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SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

SPENCER
FULLERTON BAIRD

A BIOGRAPHY

INCLUDING SELECTIONS FROM HIS CORRESPONDENCE
WITH AUDUBON, AGASSIZ, DANA, AND OTHERS

BY
WILLIAM HEALEY DALL, A.M., D.Sc.

WITH NINETEEN ILLUSTRATIONS

PHILADELPHIA & LONDON
J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY

1915
A

\
Ag. babs

COPYRIGHT, I9I5, BY GIRARD TRUST COMPANY
TRUSTEE OF ESTATE OF LUCY HUNTER BAIRD, DECEASED

PUBLISHED APRIL, I9I5

PRINTED BY J. B. LIPPINCOTT COMPANY
AT THE WASHINGTON SQUARE PRESS
PHILADELPHIA, U.S. A.

TO THE MEMORY OF
A DEVOTED DAUGHTER
LUCY HUNTER BAIRD

EXECUTOR’S FOREWORD

Ar her residence in Philadelphia on June 19, 1913,
died Miss Lucy Hunter Baird, the only child of Professor
Spencer Fullerton Baird, the second Secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution of Washington and the organizer
and first Commissioner of the United States Commission
of Fish and Fisheries, who died at the biological station
of the Commission at Wood’s Hole, Massachusetts, on
August 19, 1887.

It had been the wish of Miss Baird, who had been
the close and constant companion and confidant of her
father from early childhood to the time of his death, to
personally prepare his biography. ‘This was delayed,
first, by the confirmed illness of her mother, to whose
care and comfort was given all her time and effort till
the death of Mrs. Baird, on December 23, 1891; and,
secondly, by the state of her own health, which prevented
the continuous application needed to bring the contem-
plated memoir to completion. In the interval, however,
she had brought together and partially arranged many
data relating to her father’s life. Fearing that she would
be unable to complete the memoir she devised all her
own and her father’s papers to the executor of her will
with the request “to see that this memoir be completed
by a suitable and competent person.” Having during
the last ten years or more of Professor Baird’s life been
one of his assistants, both in the Smithsonian Institution
and the United States Commission of Fish and Fisheries,
and the recipient of many kindnesses from himself and

family and of frequent hospitalities at their home, and
vii

viii EXECUTOR’S FOREWORD

the close friend of Miss Baird to the time of her death,
I knew of those for whom the family had high personal
esteem and regard. It was among these that it seemed
should be found the friend meeting the requirements
mentioned in Miss Baird’s will; and the executor believes
that her wishes have been faithfully carried out in the
selection of Dr. William Healey Dall, whose affection for
and intimate knowledge of the work of Professor Baird,
as also of the progress of scientific work in Washington
and the influence of Professor Baird thereon, make him
especially suitable and competent as his biographer.
Dr. Dall, for the completion of this memoir, receives the
thanks of the members of Miss Baird’s family and her

executor.
Herpert A. Ginn

PREFACE

THE present biography was undertaken by the author
with many misgivings. But it was pointed out by those
responsible for its publication that most of the persons
had passed away who had been intimately associated
with its subject and familiar with the development of the
Smithsonian Institution, National Museum and United
States Fish Commission during the greater part of Pro-
fessor Baird’s activities; and of the few remaining hardly
any one was so situated as to be able to attempt it.
Having known him since 1862; having had the benefit
of his teaching and example from 1865 to the time of
his too early death; having for years been honored by
the gracious hospitality of his home; the task has seemed
to the writer a duty not to be lightly undertaken nor
hastily refused.

Miss Baird, after the decease of her parents, had
thought of preparing and later of collaborating with some-
one else in the preparation of a biography. Her father’s
pupil and successor in charge of the National Museum,
Professor George Brown Goode, eagerly seconded her
efforts, and, had he lived, would without question have
assisted in preparing a worthy memorial. However, Miss
Baird’s health failed; it became clear to her that she
could not hope to complete her self-imposed task. Her
latest endeavors were rendered incomplete by the illness
which terminated in her death. Professor Goode’s work
progressed no farther than the collection of numerous

and valuable memoranda of a genealogical nature, of
ix

x PREFACE

which the present writer has made use. Apart from this
the material which has been at the present writer’s
disposal consisted of Professor Baird’s original journals,
extending from 1838 to 1887, but with a certain number
of gaps. These journals are mere notes of where he was,
what he was busy over, and the names of persons met
during the day. There are few references to the larger
matters on which he was engaged; rarely any expression
of opinion; and never any complaint or criticism. More-
over, the journals are written in a very difficult hand, with
many abbreviated words, so that, to one unfamiliar with.
work and conditions at the Museum, much would be
incomprehensible. Next come the letters selected for the
copyist by Miss Baird. This material, excepting the
letters of his early life written to his brother William,
contains hardly half a dozen family letters. Owing to
the destruction by fire at the Smithsonian of the archives
prior to 1865, the letters used are almost wholly from his
correspondents, while Baird’s own official letters of that
period are nearly all missing.

Such letters as have been selected for publication in
this volume are printed verbatim, except for the omis-
sion of irrelevant matter, correction of the copyist’s
obvious blunders, and the printing in full of abbreviated
words when the latter seemed likely to be obscure to
the reader.

There were also some pages of precious reminiscences,’
written from Miss Baird’s dictation, which have been
utilized wherever practicable, after verification of dates,
etc., and supplying blanks left where she was uncertain
as to the reliability of her memory.

Finally, there was a great mass of miscellaneous
material, accounts, statistics, etc., and relevant notes

PREFACE xi

collected with great care by Mr. Herbert A. Gill, long
associated with the Fish Commission work under Pro-
fessor Baird.

In the preparation of the Biography the author has
not attempted to enumerate or analyze Professor Baird’s
publications, which are already made accessible by
Goode’s exhaustive bibliography. Their relation to
Science is indicated by the quotations cited from experts
in Chapter XII, and the limit of space assigned to this
volume forbade anything more extended. For the same
reason reference to the pupils and subordinates by whose
earnestness and ability much of Baird’s work was facili-
tated has been necessarily restricted to a minimum.
No one would have acknowledged their merits more
generously than he.

The intimate history of the negotiations by which he
promoted the scientific activity of Government agencies
is naturally not on record, though to some extent
traditionally known.

The chief aim of the biographer has been to show the
man as he lived and worked; with glimpses of his relations
to his contemporaries, to the promotion of science, and
to great, and as yet hardly appreciated, public services.

It is proper to say that from 1869 to the date of
Professor Baird’s death, much of what is here recorded
was known to the present biographer at the time of its
occurrence.

The biographer is under obligations to Judge Edward |
W. Biddle of Carlisle, to the officers of the Smithsonian
Institution, especially Dr. Richard Rathbun; to the
Commissioner of the United States Bureau of Fisheries;
and to the authorities of Dickinson College; to Miss Caro-
line R. D. Baird, Miss Christine W. Biddle, Miss Harriet

xii PREFACE

Stuart, Mrs. M. L. B. Stuart, Professor T. D. A. Cockerell,
Mr. J. Rush Marshall, Mr. T. W. Smillie, Mr. Churchill
H. Cutting, Hon. George F. Edmunds, Mrs. Lydia S. B.
Hageman, and especially to Mr. Herbert A. Gill, and
Mrs. Moncure Robinson, Sr., for assistance in various
ways toward the preparation of this memoir.

Wan. H. Dat

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION
December, 1914

CONTENTS

CHAPTER PAGE
I. GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES......... I
II, CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH...................... 19

TTI. LIFE AT CARLISLE: 2.0.00 ccc eee cca seen IIO
IV. THE YOUNG PROFESSOR...................205- 121
V. THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.............. 221
VI. LIFE IN WASHINGTON...............2.0-e00 ee 227
Mis ko 50. 1G) LSU Guscu a sg eaeeenaue aan wu eno eene ne 248
Will, “L865 TO 1878sesescwas eres cote esd Yee eevee as 384
IX. THE SECRETARY, 1878 TO 1887............... 396
X. THE U.S. NATIONAL MUSEUM................. 409
XI. THE U. S. COMMISSION OF FISH AND
FISHERIES) 6244 cosucerecu God Lees esas 416
Si]... APPRECIATIONG jo vussveeese raweuwaeracusens 433

ILLUSTRATIONS

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION.............. 00 cee eeee Frontispiece
From a photograph by T. W. Smillie.

LYDIA MACFUNN BIDDLE. ............. 6s eee e eee eee eee e eens 13

From a silhouette taken about the time of her marriage to Samuel Baird, 2nd.

BIRTHPLACE OF PROFESSOR BAIRD AT READING, PENNSYLVANIA,
FIFTH AND WASHINGTON STREETS, S. W..............-..005. 19
Restoration from a photograph taken by Dr. W. J. Hoffman.

SAMUEL BAIRD, GRANDFATHER OF PROFESSOR BAIRD........... 30

From a miniature in the possession of Miss Christine W. Biddle.

DICKINSON COLLEGE IN 1849.20.00... cece cece cece e eee eens 39
From an illustration in The Collegian, Volume I, No. 1, March, 1849.

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD....... 00... ccc eee cece eee e ees 47
From a daguerreotype taken September 29, 1840.

MRS. LYDIA SPENCER BIDDLE, GRANDMOTHER OF PROFESSOR
Sa Fe BAIRD 25.5 1iei6.5 5454-05 state ocatesntvavscccsantnin aiedtarsiaw age KAaie sear 122
From a painting in the possession of Mrs. Lydia Spencer Blight Hageman.

THE HOME: AT. CARLISLE vi.o5 25 sci 5.4 Hone wana Meee Wawieionaaasnas 144
Restoration from photographs under the direction of James Rush Marshall,
Esq.
SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD.......... 0.0. ccc c cece eee n ee tence eneees 203

From a daguerreotype taken about 1850.
LYDIA M. BAIRD, MOTHER OF PROFESSOR BAIRD, WITH HER

GRAND-DAUGHTER AND NAMESAKE............... 0. cee ee eeee 206
From a photograph taken about 1866, lent by Mrs. Moncure Robinson, Sr.

JOSEPH HENRY, FIRST SECRETARY OF THE SMITHSONIAN INSTI-
From a photograph taken in 1874 by T. W. Smillie.

MARY HELEN CHURCHILL BAIRD............. 0. cece ence cece eens 229
From a photograph by T. W. Smillie, taken about 1882.

xv

xvi ILLUSTRATIONS

LETTER FROM PROFESSOR S. F. BAIRD TO DR. ELWYN, TREASURER
OF THE AMERICAN ASSOCIATION FOR THE ADVANCEMENT

OF SCIENCE......... 0.0 cece ccc eee eee etter e enn e en ennneee 278

WILLIAM MACFUNN BAIRD, BROTHER OF SPENCER FULLERTON

BAIR D iicckocinericng ck aceew + erecta ninacened ae dene eeaeMaeRG ET te 389
From a daguerreotype lent by Mrs. Mary L. Baird Stuart.

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD........... 0:0 cs ee eee ee eee e tenet enneee 391
From a photograph taken about 1875, by T. W. Smillie.

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD..............0 0 ccc ee cece eee eet e eee eeee 396
Engraved from a photograph by Ulke in 1878, for the Popular Science
Monthly of August, 1888. Courtesy of the Science Press.

LUCY HUNTER BAIRD............. SH miteartaeta nad Hae Lek Na aeS 416
From a photograph by Phillips.

GRANITE BOWLDER WITH BRONZE TABLET, ERECTED IN MEMORY
OF SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD, AT WOOD’S HOLE, MASS.,
IN 1902, BY THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY............ 449
From a photograph furnished by the U. S. Bureau of Fisheries.

BUST OF SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD, BY WILLIAM COUPER, IN
THE AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK

From a photograph furnished by the Museum.

aa aa deal deal a

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I
GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES

Baird of Auchmedden in his work on the subject,!

“is originally from the south of France, where
there were several families of it in the reign of Louis IV,
and it is said are still; but the first of the name mentioned
in Britain came from Normandy to England with William
the Conqueror.”

