21 JUNE 2003, Page 50

Earlier bird

From Mr David Wolfson Sir: While not detracting from the wonderful work of Elijah the Tishbite's raven (Paul Johnson, And Another Thing, 14 June), the winner of the raven 'first appearance in history' contest must surely go to Noah's raven (Genesis viii 7) which was positively antediluvian (unless born on the Ark, I suppose).

David Wolfson London EC4