SPECTATOR CROSSWORD No. 979

ACROSS 27

1 Nobleman's dwelling in process of building in Norfolk (6, 6). 9 'Damn the age, I will write for —' (Lamb) (9). 10 Search for a little work in a back- ward unit (5)

11 Vegetable cause of mechanical deterioration (6).

12 Trouble in too many drinks ornithologically (8).

13 Inward source of original thcory (6).

15 Fires many an ardent spirit(8).

18 Petal enfolds a confused air (8).

19 Starters in bids? (6) 21 The last thing Master Henley would be (8). 7 23 A Cairn provides this medica- ment (6). 8 26 'And one far-off divine —, To which the whole creation moves' 14 (Tennyson) (5).

Convalescing in the sewing room ? (2, 3, 4)

Suitable sub-title for 'Actions and Reactions'? (12)

DOWN How Conrad risked his reputa- tion? (7)

And the hoofed heel of a crushes The chestnut husk' (Swin- burne) (5).

All sorts of cooled drink? (9) What stopped the play? (4)

Secret agent is on the line (3-5). It has ten times as many eyes as Argus, according to the poets (5). 'Whilst bloody — flourished over us' (Shakespeare) (7).

No matrimonial troubles in Scot- land, evidently (8).

The quest of every stamp. collector (8). 28 1 2 3 4 5 6

A first prize of a copy of Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary and a second prize of a book token for one guinea will be awarded to the senders of the first two correct solutions opened on February 25. Address solutions: Crossword No. 979,99 Gower St., London, WC1.

Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary is recommended for Crosswords.

Solution on February 28

16 To whom one says, 'You're telling me!' (9) 17 Amorous emotion of those in a minority is expressed with flowers (4, 4). 18 It takes a lot to make these engines function (7). 20 No seat for the substitute (5-2). 22 Literary in short he seems to be (5).

24 The end of 3 turns in (5).

25 No convulsion among the patri- otic (4).