“From the period when it first appears in Scotland,
there is reason to believe that some of that name came here
with King William the Lyon, when he returned from his
captivity in England, anno 1174; as it is agreed by all
our historians, several English gentlemen did. For it
is certain that in less than sixty years after that period,
they possessed fine estates and had made good alliances
in the south and southwest counties of Scotland. Al-
though in times so remote, in which other families, as
well as those of the Baird name, have suffered eclipses, or
removal from one part of the kingdom to another whereby
frequently their archives have been lost, it now may be
impossible to make out an exact genealogy of any one
of them, yet the records by historians of unquestionable
credit show that the name was both ancient and honorable
in Scotland as well as in France and England.” The

"[: “Sir-name of Baird,” we are told by William

1 Reprint, edited by W. N. Fraser, John Camden Hotten, London,
1870. The original manuscript dates from one hundred years earlier.
I

2 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

older renderings of the name included Bard, Barde,
Beard, Beart, Byrd, and Bayard; the spelling Baird is
noted only from the latter part of the sixteenth century.
The arms of the families bearing the name usually include
a wild boar or a bear, with the motto “‘Dominus fecit.”
The family were slow to renounce Catholicism after
the Reformation, and still slower to cease their allegiance
to the Stuarts. Yet some of them adhered to the Scottish
church, and in the swinging of the political pendulum
became High Sheriffs, Commissaries, and dignitaries of
sorts. Among those of the name was at least one High
Admiral, a Governor of Surinam (in the Dutch service),
an English Resident in India, many knights and more
than one baronet. The earliest American settler noted
by Fraser is Patrick, son of Sir James Baird of Auch-
medden, who settled in Philadelphia as a surgeon early
in the eighteenth century, and returned, a widower, to
Edinburgh in 1754. From which branch of this numerous
and honorable family the Pennsylvania Bairds sprang
is not evident from the data at hand. No names of artists,
literary men or naturalists adorn Mr. Fraser’s genealogies.
Men of action, of law, and of trade abound in them. An
old legend offers the only evidence that the family took
any interest in ornithology. According to a prophecy of
Thomas the Rhymer (it ran) there “would always be
an eagle in the crags of Pennan while there was a Baird
in Auchmedden;” and there always was one down to the
time when the Earl of Aberdeen purchased the estate
from the Bairds. Then the eagles disappeared. But
when his eldest son, Lord Haddo, married Miss Christian
Baird of Newbyth, the eagles returned to the rocks, and
continued there until the estate passed into the hands of |
the Hon. William Gordon, when they again departed.

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES 3

In the presence of these curious facts, attested by many
witnesses, the people in the neighborhood, when the
estate was acquired in 1854 by Mr. Robert Baird, became
curious to see whether the eagles would return. In par-
ticular the Rev. Mr. Gardiner, the then minister of the
parish, wasonthe lookout. Strange to say, they did return
to their old eyrie, and continued there for some time. Un-
happily there was then a coastguard station at Pennan,
and the men tried to shoot the eagles, which scared them
away. Since then there is no record of their return.

Many of this ancient and honorable family were of
Jacobite sympathies, among whom might be mentioned
the celebrated Lord Pitsligo. After the ill-fated uprising
of 1745 some may have participated in that emigration
to America in which for prudential reasons so many Scots
took part. However this may be, the somewhat indefi-
nite family traditions which remain are to the effect that
Thomas Baird, born in Scotland in 1724, came to America
somewhat before 1747, after a sojourn in Tyrone, Ireland.
His brother John, born in 1730, came over about the same
time. The brothers settled in Chester County, where their
names appear on the assessment lists prior to 1747, but not
later. It is probable that they removed to Cumberland
County about that time, as their names appear on the first
assessment list of that county in 1751.

John Baird, said to have married Margaret McLean,
died in East Pennsboro township, July, 1778, leaving a
widow and five children. Thomas Baird, the great grand-
father, and earliest known paternal ancestor of Professor
Baird, married Mary Douglas, probably of Chester
County, about 1746 or 1747, and his removal to Guilford
township, Cumberland County, may very probably have
immediately followed his marriage. The date of his death

4 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

is not recorded in the documents accessible to me, but in
November, 1775, his wife, Mary, was a widow with ten
children, of whom seven were sons. The eldest, James,
was born in 1748. Samuel Baird, the sixth in order of
the children, was a quartermaster in the Revolutionary
army, later settled in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania,
and about 1782 married Rebecca Potts, born in 1753.

After the death of Thomas Baird his widow removed
first to Kentucky with her children, where some of their
descendants are supposed to live at the present time, and
afterward to Vincennes, Indiana. Bardstown, Kentucky,
is supposed to have been named after some of the early
members of this branch, the name Baird, as heretofore
noted, having many variants.

Samuel Baird (1) appears to have been the only male
member of the family who remained in Pennsylvania,
which may perhaps be accounted for by his army service.
He had eleven children, most of whom died unmarried.
His wife’s uncle, John Potts, was a Tory, and with others
of his way of thinking removed to Nova Scotia after the
success of the Revolution, leaving a fine house and grounds
called Stowe, near Pottsgrove (now Pottstown). This
was confiscated and later sold to Jonathan Potts for
£20,000. It was afterward purchased by Samuel Baird,
who long resided there, but after his death it passed into
other hands. The sixth child of Samuel and Rebecca
Potts Baird was named for his father, and was born at
Norristown, in 1786. The father died June 26, 1820; his
widow survived him, reaching the ripe age of seventy-
seven. Samuel Baird, senior, was a land surveyor, and in
the settlement and division of new lands must have
prospered, for he lived generously. His son Samuel (2)
was educated well, brought up to the law, and by the

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES 5

character of the fine library he possessed was evidently
a good French scholar and a well-read man. He studied
law in the office of John S. Hopkins of Lancaster. He
entered into practice in Schuylkill, Lancaster, and Mont-
gomery Counties as well as Berks, and was known among
the Pennsylvania Germans of the region as “‘The Coun-
sellor,”’ because he settled privately more cases than he
took to court. He belonged to the Masonic order, but
attended no meetings after the notorious Morgan episode.
He was at one time a member of the State Senate and
held other more local offices. He fixed his residence in
Reading for the practice of his profession. Probably during
professional visits to Philadelphia he met the lady, Miss
Lydia MacFunn Biddle, who in 1815 became his wife.
Through her mother and paternal grandmother Miss Biddle
united strains of the most distinguished colonial ancestry
traceable without uncertainty to the seventeenth century.

The marriage was blessed with seven children:
William McFunn (Aug. 4, 1817,-Oct. 19, 1872); Samuel
(3) (Apr. 3, 1821,-1884); Spencer Fullerton (Feb. 3,
1823,-Aug. 19, 1887); Rebecca Potts (1825-1907); Lydia
Spencer (1827-1876); Mary Deborah (1829-1900); and
Thomas (1831-1897).

Samuel Baird (2) was required by his profession to
spend more or less time away from his home, travelling,
and in the “cholera year” 1833 was taken ill and died,
July 27, at the early age of forty-seven. After his death,
his widow with her family removed to Carlisle, where
she died, June 3, 1871. After her death her husband’s
remains were removed to Carlisle and placed beside hers,
but the headstone to his memory still remains in the
family burial ground at Pottstown, where all his brothers
and sisters are interred.

6 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Spencer Fullerton, the third child of Samuel Baird (2)
and his wife Lydia, is the subject of this memoir.

Since every man is mentally and physically a com-
plex of tendencies inherited from his ancestors, some
interest attaches to their characteristics as traditionally
preserved. From memoranda and personal recollections
preserved by Miss Lucy Baird and gathered by her from
various sources, the following extracts are taken.

A letter from one of the family to Miss Lucy contains
the following data, here somewhat condensed:

“Mary Douglas, widow of Thomas Baird, with five
sons and two daughters went to Kentucky, after the
death of her husband, and later to Indiana, but apparently
was brought back to be buried. She is said to have been
interred at St. John’s church, Pequa, Pa. The graves of
the early settlers of the Baird family lie in the churchyard
of the Rocky Spring Presbyterian church, four miles
rom Chambersburg. Samuel (1), son of Thomas, married
Rebecca, daughter of Thomas Potts (1) of Colebrookdale
and Deborah Pyewell, his wife. John Potts, in charge of
the Baird family burying ground at Pottstown, related
that ‘Uncle Tommy’ (brother of Rebecca) was a charac-
ter. He was connected in business with a cousin and
would call for his partner in a buggy, and if the other
Potts gentleman did not come at once, would yell from
the buggy the most embarrassing remarks, quite oblivious
of the neighbors. He claimed that he thus taught punc-
tuality. He seems to have been a very uncouth person of
whom the children were rather afraid.”

Samuel took his bride to his estate called “‘Stowe,”’
at Pottsgrove (now Pottstown). ‘“‘She wrote the day
after she was married, describing its attractions, marble

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES 7

floors and so many rooms and passages that one might
get lost. The Reading railroad trains used to stop to
allow the passengers a glimpse of it and its garden. There
is a release from the heirs, after the death of Samuel
Baird, in 1820, recorded at the West Chester Court
House, to allow their mother to remain at Stowe during
her lifetime.”” This mansion, of such great repute in its
day, was erected originally by a Frenchman, and after-
ward came into the possession of Samuel Baird by pur-
chase from John Potts, his wife’s uncle, as previously
mentioned.

* *# *€ F * ££ F £F * KF KK KF K KF KH HF

At the close of the Revolutionary War Thomas Potts
of Pottsgrove and Coventry foundry, having stopped for
water at the west branch of Norwegian Creek, noticed
in the stream some black stones.? His family for three
generations had been engaged in industries connected
with mining and smelting iron ore, and he was well
instructed in the metallurgy of his time. He recognized
the black substance as coal, though unlike the English
coal then in use. When he returned home he carried
with him a package of the new mineral and tested its
quality in one of his own forges. Being satisfied he had
found what was of great value in his business, he pur-
chased a large tract of land and formed a company,
associated with him in the purchase, among whom Samuel
Baird is mentioned.

In March, 1784, a resolution was passed appointing
twenty-two commissioners to parcel out the land, of which

? Anthracite was recognized by several persons independently
about the same time, in Pennsylvania, and the claim to the first
discovery is disputed.

8 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

body David Rittenhouse was chairman and Samuel Potts
treasurer. The land along the Schuylkill river was divided
among the associates, one of them being Samuel Baird, —
probably appointed through Thomas Potts to superintend ©
the mining or to lay out the boundary lines, as he was by
profession a surveyor. The death of Thomas Potts,
about 1785, was a great blow to the company. In order
to meet the need of funds an act was passed authorizing
a lottery of $42,000.00 which was drawn in 1788, but the
Nicholases, Delany, and Samuel Baird appear to have
become discouraged and before the patents were issued
had sold out their rights to William and Luke Morris, |
in 1788.

* *« * * * * * & * KK # H £ #F HK KH

The family of Rebecca Potts Baird owned the region.
in which the Continental army was encamped in the
winter of 1778. The Valley Forge was the property of
her brother-in-law, Colonel Dewees, in whose home at
this time she was living, while Washington occupied the
home of her cousin on the opposite side of Valley Creek.
During that long winter Mrs. Washington taught her
how to knit, and gave her a set of silver knitting needles
which were often shown to her youthful grandson. She
was the granddaughter of William Pyewell, of Phila-—
delphia, one of the earliest wardens of Christ Church,
Philadelphia, and also of Thomas Potts (1), who came from
Wales to Scranton, Pennsylvania, early in the eighteenth
century and was a pioneer in the mining industry of the
colony.

Professor Baird’s mother belonged to an old Phila-
delphia family; on the one side, as descended from
Nicholas Scull, the friend of Franklin, a member of the

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES 9

“Junto,” a founder of the Philadelphia Library and
Surveyor General of Pennsylvania; on the other, as
descendant of William Biddle, a member of the Society
of Friends, who came to America in 1681. The Biddles
have for generations been prominent in banking, com-
merce, and as army and navy Officers.

William MacFunn, a bluff and hearty English seaman
of the old heroic type, was an officer of the British navy,
present with the British fleet at the siege of Quebec.
While stationed on the Delaware in 1752, he won the
hand of Lydia Biddle, then a young belle in Philadelphia
society. He was ordered to duty at Antigua, and there
became a victim of a tropical disease, of which he died
at Philadelphia in 1768, leaving a son, William Biddle
MacFunn.

One of the maternal uncles of this son, having lost
his own children, left a handsome fortune to young
MacFunn on condition that he should change his surname
to Biddle. Accepting this condition he was later known
as William MacFunn Biddle. He was an accomplished
musician, a banker, a friend of Robert Morris, and was
drawn into some of the speculations in which the financiers
of the Revolution were engaged in the early days of the
Republic. In 1797 he married Lydia Spencer, of distin-
guished colonial lineage, and their daughter, Lydia
MacFunn Biddle, afterward became the wife of Samuel
Baird and the mother of the subject of this memoir.

William MacFunn Biddle suffered as so many did
from the collapse of the speculation in land. At one time
reckoned the richest young man in Philadelphia, within
a year he went with Robert Morris to a debtor’s prison,
where he remained until released by the passage of the
first United States Bankrupt lawin 1800. He died in 1809.

10 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Lydia Spencer, his wife, traced her lineage to Thomas
Wardell and Isaac Perkins, who were among the first
comers to the colony of Massachusetts Bay. According
to Professor Goode, they became disciples of Ann Hutchin-
son in the Antinomian controversy of 1636, were banished
from the colony in company with the Rev. John Wheel-
wright, and assisted in founding the town of Exeter in New
Hampshire. Their children, Eliakim Wardell* and Lydia
Perkins, married in 1659, joined the Society of Friends
and on account of religious persecution removed in 1663
to Long Island, and in 1666 to Shrewsbury, East Jersey.

