30 MARCH 1929, Page 34

" ENGLISH UNDEFILED " The letter of " A. S."

regarding the " abuse " (!) of such words as " which " and " wheel " raises an interesting problem which has perplexed me from childhood. The words cannot be pronounced as spell; and so the first two letters are inter- changed. Certainly most " educated " people say " hwich" and hweel," but why whould it be greater abuse to omit one (unpronounceable) letter than to take the double liberty of omitting a letter and interpolating another ? I should be grateful for enlightenment.—T. H. BARR, Grey Garth, Bilton Lane, Harrogate.