4. 
markable fossil bird with two heads and eight legs or ware to hit upon 
and elaborate a new law as interesting and important as that of evolu¬ 
tion: In such a case should we not make ourselves simply ridiculous by 
refusing to publish his discovery merely because he is a man with whom 
we cannot continue to maintain close personal relations? I confess I 
should have voted against this motion even if it had been made after 
Dr.Shufeldt had been expelled. It would have been much better to have 
a simple understanding that all contributions from him which did not 
relate to matters of exceptional importance were to be declined. 
Of course it is much easier, now that the battle is over, to 
suggest what might or should have been done than it was to think dis¬ 
passionately and act wisely during the heat of the fray. Probably, too, 
the views which are above expressed are not now of any 'particular value 
or interest to you or to any one else. But I ’wanted you to know how 
the matter strikes me and I have ventured to tell you this with entire 
frankness. 
Very sincerely 
William Brewster. 
