The Spectator

Treasure Hunt

Set by Caroline Moore

The first prize is a pair of 18th century hand-coloured aquatints by Thomas and William Daniell illustrating views of India. (see picture opposite) Plus two British Airways Super Club Tickets to either Delhi or Bombay. Alternatively tickets to other destina- tions on the British Airways network to the value of two tickets to India.

The second prize is the complete edition of the Diction- ary of National Biography in 29 volumes, (published by the Oxford University Press at £820.00).

The third prize is two cases of champagne.

There will also be many other prizes including signed copies of books by Spectator writers.

Special student prize: There will be a /50 record token donated by Island Records for the best student entry. Students are also eligible for all other prizes. A student is defined as anyone studying full-time at any level up to honours degree or the equivalent professional qualification. Proof of eligibility will be required.

How to take part

This is the final clue which gives the key to the treasure. It makes use of the answers to the third part (c) of all the nine previous clues.

In theory it would be possible to win by only solving part (c) of each question correctly to arrive at the final answer. In practice, however, points will be awarded for answers to (a) and (b) as well as (c) and for showing your working — for explaining allusions and identifying quotations by author and work (and act and scene if a play). Long explanations will not be required and there is a limit of 150 words for explaining the set of questions that make up the three parts of each clue. For instance in the ninth clue three identifications are needed for (a), one for (b) and three for (c).

Do not give up if you have failed to solve all the sub-sections of some of the clues — you may still win with a less than perfect set of answers. It could for example be worth your while guessing at an author even if you do not recognise the quotation.

The closing date for entries is 10 January 1985. No entries will be opened before that date. If several correct and complete answers are received then the winner will be decided by lot. In the event of any dispute or doubt, the final arbiter will be the Editor of the Spectator. The competition is not open to employees of the Spectator or their relatives.

BACK NUMBERS

If you missed the previous weeks' issues, it is still possible to enter the competition. Back numbers are available from: The Spectator, Competition Back Numbers, 56 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LL. To obtain copies, just send your name and address together with a cheque/postal order made out to 'The Spectator' for £1.00 per issue.

Final Clue

In a dogged snarling letter from your competiton setter Comes a hint you should discover your beginning in our end. If, diagonally flitting, you descend to what is fitting, Selecting in a series from the place-names you have penned, When the treasure-hunt is over, you conversely should discover „ That your end's in our beginning — and you'll have the place, all friend, Where a sycophantic senate, praising Cato's every tenet, Found companionship in buttons near a by-gone rose-red coy'', And a hotel on the corner was a sort of Turkish sauna (Though the poet's words of warning are all vindicated now: For despite the preparation of Moore's patent medication All those vermicules of wit-dom underwent vermiculation). he Come! now scribble, type, dictate or somehow write to t Spectator, '00! To display your general knowledge — or your gift for specular'

Final Answer Form

The hiding place of the treasure is ................................... ••• ................................................................................... ." ................................................................................... .................................................................................. ................................................................................. ......................... . ........................................................ "''' Name...................................................................... Address..................................................................... .................................................................................

Important: Please send this answer form and all the previa:0s answer forms in the right order. If you require more space, Yod may write your answer on plain paper (maximum 150 words) a attach it to the coupon. Entries should be sent to The Spectator, Treasure Hunt Entries' 56 Doughty St, London WC1N 2LL.

To be eligible for a prize, you must send in a complete se answer forms. t o