The first monthly meeting of Friends in the Province
of New Jersey was at Shrewsbury in 1666. Families
from New England and Long Island were among the
participants. George Fox visited Shrewsbury twice in
1672. Among the members of these meetings who were
settled in Shrewsbury prior to 1682 are found Eliakim
Wardell and Thomas Eatton. The latter, who came to

3A note from one of the family states that Thomas Wardell,
father of Eliakim, was one of the victims of the witchcraft delusion
at Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692. Eliakim was a deputy to the Gen-
eral Assembly from 1667 to 1688; magistrate of Shrewsbury, New
Jersey, in 1678, and High Sheriff from 1683 to 1685.

Isaac Perkins, father of Lydia, who came from Hampton, Massa-
chusetts, is described as a wealthy merchant of Boston and founder
of the well-known Boston family of that name. The result of an
attempt to force his daughter Lydia to attend orthodox religious
services in Salem is thus described by her descendant, Jonathan
Dickinson Sergeant, of Philadelphia:

“She was several times commanded to go to church and heavy
fines imposed, because being of a different faith she would not. At
last finding it impossible to escape, this high tempered young woman,
who was also a remarkably beautiful one, appeared in church as
God made her, saying that she thus bore testimony to the nakedness
of the faith of her enemies.”’

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES II

Rhode Island in 1660, married Jerusha Mayhew, widow
of Joseph Wing, and their son John Eatton married the
granddaughter, Joanna,‘ of Lydia and Eliakim Wardell.

Gerard (or Jared) Spencer, born 1610, lived at Lynn,
Massachusetts, in 1638, and was one of the first settlers
of East Haddam, Connecticut, in 1660. His son Samuel
was grandfather of Joseph and Elihu Spencer. Joseph
rose to the rank of general in the Revolutionary army,
and died in 1789.

Elihu, born at East Haddam in 1721, graduated at
Yale in 1746, and entered the ministry of the Presbyterian
church, being ordained at the same time as Jonathan
Mayhew. He was a second cousin and an intimate friend
of Jonathan Edwards and cousin of David and John
Brainerd, the missionaries to the Indians. He was settled
over the churches of Elizabethtown and Shrewsbury, in
1747, as the successor of President Dickinson. After
serving at Jamaica, Long Island, and St. Georges, Dela-
ware, he removed in 1770 to Trenton, New Jersey.®
Upon the breaking out of the war of the Revolution he
was an enthusiastic adherent to the American cause and
entered the army as chaplain. It was felt by the Colonial

4Joanna Eatton, mother of Lydia Spencer, was, through her
grandmother, Jerusha Mayhew, a descendant of the Rev. Thomas
Mayhew, missionary to the Indians and son of Thomas Mayhew,
first governor and patentee of Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and
the Elizabeth Islands, Massachusetts. ‘The missionary is said to
have been much beloved by his Indian flock. Called with his father
by royal mandate to England, to give an account of the condition
of the colony and their work among the aborigines, they were lost
at sea, on their way in 1679. (Note by a member of the family.)

5 Thompson’s History of Long Island, 2nd edition, vol. ii, p. 111.
In other MS. I find the name Jared instead of Gerard for the first
settler.

12 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Government that there was a lack of enthusiasm for their
cause among the Scotch Presbyterian settlers in the
Carolinas. Elihu Spencer, whose eloquence had won him
the name of “the silver tongued,” was sent to rouse them
to greater activity. He met with such success in this
errand as to incur considerable animosity from the British
authorities, and it is reported that a price was set upon
his head. There is a family tradition that when Trenton
fell into the hands of the British his house was ransacked
for papers, and, during the course of the search, soldiers
exploring the cellar found a large quantity of china
stacked up. They wantonly fired their muskets into the
china, as Miss Lucy Baird observes in her notes, to the
great destruction of many pieces which, judging from
those which escaped, would now fill the hearts of modern
collectors with delight.

When Aaron Burr was sent to college his father con-
signed him to the care and general superintendence of
his friend Elihu Spencer, in whose family the youth was
intimate at that period. Another family anecdote is
that Burr, being in Philadelphia after the duel with
Hamilton, called upon Mrs. MacFunn Biddle, whom he
had known at Trenton as Lydia Spencer. The Biddles
were intimate friends of Hamilton and possessed a fine
marble bust of him which still remains in the family.
After Burr had been there a short time he looked up and
recognized the bust, turned very pale, took his leave in a
few moments, and never called again.

The Reverend Elihu Spencer married in 1750 Joanna
Eatton, and the daughter Lydia above referred to was
born at Trenton in 1766. By her marriage to William
MacFunn Biddle and of her daughter Lydia to Samuel
Baird, the lines of descent became united. As a young

LYDIA McFUNN BIDDLE
From a Silhouette taken about the time
of her marriage to Samuel Baird, 2d

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES 13

lady in Trenton she talked with General Mercer just
before he marched to his death at Princeton, and on
Christmas night in 1776 saw Washington depart for the
crossing of the Delaware.

Valeria, daughter of Joanna Wardell and John Eatton,
married Pierre Le Conte, M.D., from whom were de-
scended John and Joseph Le Conte, both professors in
the University of California, and John L. Le Conte, the
distinguished entomologist of Philadelphia.

Margaret Eatton, another daughter of John, married
John Berrien, from whom descended John Macpherson
Berrien of Georgia, once known as “the American Cicero,”
Attorney General of the United States and one of the early
Regents of the Smithsonian Institution. Others notable in
this line are Admiral John Berrien Montgomery and Com-
modore J. M. Berrien of the United States Navy.

From Elihu Spencer also descended John Sergeant,
member of Congress and candidate for Vice-president
with Henry Clay, in the presidential campaign of 1832;
and Thomas Sergeant, eminent in law, and a Justice of
the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania.

“The women of this family have generally been noted
for their varied accomplishments, strong common sense,
and in many instances great beauty. When thrown
upon their own resources they have exhibited remarkable
qualifications for business.” ®

Goode remarks in one of his manuscript notes that
Lydia Spencer was “‘a woman of fine executive powers
and a sunny and equable temperament.” She was the
mother of three daughters. Lydia MacFunn Biddle, the
eldest, became the wife of Samuel Baird and the mother

6S. C. McCandless, Esq., of Pittsburgh, in letter to Prof. G.
Brown Goode on the genealogy of the Baird family.

14 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

of Professor Spencer F. Baird. The second daughter,
-Valeria, married Charles Bingham Penrose, who in his
early married life practised law in Carlisle, Pennsylvania,
to which place he went from his home in Philadelphia
because it was thought that a better opening could be
found in a small town than in the city. He afterward
entered political life and became Solicitor of the United
States Treasury.

On leaving Washington he returned to Philadelphia,
where he practised law until his death, being at the time
a member of the State legislature.

The youngest daughter, Mary, married Major William
Blaney, an officer of the Engineer Corps of the Army,
who died in North Carolina, while engaged in superin-
tending the erection of fortifications at the mouth of
the Cape Fear river. After her husband’s death Mrs.
Blaney with her children removed to Carlisle, where her
mother was already established as a resident. She
survived her husband many years.

Both the brothers William and Edward studied law.
The former rose to eminence in the Pennsylvania bar,
but never held public office. He married a Miss Julia
Montgomery. The younger brother Edward married
Juliana Watts, of Carlisle. During the Civil War he
was Adjutant General of the State of Pennsylvania and
was very active in the discharge of the onerous duties
of this office. For many years and up to the time of his
death he was the treasurer of the Cumberland Valley
Railroad Company.

Miss Lucy Baird’s memoranda include the following
notes:

“My greatgrandmother Lydia Spencer Biddle was a
woman of great decision and energy of character. After

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES 15

the disastrous failure of the land speculations in which
her husband and Robert Morris with many others were
engaged, and which caused their imprisonment for debt,
his business never recovered and he died a poor man,
leaving his widow and young family destitute. Her
relatives offered to do all in their power, but she was a
woman of independent spirit and put her own shoulder
to the wheel in a manner more like that expected of women
at the end rather than at the beginning of the nineteenth
century. By a successful business venture in which she
embarked, and aided by an unexpected windfall from
another quarter, she was enabled not only to educate
her children but at last to find herself the possessor of
what was in those days a competency. After the marriage
of her second daughter Mrs. Penrose, she removed to
Carlisle, where she built a comfortable house and passed
the remainder of her life, dying at the age of ninety-two.
She was very active up to the close of her life and was a
person of very proud and independent spirit. She had
no fear whatever of disregarding the smaller convention-
alities in anything which she herself deemed right and
dignified. Her granddaughters would sometimes object
to wearing some garment, which she considered suitable,
on the ground that it was not the fashion, and would be
met with the crushing reply ‘When I was young anything
that Miss Spencer wore was the fashion.’ ”

In his notes on the genealogy of Professor Baird, Pro-
fessor Goode observes: ‘Of the thirty-two ancestors in
the sixth degree, one, or perhaps two, were of Swedish
blood, the others were either natives of Great Britain
or colonial descendants of natives, established in America.
There was a mixture of Scotch or Scotch-Irish blood,
especially in the lines of his paternal great-grandparents.

16 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

His four grandparents were the children of colonial Penn-
sylvanians, and he was characteristically American; over
eighty per cent. of his progenitors having come to New
England or Pennsylvania during the seventeenth century.”

Whatever may be said of environment, the character
and temperament of every man are formed by an ancestral
complex. There is reason for profound gratitude when
one may look back to a line of worthy and intelligent
forbears. In seeking to understand the derivation of
characteristics in any great man, such help as may be had
must be derived from a consideration of his progenitors.
I offer therefore no apology for this somewhat lengthy
genealogical chapter, which gives such data as could be
derived from the material available, most of the Baird
family papers having been destroyed, according to the
account given by Miss Lucy Baird in her notes.

The following genealogical diagrams will enable those
interested to trace the direct lines. The first is largely
derived from a table compiled by Professor Baird when
in his teens. ‘The second was contributed chiefly by J. D.
Sergeant, Esq., of Philadelphia, a relative of the Bairds,
in memoranda dated 1890. They have been confirmed
by comparison with the tables in “The Autobiography
of Charles Biddle” (1883), where the Biddle genealogy is
exhaustively treated.

GENEALOGICAL AND FAMILY NOTES 17
GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF SPENCER F. Barrp
I. BippLte-WarpveELt-Eatron LINE
THOMAS and ELIZABETH WARDELL
Ws. BippLE!—Sarau Kemp, ee. WarDELL—LyYpDIA PERKINS

? 1630-? 1712 1634-1709 1634—— 1640——

J

|
Wm. BippLe*—Lypia WARDELL
1670-1743

Nicuoras Scutt — ABicGait Heap
—— 1762 1688-1753

Mary ScuLtt — Wm. Brppie?

Wittiam Mac Funn — Lypia BIppLe

—— 1707 1734. —— —————
1 Saran and JosEPpH WARDELL
We. Mac Funn BIpp_e —— 1750 —— 1735
— 1809

Tuomas and JERuSHA EATTON
— 1688

Joun Eatton — JoANNA WARDELL

Isaac SPENCER — Mary SELDEN
|

1721-1784 i

I
Wm. Mac Funn Bipp_te — Lypia SPENCER

— 1809 1766-1858
| ee
|
SAMUEL Barrp? — Lyp1a Mac Funn BippLe
1786-1833 1797-1871

I
Evigu SPENCER — JOANNA EATTON

SYLVESTER CHURCHILL — Lucy HuNTER

1783-1862

I
SPENCER FULLERTON BarrD — Mary HELEN CHURCHILL
1823-1887 1821-1891

|
Lucy Hunter Bairpb
1848-1913

18 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

GENEALOGICAL TABLE OF SPENCER F. Bairp
II. Barrp-Roseson-Potts LINE

ANDERS ROBESON
— 1685

ISRAEL are

MaGpDALen Roseson — THomas Ports!

1680-1752
WILLIAM PYEWELL — Mary KATHERINE RUSSER
1685-1769 —— 1762
I
DEBORAH PYEWELL Tuomas Ports?
1721-1762
Thomas Barrp — Mary Dovucias
? 1724-? 1770 living 1780
I
SAMUEL Barrp! Resecca Potts
1740-1820 . 1783-1830

|
SAMUEL Barrp? — Lyp1aA Mac Funn BIppLe
1786-1833: 1797-1871

]
SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD
1823-1887

BIRTHPLACE OF PROFESSOR BAIRD
Corner sth and Washington Streets, S. W., Reading, Pennsylvania
Restored from a Photograph taken by Dr. W. J. Hoffman

I]
CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH

HIS chapter may most appropriately begin with
the following letter which has fortunately been

preserved. Jacob Heevener appears to have been
a carrier or local expressman between Reading and Phil-
adelphia who, in addition to packages, took charge of
letters and delivered them, probably at a lower cost than
the twenty-five cents then demanded by the United States
postoffice. The admonition to Jacob is written on the
outside of the folded and sealed sheet.

From Mrs. Valeria Penrose in Reading, to Mrs. Lydia Spencer Biddle
in Philadelphia.
Reapine, Feb. 4th, 1823.
Dear Mamma,

I can readily imagine how delighted you will be to hear of the
arrival of another grandson yesterday about half past twelve in the
morning. It was about ten days sooner than Lydia expected, but
she was, and still is so uncommonly well, we do not regret its having
come so soon. She was not very sick more than an hour or an hour
and a half, and I sent for cousin Betsey Eckert, who was the only
person with her besides the doctor. We had no bustle or confusion,
everything went on charmingly, and after the child was born, I was
so fortunate as to get a pretty good nurse, who will stay until Mrs.
Scott arrives, which I suppose will be on Thursday.

