12 MARCH 1870, Page 16

"FALLEN AMONG THIEVES."

[TO THE EDITOR OF THE SPECTATOR.")

SIR,—In your very humorous and not unkindly notice of my novel " Fallen Amongst Thieves," you imply that I am wrong in supposing that cider is drunk by the peasantry of Essex.

I think that you will find (if you make inquiry) that cider in the summer months is as popular amongst the Essex labourers as beer.

This is not a matter of great importance, but I always like to be correct in my statement of facts. Apologizing for troubling, I am, Sir, &c.,

ARTHUR it BECKETT.

[The writer of the review has lived his life in Essex. Yet Mr. it Becket is right. Cider is drunk in Felatead and nowhere else. —ED. Spectator.]