only the sincerest belief in the merits of my case , and , beyond this , a grave concern for the deeply flawed course upon which the study of dragons seems bent , would suffice to overcome the natural scruple i must feel at setting myself in opposition to the judgment of one whose experience so greatly outstrips my own , and to whom i would show unhesitating deference , if not for evidence i must consider irrefutable ; which , after much anxiety , i herein submit to the consideration of this body .