5 APRIL 1930, Page 20

THE GENTLE :UNICORN [To The Editor of the SPECTATOR.] SIR,—On

reading a book review, under the above heading, in a recent issue of the Spectator, I learned with interest some of the amiable. habits of the unicorn ; and am reminded of an incident that hapPened a few years ago -in China.

I was on my way to see what remains of the gardens of the

Emperor's Summer Palace near Peking. En route I passed a gateway that had been damaged during the Boxer Rebellion. One of two supporting bronze deer still lay on its side in the roadway. I asked my native guide if he could tell me what kind of deer was rePiesented, and was surprised to hear that -it' was a-unicorn. On my pointing out the impossibility of that being sO, asst had two horns, my guide proudly informed me that all Chinese . unicorns have two horns ! • With due humility I refrained from further argument.—I am, Sir, &c., W. BALFOUR GOURLAYe 7 Millington Road, CaMbridge.