16 MARCH 1918, Page 12

TRANSLATION " HOWLERS."

[To THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIB,—I have noticed a good many translation " howlers " in the newspapers lately. Some of the best I have seen were published in the Civil Service Gazette for February, quoted from the University Correspondent. Let me repeat the following :— " Le marquis recommenda son rime iI .Dieu.—The marquis wished his donkey good-bye.

They gave this old rake to our gardener on Thursday. Its donnerent cet dye libertin a notre jardinier le jeudi.

Il fait deveclairs.—He is making cream-buns.

L'ecole &aft pros du presbytere.—The school was nearly a pres- byterian one.

Il a fait bonne chore.—He made a dear nurse."