Lydia expects you on Saturday or Tuesday, and I suppose if
you do not come she will have a complete chill. She says she never
felt half so well in any of her confinements, and I hope if you come
up for a week or two, to take good care of her, she will soon be quite
well. I almost forgot to tell you what a fine baby it is, very large
though not very fat, and looks a good deal like Will only it has dark
hair. They talk of calling it Spencer Fullerton, but I think it had

19

20 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

better be Elihu Spencer. I suppose you will decide when you come,
Will and Sam are delighted with it. I am afraid they will kill it with
kindness, they are so rough. Will catches hold of it as it were wood
or stone.

Lydia says she has a long message to send you. She is now
asleep but I suppose I must leave room for it. Love to all.

Yours affectionately,
VALERIA.

P.S. Lydia wants to know whether you think Aunt F. would
like her to call the baby Spencer F. She is afraid perhaps it may give
Aunty some dislike, or rather recall disagreeable recollections to her
mind.! If you think that will be the case she will call it Elihu
Spencer. She likewise wants a box of tapers, which I forgot to bring,
a bottle of lavender, and some raisins for cake. I believe this is
all her important message, except that I must tell you she is uncom-
monly well. V. F. P.

N. B. Please give my compliments to Mr. H. Hall and request
him to send me a few books, some entertaining ones for Lydia and
some improving ones for myself. I leave it to him to select, as |
have such entire confidence in the goodness of his judgment. Lydia
wants a few smoked herring. V.

P.P.S.
Dear Motuer,

I observe by the city papers that the puerperal fever prevails in
the city. As this is a disease which is peculiar to ladies during their
confinement, almost invariably proves fatal, and as it is believed
that the infection is conveyed from one sick chamber to another in
the clothes of nurses, should Nurse Scott have attended any lady
who has been sick with it, it would be advisable that she should
leave the garments she wore at the time, in the city. I have heard
of no case of the kind in this neighborhood this season. V. P.

Jacob Heevener will please to carry this letter round to Mrs.
Biddle’s as soon as he gets into the city, as she may wish to come up
with him in the stage the next morning.

1 Owing to the recent death of the cousin so named.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 21

As we know, the child was named Spencer Fullerton.

The only record of his early years is that contained
in the memoranda left by Miss Lucy Baird for the use
of the biographer of her father. One can hardly do better
than to adopt almost literally her own words:

“As far as I know all the persons who would recollect
my father’s early childhood are dead, and I remember
but little of what I have heard in regard to it. His aunt,
Mrs. Blaney, told me once that he was one of the most
beautiful children she ever saw when he was about two
or three years old. Whether he was handsome as an
older child, I do not know. An old servant of the family
who lived with my grandmother when he was very little,
described him as a very active child, full of fun and inno-
cent baby mischief, as she described it, ‘he was the biggest
little mischeef I ever saw.’ His own account of himself
tallies with this. When he was still a very little child, he
was sent to a sort of a dame’s school, where one of the
punishments was to put the offending infant in a large
bag with the string drawn about his neck (not painfully
tight, of course), the supposition being that the culprit
when put in the corner in this condition was comfortably
and painlessly manacled in such a way as to need no
further watching. This particular infant, however (as
one of his school mates told me a great many years ago),.
used to manage to roll himself all over the school room
floor in spite of his bag, to the great detriment of the
gravity and discipline of the rest of the youngsters. My
grandmother said that as a little child he had a violent
temper; but he must have got it under control when he
was very young, as the testimony of his contemporaries
in youth points to the same sweetness of disposition which
was characteristic of him in his later years. There are,

22 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

however, one or two stories of his falling into a rage
over some especially trying circumstance, when nearly
grown, so that it is possible that his serene bearing was
owing to self-discipline as well as to natural amiability.

“TI never heard that his father had any especial
favorite among his children; but certainly he was very
fond of Spencer and made a great pet of him as far as
his somewhat strict ideas of discipline would permit.
He was a very kind father and I do not believe that he
ever punished the child except as a matter of what he
believed to be absolute necessity, but he was not one
who would ‘spare the rod and spoil the child’ when he
thought that a good sound whipping would be beneficial.
My father’s principal recollection of his own father was
of pleasant walks in the country, to which he attributed
the germ of that love for Nature which afterwards blos-
somed into his passion for natural history. It is possible
that my grandfather recognized in the child tastes and
tendencies akin to his own (whether he knew that they
were stronger than his own or not, one cannot say) which
he resolved to foster. One of the legends of my father’s
very early childhood is of his trotting after his father,
when my grandfather was weeding or working in his
garden, with a little basket on his arm ready to receive
any little plant or flower which his father might give
him, or to make himself useful by carrying away in it a
tiny load of weeds to be thrown away, or a few bulbs or
roots to be carried to another part of the garden for
transplanting. In the two letters in my father’s collec-
tion, labelled in his handwriting, ‘My father,’ there are
admonitions not to forget to water the garden, showing
this to have been one of the tasks set for the child to
fulfil.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 23

“Two anecdotes of my father’s childhood in connec-
tion with his own father, he used to relate. On one occa-
sion, as a punishment for some juvenile misdeed, he was
locked up in the third-story front room of the house.
After a while a terrified neighbor rushed in and asked if
they knew that Spencer was hanging out of the window.
An investigation proved that he had amused himself by
letting himself hang on the outside of the house, simply
holding on by his fingers to the window sill. His father
came quietly into the room, making as little noise as
possible, so as not to frighten him, and the first news of
his discovery received by the juvenile acrobat was his
being seized by a strong parental arm, and lifted into the
room, where the usual corrective of those just and inex-
orable days was administered. On another occasion,
perhaps a few years later (my father was only ten years
old when his father died) the small urchin found a half-
smoked stump of a cigar somewhere. He thought it a
good time to experiment in smoking. How much of the
cigar he smoked, I do not know, but quite enough to
make him very sick. His tender hearted mother put him
to bed and watched over him most assiduously. When
his father came in, however, he inquired into the origin
of the matter; and, on learning it, announced that there
was to be no further petting in that illness. The youngster
was hauled out of bed, and, after a good sound thrashing,
which his father gave him, was told that he need not go
to bed again, but might go off by himself and recover
his health as best he could. My father used to say that
his early associations with smoking were so painful that
he never cared to try it again.

“In spite of the rigor of my grandfather’s discipline,
he was a very tenderly affectionate father, and those of

24 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

his children, my father among them, who remembered
him, did so, not merely with respect, but with great love
and admiration.

“My grandfather was a very religious man and a very
strict Presbyterian. He had a good income from his
practice as a lawyer and left sufficient property to support
his family with economy. At some period in his life he
resolved to reduce what might be called his worldly
expenses, made up his mind what would be the sum
sufficient for the maintenance of his family and education
of his children, and then proceeded to devote the re-
mainder of his income to the poor, giving up his carriage
and everything which he considered unnecessary luxury.
Whether he would have felt justified in giving away as
much as he did if he had known that he was going to die
comparatively young, leaving a family of seven children,
the eldest of whom was not yet past his childhood, may
be questioned. It is quite possible, however, that the
uncertainty of human life entered into his calculations.
Certain it is, however, whether because the sum was a
small one, or investments did not turn out as well as was
hoped, my grandmother was a good deal straitened after
his death, although there was sufficient to live on with
strict economy, in comfort, though not luxury. She
succeeded in giving her children a good education, the
fact of her having moved to Carlisle, a college town,
greatly facilitating this.

“My grandmother was as near being a saint as is
often the lot of a mortal. Like her husband, she was
very religious, holding consistently to the same strict
form of Presbyterianism. There is no tradition of her
ever having uttered an unkind or impatient word, or
committed an unkind or angry action. No one now living

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 25

remembers her as a wife, but she was undoubtedly a
most loving and dutiful one; and a more tender and
devoted mother could not be. As a young woman, I
imagine that she must have been beautiful: As an old
one, she was still strikingly handsome. She survived her
husband forty years, but never changed from her deep
widow’s weeds, and, in spite of her attractions of mind
and person, she was so truly a widow indeed that a suitor
would hardly have dared to approach her, any more than
if her husband had been living. She was an excellent
housekeeper; and, both in the days of strict economy,
when her table was, of necessity, a very simple one, and
later on, when more abundant means enabled her to
gratify her hospitable instincts in setting the best before
her guests, everything was perfect of its kind. Her
nieces and nephews looked upon her house as a second
home, where they were perhaps allowed even greater
liberty by their gentle and indulgent aunt than in their
own. Her daughters, in referring to this, speak of the
remarkable fact that her kitchen, although clean and neat
as wax, was ‘the place where all the boys of the family
felt at liberty to come and clean their guns.’ The nephews
and nieces, who still survive, speak of ‘Aunty Baird’ with
almost as much tenderness as do her own children.
‘““My grandmother was one of five children, she being
the eldest. She was a native of Philadelphia, and her
mother, Mrs. Biddle, was left a widow when the five
children were quite young. The next younger sister to
my grandmother married the Hon. Charles Penrose, a
lawyer, afterwards well known in State politics and at
one time Solicitor of the United States Treasury. At the
commencement of his career as a lawyer, he was advised
to open an office in Carlisle, Pennsylvania, and accord-

26 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

ingly moved there and remained for many years. After
a time, my great-grandmother, Mrs. Biddle, also moved
to Carlisle, and her two sons, William and Edward,
having studied law, settled down there to practice their
profession. After my Grandfather Baird’s death, my
grandmother moved there with her children, as did also
thefyoungest sister, Mrs. Blaney, with her children, on
becoming a widow. As a consequence during a great
part of my father’s childhood and early youth Carlisle
was the home, not only of his grandmother but of all
her descendants,—five children and twenty-seven grand-
children, as well as her two daughters-in-law and her
surviving son-in-law.

“T think that one of the great evidences of my great-
grandmother’s penetration was her recognition of merit
in my father’s scientific tastes. His love of Natural
History was not regarded as a matter of importance by
his uncles. Many of the boys and men of the family
were keen sportsmen, but their interest in Nature was
that of those who hunt and fish for amusement and exer-
cise. That there could be anything deeper and more
serious in the study of Nature was little realized in those
days. A professional Naturalist who not only depended
upon it for his living but made scientific research his life
work was at that time nearly unknown in this country.
My great-grandmother seems in this as in some other
things to have been ahead of her time. My gentle grand-
mother always encouraged her children to do anything
they wished, when it was possible for her to afford it,
and which she did not consider wrong. It was thought,
however, by the rest of the family, with the exception
of his grandmother, that the months and years which
my father devoted to the study of animal life, when they

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 27

thought he should be studying a profession, was a waste
of time most reprehensible in a boy who was dependent
on his mother’s small means. His grandmother, however,
upheld and encouraged him, and he always felt that he
owed a great deal of his success in life to her. As a matter
of fact, I think that he had an independent income from
natural history at as early an age as any of his brothers
from their professions; and he did not, as was prophesied,
remain a burden on the family finances, so his grand-
mother’s wisdom was justified.

“My great-grandmother was a great resource to all
her grandsons, especially to those of an industrious turn
of mind, in regard to pocket money. While she was most
liberal, she believed in inculcating habits of independent
industry, and was therefore very much in the habit, so
far as possible, of letting the boys earn such pocket
money as she thought it wise for them to have. My
father’s need for powder and shot usually led to the manu-
facture of small articles such as silk winders, etc., whittled
out of wood or bone, which his grandmother, and some-
times his aunts, would purchase. My great-grandmother
was in the habit of laying in a supply of coarse canvas
which she would have tacked down to the floor of her
garret as a foundation for home-made oil cloth; innumer-
able coats of lead-colored paint being laid on by the boys
of the family from time to time when they were in need
of funds. ‘There was a fixed tariff per square yard for
painting, and the grandson applying for remunerative
work would be sent upstairs to lay on paint sufficient
to bring him in the desired revenue. When enough coats
had been put on, to make a good oil-cloth, the strip
would be brought down stairs for use in some portion of

the kitchen department of the house, or would perhaps be
\

28 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

presented to some house-holder of the family, who could
utilize this durable, if possibly not very artistic, fabric.”

The dame’s school which was the scene of his early
exploits, previously referred to, was doubtless in Reading.
What other training he may have had there is not re-
corded; but that he did receive good instruction in the
primary elements of an education is evident from the
following letter, the first of his still preserved, and which
was written, at the age of eight years and five months,
to his father, then in Boston. The letter from his father
which follows must have crossed it in the slow post of
those days.

