16 
PROCEEDINGS OE THE NEW HAVEN MEETING 
an enthusiasm begotten by a consciousness of his comprehensive and com- 
plete knowledge of the subject. 
Macaulay was his favorite author, and doubtless had much influence in 
forming Dutton’s style, which is perhaps best exemplified in his “Ter- 
tiary History of the Grand Canyon District,” where he remarks (page 
viii) : 
“I have in many places departed from the severe ascetic style which has 
become conventional in scientific monographs. Perhaps no apology is called 
for. Under ordinary circumstances the ascetic discipline is necessary. Give 
the imagination an inch and it is apt to take an ell, and the fundamental re- 
quirement of scientific method — accuracy of statement — is imperiled. But in 
the Grand Canyon district there is no such danger. The stimulants which are 
demoralizing elsewhere are necessary here to exalt the mind sufficiently to 
comprehend the sublimity of the subjects. Their sublimity has in fact been 
hitherto underrated. Great as is the fame of the Grand Canyon of the Colo- 
rado, the half remains untold.” 
For years he smoked vigorously at his work, but in later life he de- 
sisted. At one time he became greatly interested in the matter of 
stamps and was employed by the Government to make its Centennial 
stamp collection. 
He gave much attention to the Far Eastern question, and for amuse- 
ment during the leisure hours of later years he wrote a book on China, 
but it did not reach publication. 
His mind, well filled with readily available knowledge on many sub- 
jects, gave him unusual power as a conversationalist, and he was fond of 
discussion, especially with his compeers, G. K. Gilbert and W. J. Powell, 
the other members of a devoted trio, of whom in acknowledgment he 
generously remarked, “If I paid them their intellectual dues I would be 
bankrupt.” 
Though somewhat austere, Dutton had many friends. He was a kind, 
lovable, generous man, with high ideals and an intense hatred of shams. 
His last message was: “Farewell to my old friends on the Geological 
Survey.” 
It is said “he knew the end was at hand, and he met it calmly like the 
philosopher he was. Apparently he just fell asleep.” 
He died January 4, 1912, of arterio-sclerosis, at the home of his son, in 
Englewood, Hew Jersey. His wife, Emeline C. Dutton, still resides at 
the same place, but his son, Clarence E. Dutton, is now at Edgartown, 
Massachusetts. 
Major Dutton was a member of many scientific and other organiza- 
tions, among which may be mentioned the Philosophical Society of Wash- 
