324 Brewster, The Red-legged Black Duck. \f^^ 



contain. Apparently he thought that this would be a needless 

 waste of more "energy," feeling assured, no doubt, that the weight 

 of his own evidence and opinion would be considered sufficient to 

 dispose of mine. Although betraying no uncertainty on this point 

 he is evidently undecided as to whether I should be graciously 

 pardoned or severely rebuked, for having promulgated ornithologi- 

 cal heresy. At first he inclines towards the former course, pointing 

 out that up to the time when his own article appeared some facts 

 had "been missing and others misinterpreted." In another con- 

 nection he pays me a graceful if qualified compliment by asking: 

 " If an ornithologist of Mr. Brewster's ability can go astray in his 

 conclusions what may not the rest of us do?" In still another he is 

 generous enough to concede to " how easy it was to take the wrong 

 path." But in the end a stern sense of duty prevails over considera- 

 tion of mercy and friendship, prompting him to say unflinchingly 

 that "the episode should be a warning object lesson for all describers 

 to take to heart." Thus, like some poor crow, shot and hung up in a 

 cornfield to keep others of his wanton tribe from molesting the 

 precious grain> am I singled out and conspicuously branded to 

 serve as a wholesome example to the ever increasing horde of 

 reckless describers. If this fate seems somewhat hard, however 

 well-deserved, I may at least console myself by the reflection that the 

 remainder of my life is in a way provided for and not likely to be 

 passed wholly in vain. 



But is Dr. Dwight really justified in claiming so confidently that 

 he has proved his contention and disproved mine ? Would it not 

 have been wiser, and also more nearly in accord with accepted usage, 

 had he contented himself with presenting his evidence and formu- 

 lating his conclusions without assuming the right to decide the case 

 irrevocably and to publicly reprimand me, however temperately 

 and considerately, for having taken a view of it differing from his 

 own ? Statements as positive and unqualified as some that he has 

 made should certainly be backed by evidence sufficiently strong and 

 convincing to amount to absolute and complete proof; otherwise 

 they are not conclusive but, to a greater or less degree — according 

 to the value and definiteness of the evidence — expression of mere 

 personal opinion. 



After citing the characters which I had ascribed to the Red-legged 