From Spencer F. Baird to Samuel Baird.
Reapine, July 8th, 1831.
Dear FATHER
As I have not wrote to you for a long time I will now take An
opportunity to write to you this evening, the grapes flowers and the
Garden are in a Good state; some times I find a few catepillars on
the Grapes but I kill them all as soon as I see them on it. It has
rained so much this 2 or 3 weeks that we could not weed it but as
soon as it clears off we will Do it. frank Durand, Sam and myself
all of us went up the Tulpehocken on the fourth of July to go afish-
ing, we caught 8 catfish and 2 Sunfish, they fired the two brass
cannons off on the fourth of July in our street and broke your office
window and mr. Bells too. Do not you remember your promise to
write to me. Do make haste and write to me.
Your affectionate son,
Spencer F. Barron.

SaMuEL Barrp, Esa.
From Samuel Baird, Sr., to Spencer F. Baird.
Boston, July 5, 1831.
(What you can’t read to this letter get your mother to read to you)

My Dear Son:—
I promised I would write a letter to you and I must try and be
as good as my word. Yesterday you know was the 4th of July.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 29

In the year 1776 our forefathers resolved that they would not any
longer live under the British government and God assisted them to
gain their liberties, and, if the people of the United States would
remember that it was God alone who enabled them to resist the
British who were much more powerful than the Americans and sent
very large armies and a great many ships against them, they would
be very thankful to God for His kindness. They would do right to
celebrate the day of their independence but they ought not to get
drunk upon it and behave as if they cared nothing about God and
did not believe that He would be angry with them for their wickedness
and ingratitude.

Two or three days ago I went over to the place where the first
great battle was fought between the Americans and the British.
There had been it is true some fighting before at Lexington a short
distance from Boston but the battle of Bunker’s Hill was the first
great battle. I daresay you have read all about it. I stood upon the
top of Breed’s Hill for it was not on Bunker’s Hill, which is a quarter
of a mile distant that the battle took place, but on Breed’s Hill.
It is a small hill and if you were to see it you would wonder that
the American soldiers would ever have thought of making a stand
there, but God put it into their hearts to fight and they stood their
ground very bravely and killed and wounded nearly one thousand
of the British and the news spread over the whole of the United
States that only a small number of the Americans, with old shabby
guns had shot (and killed) a great many British and that gave courage
to Americans in other parts of the United States. War is a bad
thing but if one nation attempts to make slaves of another nation
it is lawful to take up arms and drive them away.

I will now tell you what I saw and heard yesterday. In the
morning about daybreak the people of Boston fired off a great many
cannon and rang the church bells for about half an hour. About
nine o’clock the Sunday Schools were assembled together in great
number in one of the largest churches in Boston and had their cele-
bration. At eleven o’clock the volunteer companies and young men
formed a procession, that is walked in a long row down to one of
the churches and there heard an oration delivered. Then at twelve
o’clock the officers of the city and more elderly gentlemen met at the
State House and walked in a procession down to the Old South Church,

30 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

as it is called, a church which was built before the Revolutionary
War, and there also an oration was delivered. Your uncle Penrose
and myself were invited to join the procession of the old people.

In the afternoon we went in a steamboat down to a place called
Nahant. There is a narrow strip of land that extends a great way
out into the sea and at the end of it is a high rock and on this rock
there is a beautiful house built, and you can see from it a great way
out into the Ocean, as far as your eye can reach. The people of Boston
come down to this place in the summer months because it is very
cool and pleasant and they have an opportunity of bathing in the
sea water which is very agreeable and refreshing. When we came
back in the steamboat there were about twelve hundred people on
board of it and we had scarcely room to stand or sit.

We expect to set out in the stage to-day at one o’clock for Albany.
Get your mother to show you the map of Massachusetts. If nothing
happens we are to sleep to-night at Worcester and to go through
Northampton, New Lebanon, and so on to Albany. It will take two
days and a half to reach Albany. I hope you take care to water my
flowers every other day when it does not rain and are very good and
obedient to your mother and kind to your sisters and try to love
God and that I shall hear a good account of you when I come home.

Your affectionate father,
SAMUEL Barrp.

Tell Sam I will write to him if I live to get to Saratoga. Kiss
your mother and sisters for me.

Only one other letter from his father to the boy is
preserved. Both parents were together and Samuel
Baird was in poor health. It runs as follows:

From Samuel Baird, Sr., to Spencer F. Baird.

CaRLisLE, July 3, 1833.
My Dear Son:—

I was very much gratified to receive your letter yesterday morn-
ing informing us that you were all well in Reading. Your mother
began to feel very uneasy, not hearing from home. She expected a
letter a day or two sooner than the one that came from you.

SAMUEL BAIRD
Grandfather of Professor Baird
From a Miniature in the possession of Miss Christine W. Biddle

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 31

John Hobart no doubt has told you all that happened on our
journey from Reading to Carlisle. Since that time we have been in
Carlisle. We had made our arrangements to set out on our travels
this morning, but as it is raining we have been compelled to give up
the idea of starting until the weather becomes clearer again.

We think of going first to Harrisburg, then up the river to Clark’s
ferry. Then to cross the Susquehanna and go up the Juniata to
Millerstown and visit Mrs. Good. Then to cross over the Susque-
hanna again and keep up the river, through Northumberland,
Danville and Berwick to Beech Grove, where your aunt Hannah
lives. Where we shall go afterwards if the Lord spares our lives to
reach Beech Grove we have not fully determined.

My health seems a little better since I came to Carlisle. I have
grown somewhat stronger altho’ I have not been able to take much
exercise.

Your mother does not seem at all well. She complains a good
deal but I am in hopes that riding and exercise will be of great service
to her. Your grandmother, and uncle Penrose’s and Biddle’s family
are all well.

To-morrow if the rain does not prevent it there is to be a great
celebration of the 4th of July by the Sunday School scholars belonging
to Mr. Duffield’s congregation and also by Mr. McKinley’s. The
scholars of each school are to go out into the country to spend the
day along with their teachers, directors and superintendents. There
is to be a grand entertainment given to each of them and each party
it is said is trying who can make it most elegant. Your sisters Lydia
and Mary are to go with Mr. McKinley’s party.

I hope you are all very good and are very attentive and obedient
to your aunt Harriet and that she will be able to give us a good ac-
count of you if we should be spared to return home. Take good care
of the garden and flowers. Don’t forget to water the flowers when
they require it.

Tell your brother Samuel to write to us on Saturday next and
to direct his letter to Beech Grove. If he is too lazy to write some
one else must write on Saturday (the 6th of July). We shall be
very anxious to hear again from Reading.

Give your mother’s and my love to your aunts, and sister
Rebecca. She must try her hand writing to us also while we are

32 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

gone. Little Moll had a large double tooth drawn yesterday. She
has had a great deal of the tooth ache since we came to Carlisle.
That the Lord may protect and preserve you all and incline your
hearts to know and to love him is the prayer of your
Affectionate father
SAMUEL Bairp.

Samuel Baird died on the 27th of that July, aged
forty-seven. In 1834 young Spencer was sent to a Friends’
boarding school five miles from Port Deposit, Maryland,
kept by a Dr. McGraw. At the end of six months he
joined his mother, who had removed to Carlisle after
the death of her husband, and in 1835 attended the Car-
lisle grammar school, an adjunct, or, as it would now be
called, a preparatory school, of Dickinson College, of
which the Rev. Stephen G. Roszel was principal. At
that time the school contained about seventy pupils.

As it is certain that conditions which prevailed at
Carlisle had much to do with the formation of his early
tastes, some details in regard to the place where young
Baird and his brothers grew to manhood and were edu-
cated may properly be recorded here.?

The town of Carlisle, Cumberland County, Pennsyl-
vania, was laid out in 1751 by Nicholas Scull, Surveyor
General, pursuant to orders from Governor James Hamil-
ton, acting for the Proprietaries of Penn’s purchase.
It consisted originally of sixteen rectangular plots with
a central open square situated between Conodoquinet
Creek on the north and a stream flowing on the east
from a fine source, called after an Indian interpreter who
settled there about 1720, Le Tort’s spring.

2See “Charter and ordinances of the Borough of Carlisle, to
which are prefixed incidents of the early history of the town,” etc.
Carlisle, printed at the Herald office, 1841. 8vo., 64 pp., 2 maps.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 33

The situation is in the centre of a valley with moun-
tains to the north and south at a distance of seven miles.
In 1753 there were five dwellings, and a log cabin used
as a county Court House, with a garrison of twelve men
to preserve order and impress the Indians who had a
village near Great Beaver Pond at no great distance.

The agents of the Proprietaries were especially directed
to encourage the settlement of the Scotch-Irish in Cumber-
land County, as it had been found that a mixture of
races in Lancaster County had resulted in serious disorder
at elections.

In 1764, the Indians were thoroughly subdued by
forces under Colonel Boquet and many captives were
restored to their families, poignant situations in some
cases resulting from the fact that female children had
grown up and married among their captors, and the
necessity for decision between their husbands and children
on the one hand, and parents and other relatives on the
other.

Carlisle people were strongly patriotic at the out-
break of the Revolutionary War and many joined the
American forces. The town was made an important
rendezvous for the troops and, in consequence of its
distance from the theatre of war, British prisoners were
frequently sent there for secure confinement. Among
these, in 1776, were Lieutenant Despard (executed for
high treason at London in 1803) and the well known
Major André, who had been taken by Montgomery near
Lake Champlain.

The town was incorporated in 1782, and a charter
supplied in 1814. Five years after the Baird family
settled there, there was a population of 4350, and the
Cumberland Valley Railway passed through the centre

3

34 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

of the town from east to west. There were fifteen public
schools with some eight hundred scholars. Dickinson
College was granted a charter in 1783, and named after
John Dickinson, President of the Supreme Executive
Council of Pennsylvania, who was among those who
contributed liberally toward its establishment. It was
organized in the following year under the presidency of
the Rev. Dr. Charles Nisbet of Montrose, Scotland, and
a faculty of three professors. After various experiences
of success and defeat the college was transferred in 1833
to the control and direction of the Baltimore, Philadelphia,
and New Jersey conferences of the Methodist Episcopal
Church. Under these new auspices the college took a
fresh start, and a preparatory, or Grammar School, was
established.

This school, attended by the young Bairds, was situ-
ated on the west side of the town separated from the
college building by High Street. In 1840 the name had
been changed to the “Dickinson Institute,” and was
attended by sixty pupils, while the number of students
in the college had risen to one hundred and eighteen.

A log cabin church had been built by the Presbyterians
of the county, about 1740, of which no vestige except
the burying ground remains. By 1834 there were two
congregations of this denomination, one each of the so-
called “Old” and ‘New Lights.”

As an evidence of the tolerant spirit of Mr. Samuel
Baird it may be noted that, while very constant in his
attendance at service, usually twice on Sunday, Pro-
fessor Baird’s early journal shows that he frequented
both churches though apparently attending most often
at the Second Church. Sometimes he visited the Epis-
copal or the Lutheran, and on at least one occasion the

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 35
Catholic Church. The Rev. Alexander McGill of the

Second Church seems to have been his preferred minister.

A very important element in the life at Carlisle was
furnished by the United States Military Post. This was
situated about half a mile northeast of the town but
within the Borough limits.

The Barracks were built in 1777. The labor was
furnished by Hessian prisoners captured at Trenton.
They could accommodate two thousand men. About
1839 a school of cavalry practice was established there,
and the building handsomely refitted under the direction
of Captain E. V. Sumner, then commanding the post. A
military band was stationed there and on festive occasions
entertained the town with its music, in processions or
on the public square.

In the list of town officials for 1841, the name of William
M. Biddle occurs as one of the two street commissioners.

Miss Baird records:

“Carlisle in the old days had a much larger and gayer
society than now. Beside my great-grandmother’s clan
(as I think I may call it) who were comparatively new-
comers, there were many pleasant families then residing
in the town or on farms near it, some of whom had settled
there during the early pioneer period. There were many
parties and social entertainments. Indeed the place
seemed of much greater social importance than its size
warranted. It was, however, not only the county town,
but was also a college town and a garrison town. This
latter factor brought many officers, frequently with their
families, to reside there for longer or shorter periods.
It was also the day of small towns, socially speaking, as
railways had not yet centralized society in the larger
towns and cities as much as is now the case.”

36 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Another feature of the surroundings at Carlisle,
which doubtless was of prime importance, was the fact
that the meadows, marshes, streams and ponds, the
wooded hills and limestone bluffs, of the region within
twenty miles of the town, afforded attractions to myriads
of birds, including, at the migratory seasons, waterfowl
of many kinds, besides the quail, grouse and other game
peculiar to field and forest.

It is positively astonishing to him who is familiar
only with the depleted fauna of to-day, to read over the
almost daily record of birds shot or seen by Baird,
which occur in his early diaries. When other members
of the family, such as his uncles, went out, it seems that
a good bag of quail, snipe, woodcock, or waterfowl, was
obtained as a matter of course.

