36 



have to come over. But I should like to avoid the trip for many 

 reasons. (Examinations !) 



I should like you to understand that any opinions about the fish 

 I have expressed here are naturally provisional only, and can be 

 confirmed only when I have seen the thing. But I think you will 

 probably agree with me about the zoological affinities of the specimen. 

 Well now I am anxiously awaiting your letter. I think it would be 

 as well if you could telegraph me whether you can manage to rail the 

 thing, only if you do don't forget to insure for, say, ;Cioo — I shall 

 naturally be responsible for all expenses. 



To honour you for having got this wonderful thing I have pro- 

 visionally christened it (to myself at present) Latimeria chalumnaey 

 and it may even be a new family. 



Kindest regards, 



Yours sincerely, 



J. L. B. Smith 



One curious feature of this whole aflFair was that at no time did 

 I look upon it as anything but my own. There was no question in 

 my mind that I had to take the full responsibility for the decision 

 of the identity of this creature. Normally in a difficult situation of 

 this type it is natural to consult others or to seek aid, but for some 

 reason this never arose in my mind. It was perhaps due to that 

 curious premonition that fate had prepared this occasion for me, 

 and that, come what may, I must face it alone. It has since that 

 time come to me from several outside sources that other zoologists 

 were resentful that I took this on myself alone, and even 

 more resentful that I carried out the subsequent investigation 

 of the remains myself. Those criticisms left me and leave me 

 quite unmoved. I was possessed or inspired, call it what you 

 will. 



Nevertheless, in those days at Knysna my soul was fearful and 

 anxious, and away from that sketch and book I was sceptical of 

 what my reason told me, but I knew I had to go on and take the 

 decision alone. It was do or die. It was indeed characteristic of all 

 my work on fishes that right from the very start I struggled alone, 

 possibly because no help was available even had I wanted it, but 

 certainly because I am what my wife calls a 'Lone Wolf and work 

 best on my own. 



On the loth January there came a further letter from Miss 

 Latimer, dated the 4th. 



