30 MARCH 1918, Page 13

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE " SPECTATOR."] SIR, —I cannot

help thinking that this word is derived from the Persian har.kara, which is still used in India to describe a post runner. Its real meaning is " jack of all trades " (her = every and kdr = business), and the Indian harkdra carries his letters and messages on foot more often than on horseback; but the method of despatch is that described by Herodotus, VIII., 98, and quoted by your correspondent.—I am, Sir, &C., ANOTHER STUDENT.