The streams and lakes seem also to have yielded a
bountiful supply of turtles, salamanders and fishes, while
snakes, chiefly harmless, were not of rare occurrence.
Moreover, the limestone of the region in many places
was replete with fossils, often in an excellent state of
preservation. On the whole, for anyone with the taste
for natural history, the Cumberland Valley about Carlisle
seems to have been almost ideally supplied with material
for study.*

3 The following description, taken from Baird’s own publication in
the Literary Record of the Linnean Association of Pennsylvania Col-
lege, 1845, No. 4, p. 17, will give the reader a clear idea of the region:

“Briefly to characterize Cumberland county, it consists of a
section of the great Cumberland valley, twelve miles wide, and about
forty long, bounded on the north by the Kittatinny or North Moun-
tain; on the south, by the South Mountain, and on the east by the
Susquehanna river. The South Mountain is composed of the various
primary rocks, mica slate, chlorite, quartz and sandstone, the white
fucoidal sandstone of Prof. Rogers forming its northern ridges.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 37

The life of a schoolboy, roaming the fields when not
occupied with his duties, is rarely the subject of record,
and was no more so in the present case. At the age of
fifteen, however, he began to keep a record of the weather,
a few lines a day, without instrumental observations.

Next come the two great strata of sandstone and slate, occupying
nearly the whole breadth of the valley. The North Mountain con-
sists of red and white sandstone and slates. A narrow dyke of trap
called Strong ridge, crosses the valley, about five miles east of Carlisle.
The Conedoowinit creek forms the dividing line between the lime-
stone and slate. Nearly parallel to the Conedoowinit, and at a
distance from the South Mountain, runs the Yellow Breeches creek.
The remaining streams which are of insignificant size, are the Letort
and Big Spring.

“The fertility of the soil, varies much with the particular parts
of the country. On the South Mountain, there is not a great deal of
arable ground. The limestone land, however, is capable of a very
high state of cultivation, particularly near the water courses, in some
of the bottoms along the Conedoowinit creek, the timber grows to
a very large size; it is not uncommon to see Button woods, 7 feet,
Mossy Cap Oaks five feet, and Hack-berries two feet in diameter
and grape vines 6 to 8 inches. About seven miles to the southeast
of Carlisle there is a strip of woods called the Richlands, containing
trees of an astonishing diameter and height, so high indeed that it
is considered an almost impossible feat to kill a squirrel or wild
pigeon on the top, with shot. The slate land is very unproductive
compared with the limestone, though by good management it makes
a tolerable yield. The North Mountain is very rocky along its sides,
fertile however on parts of its top.

“The most peculiar part of the county, consists of that portion
in the South Mountain. This is not a single ridge like the North
Mountain, but occupies an area of considerable breadth, made up of
short hills and ridges, separated by narrow valleys, and copiously
supplied with springs and swamps.

“In the latter, we find the cranberry and fragrant magnolia,
growing in abundance, particularly in one called the Black Swamp,
near Pine grove furnace.”

38 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

To this after a time he began to add a record of birds
shot, and later brief memoranda of his work or movements
on days when these rose above the ordinary routine.

Referring to his systematic ways as a child, Miss
Baird notes that among the relics of that period was
found a list written out in a boyish hand entitled ‘Songs
that I sing’; though she does not remember his doing
anything more in the way of music than to occasionally
hum a tune. As a boy, however, he formed the habit
of whistling. There was in the family quite a little
musical talent, especially in the household of his uncle
William Biddle, where they frequently had small concerts
on piano, violin and flute. On these occasions whole
operas would sometimes be played, and young Spencer’s
quick ear and retentive memory enabled him to whistle
large portions of them for his own amusement during
his walks. Sometimes he varied his method by reciting
favorite German verses, such as Schiller’s “Song of the
Bell.”

The list of “Songs that I sing” was only one of his
juvenile records. There are still extant carefully kept
childish accounts of money received and expended, and
lists of books borrowed, lent, and read by him.

An amusing page of statistics is a statement of the
ages of the various members of the family, including
uncles and aunts, one or two of which, among the ladies,
he notes that he “was unable to obtain.”

He had a very vivid imagination, and members of
the family recall that, as little children, there was con-
siderable rivalry as to who should sleep in the same room
with him, to enjoy the wonderful tales which he extempo-
rized for the benefit of the brothers and sisters who could
listen to him.

aT

ld

COLE ER TA FI ON,

DICKINSON COLLEGE, CARLISLE, PENNSYLVANIA
From an Illustration in ‘‘The Collegian,’’ Vol. I, No. 1, March, 1849

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH "39

In those days the use of firearms was an accomplish-
ment acquired early by boys with access to the woods
and fields. There is no record of the date at which he
first was permitted to use a gun, but in the earliest por-
tion of his journal in 1838, he records lists of birds shot
on his daily walks, and from their number it is evident
that he was even then proficient and accurate in his use of
the shotgun. In these excursions he was usually accom-
panied by his brother, William, or his cousin, William
Penrose, and occasionally by one or more of his uncles.

In 1836, at the age of thirteen, he entered Dickinson
College, of which his father, Samuel Baird, had been a
member of the Academic Senate, where his brother
William was then in the senior class, and his brother
Samuel a sophomore.

The origin and establishment of this institution of
learning have already been referred to. Owing doubtless
to the youthfulness of many of their students, oversight
and control of them was much more strict and paternal
than would be considered endurable by most college
students to-day. The institution possessed no dormi-
tories; the students boarded in approved houses when
they did not live at home in the town; prayers were at
SIX A.M., necessitating early rising, as students were
required to be present; each student, not a resident of
Carlisle, was required to select a patron from among the
members of the Faculty who supervised his deportment,
received and disbursed all his funds, rendering monthly
statements of expenditures to the parents; and without
his permission no bills might be contracted, “‘ provided,
that no bills shall be paid for horse or carriage hire,
confectionery, fruit, eatables of any kind, or other articles
unnecessary for a student.”’ However, a moderate sum of

40 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

pocket money, such as the parent might approve of, might
be allowed by the Patron provided it did not exceed what
in his judgment, reinforced by the advice of the President,
the interest of the student and of the College might require.
These rules were still in force a quarter of a century later,
according to the Collegiate catalogue.

The students as a rule took themselves very seriously.
They had a number of societies, among them the Union
Philosophical Society, dating back to 1789, which included
both students and members of the Faculty, and of which
William M. and Spencer F. Baird were secretaries in
1845 and 1846, respectively; the latter having become a
member in his freshman year.

In the journal we find it noted that the members of
one of the societies, feeling that it had been unfairly
reflected on by some remarks in the minister’s sermon,
rose in a body and solemnly filed out of church.

However different from modern collegiate customs
some of their rules might seem, they were undoubtedly
framed for the benefit of the student and the security
of moral conduct.

The long series of illustrious names which grace the
catalogue of this ancient seat of learning shows that the
discipline and paternal care of its Faculty were far from
being wasted.

The president at the time of Spencer’s matriculation
was the Rev. Dr. John Price Durbin. The member of
the Faculty who must have had the greatest influence.
on young Spencer was William Henry Allen, A.M.,*
Professor of Chemistry and Natural Philosophy (which
then included all the Natural Sciences), whose post in
1830 had been filled by Henry D. Rogers.

4 Afterward President of Girard College.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 41

William M. Baird, Spencer’s elder brother, was his
especial chum, with a taste for natural history which
made a common bond between them, although there
was four years’ difference in their ages. ‘They roamed the
country together and undertook the collection of a com-
plete series of the birds of Cumberland County, specimens
from which are still extant in the collection of the United
States National Museum.

This collection was kept in an old fashioned secretary-
bureau which was lent for the purpose by their Grand-
mother Biddle. It had belonged to Mrs. Fullerton, a
great-aunt whose son Spencer had died about the time
Spencer Baird was born and after whom he was named,
Mrs. Fullerton being a favorite aunt of our Spencer’s
mother. This bureau was given to his wife on her mar-
riage and cherished as a relic after Professor Baird’s
collection far outgrew its capacity.

After the appointment of his Uncle Penrose to the post
of Solicitor of the United States Treasury Department
by President Harrison and the removal of the Penrose
family to Washington in 1841, William was appointed
to a clerkship in the Treasury and went to Washington,
residing with his uncle’s family. Here he remained
several years, but kept up his habit of studying and col-
lecting birds, and held a very active correspondence with
his brother Spencer at Carlisle.

John K. Townsend, the well-known naturalist, with his
wife, visited Washington during the period when William
was still connected with the Treasury. The lady was a
daughter of Robert Holmes, the inventor of the Holmes life-
boat, and in 1847 William Baird married her sister Harriet.

He resigned from the Treasury and went to Reading,
which was his home for the rest of his life. He took up

42 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

the study of law, and soon had an extensive practice, giving
up his natural history work in order to devote himself to
his profession, but always retaining an interest in it.

Professor Baird always expressed a very high opinion
of his brother’s ability as an ornithologist, saying that
if he had kept on he would have taken high rank among
the students of that branch of science. He became
interested in politics and was Mayor of Reading in
1855-6, and Collector of Internal Revenue for the 8th
district of Pennsylvania 1869-72. He died at the age
of fifty-five in 1872, leaving a widow and two children.

This seems a not unsuitable place to include a brief
notice of Professor Baird’s other brothers and sisters.

The second brother Samuel studied law but never
practised. For a short time he taught school and after-
ward for quite a number of years was connected with the
United States Customs service at Philadelphia. His
health was always delicate and he died unmarried.

The youngest brother Thomas had a strong taste for
mechanics and devoted himself to mechanical and factory
work. He married Miss Mary Bill and died in 1897,
leaving two sons and two daughters.

The two older sisters, Rebecca and Lydia, never
married. The youngest, Mary, married Henry J. Biddle
of Philadelphia. At the outbreak of the Civil War he
joined the army, and while on duty as a member of General
McCall’s staff was wounded and taken prisoner in one
of the battles before Richmond, and died in a hospital
in that city. They had five children.

Professor Baird’s diary was not begun before 1838
and as before mentioned was at first little more than a
meteorological record. By the following year, however,
it began to be also a register of birds shot and excursions

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 43

made either alone or with his relatives. In June, 1839,
a trip of twenty-five miles on foot to Holly Springs,
with his uncle and Cousin Penrose, after birds and game
is recorded. The next day he was so much used up by
the long tramp that he was obliged to “cut” his college
classes and spent his time studying Wilson’s Ornithology,
lent by Dr. Foster.

About this time he began to take drawing lessons from
a Miss St. Omer.

In August he accompanied a party including two of
his uncles and others with a team, which set out to survey
coal lands on the Schuylkill. They were away some two
weeks and when they returned to Reading the boy was
troubled with palpitation of the heart. There seems to
be little doubt that the long tramps over hill and dale,
often with a heavy pack of game or fossils, produced a
dilation of the heart which is not uncommon among
athletes, and which was more or less responsible, even-

tually, for his premature decease.
~ As a child it is probable that he had visited Philadel-
phia at various times with his relatives, but the first
journey there alone is noted in his Journal for September
5, 1839, at the age of sixteen.

Among other “sights” of the city he visited ‘‘Tyn-
dale’s china store on Chestnut Street, which is lit by sixty-
two gaslights,”’ evidently a recent installation of the new
illuminant. On the seventh of September he went to
the Academy of Natural Sciences, where he saw Audubon’s
great folio on American birds. On the eleventh he re-
turned to Carlisle by train, a journey of ten and a half
hours; at present possible in three and a half hours.

On the opening of college in October he was excused
from attending the six o’clock morning prayers, by

44 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

submitting a certificate from Dr. Foster concerning his
palpitation of the heart. He notes about this time the
very great number of birds due to the autumn migration.

In November Spencer was busy with chemistry under
the direction of Professor Allen.

On Christmas Day there was a family gathering at his
grandmother’s and he notes that five children, three chil-
dren-in-law, and twenty-three grandchildren were present.

In January, 1840, he began the study of German, and
a little later having borrowed Michaux’s Sylva he begins
to copy the descriptions and the 150 plates.

In March, his mother having purchased a house
situated next to his grandmother’s, all members of the
family were kept busy moving in and getting settled.

June 4, 1840, having obtained two flycatchers which
he could not identify, he mustered up courage to write
to John J. Audubon, then the most eminent ornithologist
of the United States.’ He enclosed descriptions and
measurements for Audubon’s consideration and follows
them with the remarks here cited:

Extract from a letter from S. F. Baird to John J. Audubon, dated
Carlisle, June 4, 1840.

You see Sir, that I have taken (after much hesitation) the liberty
of writing to you. I am but a boy and very inexperienced, as you
no doubt will observe from my description of the Flycatcher. My

5 The correspondence between Baird and Audubon has been
largely published and discussed by Prof. Ruthven Deane in the issues
of the Auk for April and July, 1906, and January, 1907. The materials
for this publication were chiefly due to letters contributed by Miss
Baird and Miss M. R. Audubon. This excellent presentation of the
subject makes it unnecessary for the present biographer to enter
that part of the field, except so far as continuity of narration or the
possession of unpublished material may require.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 45

brother last year commenced the study of our Birds, and after some
months I joined him. He has gone elsewhere to settle and I am left
alone. I have been much assisted however by Dr. A. Foster ® of
this place in various ways, and should the above Flycatcher happen
not to have been described, it would gratify me very much to have
it honored with his name.

