18 FEBRUARY 1905, Page 15

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE "SPECTILTOR.1

SIR,—The reviewer of Mr. Payne's book in last week's Spectator seems to feel a. little doubt as to the rating of H.M.S. Ascension Island. It is really a fact, and persons born on it count as "born at sea," and therefore belong to the parish of Wapping. I have known an instance.—I am, Sir, &c., W. H. A. CowELL, St. Edward's School, Oxford.