"toller" wrote in message

However, my belief is that grainwise walnut and crossgrain butternut are
close enough in movement that it is not an issue.

Don't count on any cross grain situation not causing some trouble over time
unless you fasten the two correctly. It does not have to be involved. As has
been suggested, if you are going to use screws, just slot the screw holes in
the walnut supports in the direction of anticipated movement of the
butternut shelf and you should be fine. If you make the screwholes oversize,
consider using a washer under the head of the screw if it doesn't show.

If I am wrong, I can
sacrifice the screw between the two; the walnut support will still be much
stronger than the butternut.

You are absolutely correct, any wood span should be stronger with the grain
running lengthwise.

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