicitor, who, while in deep consultation about electioneering business at Arundel Castle, was sur- prised by the Duke's owl-keeper rushing in with the exciting news : " Lord Thurlow has laid an egg this morning I " The Duke explained to the astonished solicitor that ' Lord Thurlow' was only the most pompous and wise-looking bird in his collection.—I am, Sir, &c., Owsden Rectory, Newmarket. EDWARD J. PURCHASE.

OXFORD EPIGRAMS.