MADAM, I am following up the letter from Mr Alan Myers on subject of finger-licking as this has fascinated me ever since the Suez crisis.

The following points may be of interest.

Finger-licking was considered a sign of wealth in 12th century Armenia, presumably because it indicated that you had enough to eat.

The French King Henri IV was licking his fingers when attacked by the man who assassinated him and in Wisbech children used to recite the following rhyme: 'The wight (i.e. man) who frowns and licks his fingers, Shall have no joy of carol-singers'.

With this last point in mind perhaps I may suggest the following up-to-date version: 'Men who don't wash, and lick their fingers, May find of SARS they are the bringers'.

L P GRISSOM,

Frinton on Sea, Essex.