6 OCTOBER 1906, Page 30

"PRIBBLES AND PR.A13BLES."

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTATOR:]

Sin,—The quotation, in your review of Major-General Maxwell's book in the Spectator of September 22nd, of a specimen of Baboo English—" May God pickle your worship!" —recalls an anecdote I beard years ago. A worthy French Protestant pastor was guest in a Scottish manse. One morn- ing kippered herrings were served at breakfast. The French pastor asked the meaning of "kipper." His host replied that it meant "to preserve." On taking his leave next day the French pastor, wringing his host's hand, said: "May the Lord kipper you, my good friend ! "—I am, Sir, 8z.e.,