6 MAY 1966, Page 14

Bear Facts SIR,—I am compiling an anthology and symposium of

the Teddy-bear and am very anxious to trace its place in literature, the family and indeed history. Case histories, photographs (returnable) and reminis- cences will be very welcome.

This remarkable animal has appeared in many films and plays and it would be a great help to me if some of its more obscure performances could be recalled with approximate dates. I have read Miss Hutchins's charming book The Story of the Teddy Bear but the one I hope to write will be more con- cerned with the effect of the Teddy-bear on human beings and vice versa and it is therefore essential to seek outside help.