If you’re not already crazy, thinking hard about Passerculus sparrows will drive you there fast.
The only consolation: greater spirits than ours have been confused by these streaky devils.
Robert Ridgway corrected the labels of the co-types of the San Benito sparrow to read “P. guttatus Lawr.!”
I assume it was the explanation point that rankled. In any event, not long thereafter, Elliott Coues corrected his corrector, adding beneath Ridgway’s notation the words “Scarcely! stet sanctorum–C.”
I don’t know whether the two actually ever sat down to talk about those skins. But each had made his point, loud and clear.
