10 MARCH 1928, Page 17

OIL POLLUTION AT SEA

[To the Editor of the SPECTATOR.]

Sin,--A month or so ago I read in a newspaper' a letter from a lady who had found a bird in distress and had cleansed its wings from oil by sponging the whole bird over with petrol. This, of course, was' done in the. open air and away from a naked light or fire. The bird was not allowed to go until the pbtrol had evaporated. Afterwards the bird flew away. I should imagine, if petrol was not handy, ether (as used for toilet purposes in beauty parlours and by chiropodists) would be an adequate substitute.—I am, Sir, &c.,

R. W. E. MACQUEEN.

252 Camden Road, N.W.1.