The contention about this bird which ensued is fully
described by Professor Deane in the paper referred to
in the footnote, and it was finally described as new, with
another, in a paper by the two brothers, being their
first printed contribution to scientific literature.’

Audubon replied promptly to this communication in
a letter from which the following paragraphs are extracted:

Extracts from a letter from John J. Audubon in New York, to Spencer
F. Baird in Carlisle, dated June 13, 1840.

On my return home from Charleston, S. C., yesterday, I found
your kind favor of the 4th instant in which you have the goodness
to inform me that you have discovered a new species of flycatcher,
and which, if the bird corresponds to your description, is, indeed,
likely to prove itself hitherto undescribed, for, although you speak
of yourself as being a youth, your style and the descriptions you have
sent me prove to me that an old head may from time to time be
found on young shoulders!

Being on the eve of publishing the Quadrupeds of our Country,
I have thought that you might have it in your power to procure
several of the smaller species for me, and thereby assist me con-
siderably. Please to write me again soon, as I must resume my
travels in 8 or 10 days.

6 Alfred Foster, M.D., born 1790, died 1847. A graduate of
Dickinson College in 1809. On his tombstone in the Carlisle ceme-
tery is inscribed: ‘ Purity of mind and integrity of purpose graced
his great attainments in Science and Literature; and his character
happily blended the guilelessness of childhood with the wisdom of
mature years.” (Note by Ruthven Deane in the Auk for April,
1906, page 199.)

7 Proceedings of the Academy of Natural Sciences of Philadelphia,

I, pp. 283-285, 1843.

46 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

These letters were the first of a series extending over
more than seven years, in which the friendliness of the
great naturalist of fifty-eight and the youth of seventeen
grew into a warm attachment. Some of these letters
not found in Professor Deane’s collection will be inserted
in their appropriate places.

It is quite surprising in looking over the journal, and
considering the period and the circumstances, to see how
many of the standard scientific books of the time were
accessible to the young naturalist. The library of the
college and the State library at Harrisburg, the private
libraries of Professor Allen, Dr. Foster and various mem-
bers of the Penrose, Biddle, and Baird families (to say
nothing of the books in the library of the Academy at
Philadelphia which were accessible to visitors), afforded
a supply of scientific literature which young Baird
studied with avidity. It is probable that, in the present
day of multitudinous public libraries, a similarly placed
student would hardly find himself so favorably situated,
as regards the literature of natural history.

The college examinations took place in June, 1840.
On the ninth of the month he received his degree of A.B.
The class consisted on graduation of nineteen students,
out of forty-eight who entered as freshmen. He notes
that they were as a class singularly united, no “Society”
lines dividing them. He took no part in the oratorical
exercises of Commencement, not having been well enough
to write a discourse. His graduating expenses were five
dollars for his diploma, two dollars toward printing
Professor Allen’s address and five dollars and a quarter
for the music and other expenses of the day. .

Having graduated, the vacation months were spent in
reading, study, excursions on foot and in the saddle, with

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD
From a Daguerreotype taken September 29th, 1840

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 47

young lady friends of the town and other young people,
in the natural and appropriate amusements of his age.

In September he visited Philadelphia and for the most
part frequented the Academy, where he met for the first
time some of the better known scientists of the day,
Townsend Brydges, Dr. Samuel G. Morton® the anthro-
pologist, and Thomas Nuttall.? On the 29th he went to
the newly established Daguerreotype parlors and had his
picture taken. Shortly after he returned to Carlisle.

The application of electricity to the cure of certain
ailments was already in vogue, and with the electric
machine borrowed from the college he made appli-
cations of it to several rheumatic friends. In Novem-
ber he was experimenting with bichromate of potash
prints, better known nowadays as “blueprints,” and
common in every office where plans or drawings are to
be copied. This was then a new thing and he applied
it to taking prints of the leaves of as many trees and shrubs
as the neighborhood afforded. This collection of prints
many years afterward was utilized with profit by the
paleobotanists of the National Museum for comparison
with fossil plants.

8 Samuel George Morton, M.D., proficient in geology and craniol-
ogy, born in Philadelphia, Jan. 26, 1799, died May 15, 1851. He was
one of the most influential members of the Philadelphia Academy of
Natural Sciences and an active participant in the Lea-Conrad contro-
versy of 1832-3. He published important contributions to the Cre-
taceous paleontology of the United States and on human craniology.

®' Thomas Nuttall, born in Settle, Yorkshire, in 1786, died at
Nutgrove near Liverpool Sept. 10, 1859. He was especially a bota-
nist, but collected in all branches of natural history. He came to the
United States in 1808, travelled and collected extensively on the
Pacific Coast and elsewhere and succeeded Peck in charge of the
botanical garden at Cambridge, Mass., in 1822; in 1842 he returned
to England.

48 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

On the 30th of November he shot a wild cat near the
town. This was a sufficiently rare animal, even then,
to create excitement, and he notes that its stomach was
filled with the long brown hair of a deer.

His correspondence with Audubon continued, and the
following letter not in the Deane collection has some

interest:

From John J. Audubon to Spencer F. Baird.

My Dear Sir,— New Yor, June 22, 1840.

Your favor of the 20th inst. came to hand this morning, and I
will answer to its contents at once.

It is impossible at present for me to give you any precise idea of
the work on our quadrupeds which I have in contemplation to publish,
any further than to say to you, that it is my intention, as well as
that of my friend, the Rev4 John Bachman, of Charleston, S. C.,
assisted by several others of our best naturalists, to issue a work
on the Mammalia of North America worthy of the naturalist’s
attention, both at home and abroad.—Through our joint efforts,
and assisted as we hope and trust to be, by numerous friends and
acquaintances in different portions of our Wide Union, we expect to
collect, not only new species, but much of valuable matter connected
with their geographical range, and particular habits. For instance,
in your assistance in this department as well as in ornithology, you
may be able to send us valuable intelligence respecting the Shrews,
Mice, Rats, Squirrels, etc., found in your immediate vicinity &c.—
and by saving and forwarding specimens to us, be able also, in all
probability, to place into our hands, objects never before known to
the World of Science. Whatever information we thus receive is
sacredly published under the name of the friend from whom we
receive the information, etc. I have sent you the Zoological report
of Doct. De Kay.!° His Corvus cocolotle is really our Raven. Supposed
by some inexperienced European naturalists to be distinct from the
Raven of Europe, which, however, is a gross error.

10 James Ellsworth De Kay, M.D., born in Lisbon in 1792; died
at Oyster Bay, Long Island, N. Y., Nov. 21, 1851. Author of the
Zoology of New York, in the great series of reports issued by the
State toward the middle of the last century.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 49

The thrush which you have described, and which you kindly
offer to send me, may be new, but perhaps you are not acquainted
with the Turdus Nanus of my work, to which it appears, if not the
same, probably a new variety? Nous verrons.

Please to collect all the Shrews, Mice, (field or wand’ rats, bats,
Squirrels, etc., and put them in a jar in common Rum, not whiskey,
brandy or alcohol, All of the latter spirits are sure to injure the
subjects.

Believe me, my Dear Sir. : :
ae . Your friend and servant,

Joun J. Aupuson.

Under date of January 23, 1841, Baird notes that he
attended a meeting of the Periodical Library Association
of Carlisle, a society of about 33 members. ‘Some of
the works subscribed for were Loudon’s Magazine of
Natural History, Silliman’s Journal, the London Athe-
nzeum, the four English Reviews, Blackwood’s Magazine,
Dublin University Magazine, the Boston Medical Journal,
the American Medical Magazine, Buel’s Cultivator, the
Farmers Cabinet, the North American Review, the
Journal of The Franklin Institute, Hunt’s Merchants’
Magazine, the Magazine of Horticulture and Botany, the
Musical Visitor, the Metropolitan and Parley’s Magazine.
Each member subscribes three dollars.”

In how many of our towns of five thousand inhabitants
to-day could a society of this sort be found which had
made such a selection of standard periodicals?

He concludes the record of the month by mentioning
that he had walked eighty-three miles during January.

On his eighteenth birthday, February 3, 1841, he
notes that his height in the morning was six feet, but in
the evening, after walking ten miles carrying a forty-pound
pack, it was only five feet eleven and a quarter inches.

About this time, probably owing to the pressure of
4

50 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

relatives, he began to read in medicine with Robert
Maccoun, beginning with “ Dunglison’s Medical Student”
as a textbook. He was apparently (from the journal)
taking more time for recreation than formerly, especially
in the evening, nearly every day’s entries showing visits,
small parties, attendance at the meetings of the “ Belles-
lettres Society,” and the “Reading Society.” He also
borrowed many books and copied the descriptions and
plates of such as he thought would be useful to him in
his studies. Between March 1st and August Ist he
walked 565 miles and on the 8th of September walked
from Carlisle to Harrisburg and back, about 40 miles, to
get and return books from the State library. He also began
collecting fossils and fresh water mussels, part of which he
sent to Dr. Isaac Lea™ in Philadelphia, who was already
at that time a recognized authority on such matters.
During all these occupations his correspondence with
his brother William was kept up and the (for that time)
generous salary which the latter received as a clerk in
the Treasury at Washington made it possible for the
brothers to add to their collection of birds by an occa-
sional purchase, and more liberal supplies of powder and
shot. As an illustration of his activities Spencer’s letters
to his brother about this time are particularly interesting.

From Spencer F. Baird at Carlisle to William M. Baird at Washington.

CarRLIsLE June 16 1841.
Dear WI11, J 4

Your letter came safely yesterday and though Mother said it
was not worth reading yet I found it very interesting, I walked up
to M’Clure’s Gap yesterday, and killed two more Heterodon snakes.

1 Tsaac Lea, LL.D., born in Wilmington, Delaware, March 4,
1792, died in Philadelphia, Dec. 8, 1886. He was the most eminent
student of the fresh water mussels and made valuable contributions
to Eocene Paleontology.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 51

One was somewhat like the two we killed, though a little different.
The other was entirely Black with a yellowish belly & undertail.
It was very large, about 34 inches long, & I met it in a field at the
foot of the mountain. It is undoubtedly a different species from the
others. Send me if you can the specific characters of H. Platyrhinos,
& the varieties if there be any. I should like the specific characters
of as many of our reptiles as possible. A few days ago Tom caught
an Agama Undulata? on our front step, and J saw another at the
mountain. You recollect what Swainson says about the faculty
possessed by Lizards of being charmed, so upon seeing this one on
a fence, I commenced whistling a beautiful tune when it stopped,
opened its mouth, cocked its head to one side, and drank in the
divine melody as if it never could get enough. I could not succeed
in killing it however.

I have at last seen the Republican Swallow. I met it last week
when fishing; up the creek between Hay’s Mill & the bridge, I went
yesterday there but could not see it again. However I hope to see
it before long. There was but one. I caught a Rough-wing Swallow
on her nest the other day. She had her nest in the abutment of Hays
Bridge; built of dried grass & had five young ones. I saw Black &
white creepers at the Mountain. I went to Sam Miller’s last Saturday
to be at the cutting down of the Hawk’s nest, but unfortunately
there was nothing but eggs. Will Penrose caught a young Sparrow-
hawk on the Balcony of Mr. Hamilton’s house. It is very tame
already. You remember the crow’s nest we were storming at the Pike
Pond. I went there a week or two ago and shot a fine Young crow out
of it. It made a splendid Meal for Bishop Doane.” By the by their
Reverences are both quite well, I made the stone coal box into a cage,
& took them in the cellar where they appear much more comfortable.

Haupt the Plaster-miller at Alexander’s dam brought me the
other day four young minks which they had killed in the Bark heap.
I tanned the skins of the whole four. ‘

Uncle William left here last Monday for Pittsburg, via canal.
There was a catfish caught at Wise’s Bridge last week with set line,
measuring 20 inches long, 4 between the eyes & weighing 4% lbs.
It was not apparently either of our two well known species.

12 One of their pet owls which, on account of their solemn ways,
were named after bishops.

52 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Some days ago I wrote to Dr. Morton telling him of the sculls
I had for him, & among others one of (a mud turtle) Emys Geographica
&, in an answer received a day or two after, he is very anxious for
me to send him a stuffed one for the Academy, which I will do as
soon as I can catch one. Sam tells a wild tale of a turtle which he
saw in Hay’s dam, with a head as big as his two fists, & a tail as thick
as his arm, & about two or three feet long.

Write soon again & let me know all about the Patent office
collection & whether the artist there is John K. Townsend of Phila.
If you have opportunity I wish you could copy the descriptions of
Pennsylvania Reptiles from Holbrook, & send them to me. There
will not be many I presume. Mother says to give some satisfactory
account of yourself when next you write, what you are about, &c. &c.

Yours affectionately

Spencer F. Barrp.

I have just returned from a walk to Stewart’s Gap & there-
abouts. All these fields on top of the mountain are full of strawberries,
some of them of the tallest kind. I ate more to day than I have done
for the last five years put together. While in the middle of one of
the fields I saw a large bird coming near, which proved to be a fine
Raven. It would not come nearer than about 60 yards & I having
none but No 6 shot in my gun did not fire, thinking it would come
closer to me. The people of the tavern say that they have been
about all spring. I also saw two large Buzzards, name unknown.
Also a Bewick’s crow & Blue Grosbeck: but could get shot at neither;
killed another Heterodon much like the first one killed.

