10 JULY 1947, Page 17

May or May On the old question, raised again the

other day, whether the flower or the month is meant in the popular doggerel. " Cast not a clout till May be out," evidence reaches me which seems nearly conclusive on the side of the month against the flower. First " clout " is in general a North-country word, and " May " as a synonym for hawthorn is utterly unknown (so it is urged) in Scotland. Another bit of evidence is more direct and convincing. In parts of the country, including Wiltshire, most rural of the counties, the doggerel is extended to include the next month, thus:

" Button to chin Till June be in."

However, this bit of advice has not the wisdom of the better-known lines, as we know from this year's experience.