Sir, – Seán Mac Connell states that "Furze, known as 'whin' in the North and 'gorse' along the east coast . . . " (An Irishman's Diary, August 5th). AT Lucas in his comprehensive book Furze, A Survey and History of its Uses in Ireland (1960) writes, "There are two general English names current in the country. A line drawn from east to west across the country from the neighbourhood of Drogheda to that of Westport approximately divides the territories where these names are in use. To the north of that line the name used is 'whins', to the south of it 'furze'. The common English name 'gorse' is not used in Ireland except by those who have become familiar with it in England or from books". – Yours, etc,
NIALL OCARROLL
Ballynakillew,
Ballinrobe
Co Mayo.