11 APRIL 1941, Page 14

HARTINGTON " am attempting, in spite of the difficulties of

the hour, to complete a life of that eighth Duke of Devonshire once universally known as " Hartington." The standard biography by the late Bernard Holland was compiled just -after its subject's death, and, whatever its merits as an essay in Palmerstonian Whig•gery, is perhaps a little deficient on the personal side. As it embodies none of Hartington's correspondence, excepting the juvenile or the very official, I would like to ask if any of your readers possessing letters from him would do me the favour of -allowing me to read, and possibly -copy, them. Every care and consideration would be shown.—Thanking you, yours

faithfully, H. P. COLLINS. Hill View, Wimborne Road, Ferndown.