5 MAY 1950, Page 5

I am indebted to a number of readers who have

sent me semi- satisfactory explanations of the difference between Dumbarton and Dunbarton. The real difference seems to be that one—the latter— form is right and the other wrong. Dun means a rock or hill and " barton," it is suggested is a corruption of Briton (an old map gives the name Dunbretan). It is, of course, true that the consonant " m " is easier to pronounce before " b " than " n " is ; hence persons of slovenly speech (who appear to be in the majority in Scotland as in England) soon make Dunbarton Dumbarton. That is all very well so far as it goes. The reason I call it only semi-satisfactory is that it does not explain why both forms are still used, and why the county authorities seem to favour the " n " and the civic dignitaries the " m." After all if Scotsmen can say " Dunbar " they should not boggle at Dunbarton.

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