V °!'8^ VI ] Elliot, Truth versus Error. 41 



that we have only succeeded in leading our brethren astray. 

 Moreover it was Ornithological nomenclature we desired to 

 render stable before all else, and what zoologists, devoted to 

 other branches, may do, neither helps nor harms us. If we are 

 right, it matters not to ornithology if those in other branches go 

 wrong, nor does it help us when we go wrong if they all follow 

 our example, save on the principle that "misery loves company.'' 

 The Code is not so sacred an instrument as I fear Dr. Allen 

 regards it, that it may not be emended, even by the unhallowed 

 efforts of Purists and Classicists. The pity of it is that any of 

 its Canons so urgently require correction. Dr. Allen appears 

 greatly disturbed at some of my remarks upon faulty construction 

 and bad spelling, and assures us that there have been many 

 authors who have endorsed Canon XL who know how to spell 

 in as many languages as I and my " few " sympathizers do. 

 While delighted to be informed that this knowledge is so wide- 

 spread that even some " eminent authors " have acquired it, I 

 would however beg to state that I am not aware that in anything 

 I have said I have made claim to a special knowledge of any 

 language, or of being unusually proficient in orthography or 

 etymology, nor has anything that I have written been directed 

 against any particular individual, be he a "leading authority" 

 or of more humble station. My article in the October number 

 of this journal had but one object in view, to call the attention 

 of the members of the Union to the Gospel of Error taught in 

 Canon XL, which in my opinion (and according to Dr. Allen, 

 a 'few others,' but I only speak for myself), is thoroughly bad, 

 and in some respects calculated to lead many astray by its 

 teachings. Thoroughly bad, because it strives to elevate Error 

 over Truth and Wrong over Right, and gives to the law of prior- 

 ity an interpretation that was never intended, for while this law 

 protects an author in his discoveries, there is no clause that 

 provides a safeguard for his blunders. And the teachings of 

 this Canon are evil because they misdirect those, who, whatever 

 may be the reason that actuates them, prefer to follow some 

 leader depending on his knowledge or experience, and there are 

 many such, little heeding where their guide may take them, 

 rather than investigate for themselves. 



