Note 121 — BULLETIN OF THE NUTTALL ORNITHOLOGICAL CLUB. VOL. VII. October, 1882. No. 4. (continued 2)

While it is unfortunate that there should be two check lists of North American birds, Dr. Coues’s right to publish his views in this form was undeniably established when his first list was issued and accepted. Moreover, we see no reason why others should be debarred from the same privilege, and we fancy that a third list, representing a different and more conservative school of thought, especially in the matter of nomenclature, would have a large following. As regards a choice of names, in the comparatively few cases where the present authorities differ we should weigh well before accepting either. Many persons, doubtless, have neither the time nor the inclination to do this, and such, necessarily, must be guided by individual preferences in favor of one or the other author. In all cases of publication, however, a simple statement of the authority followed will be sufficient to prevent any confusion or misunderstanding.