27 SEPTEMBER 1930, Page 14

A FASTIDIOUS DONKEY.

Is there not some silly saying about a donkey being called an ass because he prefers thistles to cherry pie ? In case anyone should continue to condemn the palate of the donkey let me record the habit of a particular gourmet. When not employed he lives in a field that is also an orchard. He began by eating chance windfalls. He has now learned that if trees are shaken fresh apples drop down. More than this he distinguishes not only " eaters " from " cookers," but good caters from had eaters. His owner is quite sure that his efforts to shake down apples from the. Cox are much the most energetic and sustained. Incidentally this taste for Cox's is shared by ants, wasps and several birds.

W. BEACH Meow.%