S. F. B.

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Car.isLE, August 19. 1841.
Dear Brotuer,

I had intended writing to you by Uncle Penrose but did not do
so, as he went away before I thought he would. There is very little
news afloat in Carlisle. Nobody talks of any thing but the fate of
the bank bill, the whigs are as mad as fire Lieutenant Carlton on
his return from Fort Gibson about a month ago brought with him
several objects of Natural History which he gave to me and promised

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 53

me more hereafter. He returned to Gibson about two weeks ago
taking Mrs. Carlton with him. The articles he brought were two
Horned Lizards or Agama Cornuta, a Scorpion, a Centipede, a Taran-
tula, and a large worm of some kind; together with a few fossils and
a cane of orange wood from Louisiana. The Agamas were alive and
one of them lived with me for several weeks, it is now, however,
dead—and in spirits. I had a letter from Mr. Audubon the other
day in which he says that he is busily engaged from morning till
night in preparing his new work on the quadrupeds of this country,
and asks me to collect all the rats, bats, mice, &c. I can. Uncle
Penrose probably has told you of the warbler Dr. Marshall discovered
above Carlisle. In addition to this I have found that the limestone
about here is full of fossils). Ammonites a foot in diameter, Encrinites,
Pentacrinites, Orthoceratites, Nautili, several species of Bivalves
and many other sorts. The field between Adam’s House and the
cave hill is full of them, the whole of the Limestone strata behind
the slate in the field being composed of coralline substances, Spirifers,
& Encrinites. The valves of Encrinites and Pentacrinites, stand out
in relief on the decomposed surfaces of the stones like the spangles
on an old fashioned dress.—Gebler the other day sent me in a bird
which he had shot on the shallows below the dam, which proved to
be a Black Tern, Sterna Nigra, in its second plumage; it is a beautiful
bird. Very few woodcock were shot about Carlisle this summer,
Uncle William only killed half a dozen. The Field Plover are more
numerous than I ever saw them before. You might see sometimes
an hundred ina day. Every Stubble field is full of them. Partridges
will be pretty plenty this fall. Pheasants exceedingly so. I am
sorry to tell you that the owls are both dead. The old one died to
day. It was literally covered with millions of small insects. Looking
as if flour had been dusted over it. There have been several white
cranes in the creek this summer. I got a shot at one across the creek
one day with No 6 shot; of course I did not hurt it much. I borrowed
Steven’s rifle some time ago and can now shoot pretty well. Lieu-
tenant West and Miss Annie Hays are to be married in September.
Bill Knox and Miss Harriet Duncan are also said to be engaged.
How do the people come on with the National Institute?—and have
you become acquainted with any of the “‘fellers.” Loudon’s Maga-
zine of Natural History has come, at last; it is a pretty good thing,

54 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I forgot to say that Audubon tells me in his letter that our Leib’s
Flycatcher, is Muscicapa Pusilla, and our new thrush is the one year
old plumage of the Wood thrush. What do you think of that? I
do not believe it. I would have written you a longer and more
connected letter but I am not well. All send love. Answer this soon.
Yours affectionately
Spencer F. Barrp.

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaRLisLe, September 74 1841.
Dear WI11,

It seems ten chances to one that this letter will not reach you
before you are on your road home; however It may take its chance.
Every thing about Carlisle seems to say that Autumn is at hand, trees
changing color, cold nights, and hot days, together with birds coming
back from their northern summer abodes. There will be much game
this fall, more so perhaps than has been for many years. The field
plover still continue in the extreme abundance in which they have
been found all summer. They may be seen in flocks of twenty or
thirty at a time and there is no end to the small parties and single
ones. Reed birds are pretty plenty now along the spring. Will
Penrose and George Gibson shot thirteen the other day. I yesterday
heard of a large flock of Bull-Head Plover out at Bitner’s place.
Pigeons are not very plenty. Adams has told me of several ducks
seen on the dam, &— I myself shot at a fine Mallard last week.
Tom says he yesterday saw a man with a big Salmon Breasted
“Merganser.” 1 have stuffed two new birds since you have been
away, one a Black Tern, the other the Republican Swallow. Of the
latter I obtained two individuals last week in the Barracks’ Meadow;
both young birds. The hawk we shot last spring cannot be the Young
male Cooper’s Hawk as Sam Miller shot— and brought me a bird
of the latter kind, decidedly different from this bird. Sam’s bird
is half inch longer, tail much-more rounded, proportions of wing
and feet different, & color very much so. George Knox sent me a
fine female Slate colored Hawk, the other day. It had a dove in
its claws when shot; & was 1334 by 2414 inches. You can have no
idea of the discoveries I have been making in the “Fossil organic
remains” department about Carlisle. On Clem MacFarlane’s old

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 55

place a mile above Diller’s mill is a limestone hill composed entirely
of coral, Shells, of different species; encrinites, Trilobites and a
variety of other articles too numerous to mention. Ammonites
8 & 10 inches in diameter, are nothing extraordinary—— The stone
in the woods by the railroad above Mr Watts farm is full of univalves
as large as the palm of the hand. In some of the specimens, in
fact on whole rocks, the corals stand in such relief from the face of
the stone as almost to cover it. Sam & I were up yesterday to Mac-
Farlane’s farm & brought home a great many. If the work is to be
had I wish you could buy me Hitchcock’s Elementary Geology. It
is a small book relating almost entirely to American fossils. If this
is not to be procured get me the little work by De la Beche called
“How to Observe,” Geology. I will pay you for them some of these
times. F. Taylor advertized them both some time ago. All send

their love & say come home as soon as possible.
Your Affec. Brother

Spencer F. Barrp.

Enquiries as to the most advisable future plans led
to the receipt of a letter from Dr. Marshall advising him
to go to New York to study medicine, and this course
was finally decided upon. On the 26th of October he
left Carlisle for Philadelphia, remaining until November
sth. During this time he renewed his acquaintance with
various scientists, and met nearly all of those resident in
that city.

He travelled to New York by way of the Camden
railway and ferry, reaching the metropolis in seven hours.
The following day he secured lodgings with a Mrs.
Moorhouse at 502 Broadway. Here he shared a room
with two brothers named Hale, “paying ten dollars for
three weeks, fire and lights extra.”’ In the evening he
hurried to pay his respects to Audubon, by whom he
was cordially received. He notes in the Journal: “Found
him very unlike my preconceived idea of him.”

56 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

It was the custom then for medical students in many
cases to serve as assistants to an established medical
practitioner while attending lectures.

Baird’s patron was Dr. Middleton Goldsmith, who
seems to have been much interested in his protégé,
introducing him to men of note and taking him to call
on influential people as well as New York’s men of
science. He attended lectures at Bellevue Hospital and
worked in the dissecting room. J. G. Bell’s taxidermist’s
establishment was a favorite resort, and there he met
for the first time, November 5th, the ornithologist George
N. Lawrence," who became a lifelong and intimate
friend. When not at lectures or in Dr. Goldsmith’s
office, he was much with his connections Major LeConte
and his family, and with T. R. Peale,“ Dr. Jay, De Kay,

18 George Newbold Lawrence, ornithologist, was born in New
York, Oct. 20, 1806, and died there Jan. 17, 1895. He was especially
devoted to exotic ornithology, to which he made important contri-
butions.

4 Titian Ramsay Peale of Philadelphia (1800-1885) was an artist
on the Exploring Expedition and prepared the first report on the
birds and mammals collected. Most of the copies of this work were
recalled, owing to some contentions among the members of the staff,
and the book is extremely rare. A subsequent report was afterward
prepared by John Cassin, in 1858.

48 John Clarkson Jay, M.D., born in New York, Sept. 11, 1808,
graduated at Columbia College in 1827 and at the College of Physi-
cians and Surgeons in 1831. He died at Rye, N. Y., Nov. 15, 1891.
He was in easy circumstances, and accumulated a large library and
collection of shells now in the American Museum of Natural History
in New York City. He published several catalogues of his collection,
was long an active member of the New York Lyceum of Natural
History and a trustee of Columbia College. His generosity led him to.
encourage exploration, and materially assist many students, collectors
and travellers.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 57

author of the Zoology of New York, and especially the
Audubons.

Among the lecturers at the hospital was Dr. Torrey,
the botanist and chemist, who lectured on chemistry;
and whom he saw, December 1, administer nitrous oxide
(laughing) gas as an anesthetic, then a novelty.

Audubon impressed upon him the importance of
being able to draw natural objects, and for some time
gave him lessons in drawing and coloring.

The Journal records, December 8, that he went to
see Fanny Ellsler at the Park theater; where she danced
“La Bayadere” and “La Cachuca”; and came away
“much disappointed.”

He also frequented the library and attended meetings
at the New York Lyceum of Natural History and was
regular in his attendance at church, though visiting
impartially the various churches of the city.

He met at Bell’s J. P. Giraud, who took him to see
his private collection of birds, which Baird thought the
finest he had ever seen.

The following letter to his brother gives some idea of
his ceaseless activities:

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

New York. Dec. 20. 1841.
Dear WILL,

I received your letter some time ago and would have answered
it sooner but for some circumstances too numerous to mention.
Among them was the fact that I had been promised some birds and
I waited until I could tell you what they were. I have made a great
haul lately in that line. I have obtained skins of Black bellied
Plover, Piping & Ring Plover, Turnstone; Both Species of Godwits,
Oyster Catcher, Buff Breasted Sandpiper, Semipalmated Sandpiper,
Sanderling, Red Phalarope, Red Breasted Snipe, Long Billed &

58 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Esquimaux Curlew, Young Ibis, Ivory Heron, Eider Duck, & Two
species of Tern, Three species of Gulls, one Jager, Two species of
Guillemots, Red throated Diver, Red Necked Grebe, and the Little
Grebe, Podiceps minutus of Nuttall. Also, Peregrine Falcon, Rough
legged Buzzard, Prairie Warbler, Lapland Longspur, Snow Bunting,
Blue Jay, Flycatcher, Mango Humming Bird, Pine Grosbeak, Com-
mon Cross Bill, Lesser Redpoll, Canada Grouse, and some more I
do not know. Besides this I am going to get a number more. Some
of these I obtained from a Young man Named Brashear, of Brooklyn
who has a good many water birds. Some I got from Mr. Giraud
who has, as I told you before, the best collection of American Birds
Tever saw. But the most I procured from a young man named Peale,
son of Peale’s Museum in New York. I am to send him when I go
home great numbers of Unios, snail shells, and fossils which can be
very easily done. Giraud, and Brashear have promised to get me as
full a collection of shore birds as they can in the spring. This they
can and will do as they are rich and do nothing but shoot. Brashear
kills more ducks and shore birds than any young man about here.

I showed Mr. Audubon the birds I brought with me and the
Result is as follows: The big woodpecker is Picus Auduboni. The
little one is probably new, The thrush is Young Turdus Wilsonii?
The former Muscicapa Leibi is the true Muscicapa Pusilla, while
the former Muscicapa Pusilla is beyond all doubt NEW. The old
man still continues to be as clever as ever; he even offered the other
day to teach me to paint & draw after his own peculiar manner, on
condition of telling no one, and I have already commenced with
him. I have drawn (from his originals) Fox Colored Sparrow, Cedar
Bird, and am now at the feet of Harris’ Buzzard. He is now drawing
Vespertilio Noctivagans, and just finished a rabbit; they are the
most exquisite things in the world, I only wish you were here to see
them. He gave me to-day a copy of his letter press 5 vols. a pretty
clever present, and is going to give me some rare bird skins.

I have just finished the other day looking over Major Leconte’s
Entomological drawings, of which he has about gooo sheets, a species
to each sheet; they are most beautifully executed. The Major is
a first Cousin of Grandmother’s.

They have some very good books here. The second vol. of
Swainson’s Fishes, Amphibians and Reptiles, which you know con-

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 59

tains all the Generic descriptions, for $1.75. All the rest of his works
at $1.75 per vol. Constable’s Edition of Jardine’s Wilson’s Ornithol-
ogy in 3 duodecimo vols. for $4.00, English Edition. I wish you would
send me some money soon, as I can about this time get many inter-
esting things in market, Say’s duck, Velvet duck, Brant, and many
small winter birds.

There are also several varieties of the Grey cat and Black squir-
rels, also the Varying Hare in two or three states of Pelage. They
sell their things quite cheap. Red Heads $1.00 a pair, Canvass backs
$2.00, Dippers 25c, Scoter 37, Brant 50. varying hares from 25 to
3134. Squirrels 8, 10 & 1234 cents and other things in proportion.
I would also like to get some of the Principal Fish, and skin them,
Flounders, Bass, Black fish &c. &c. &c.

I had a letter from mother a short time ago, the 18th mailed the
16th which stated that she had sent some money to Uncle Penrose
to forward to me and which ought to reach me last Friday. If it
is in Washington, send it on immediately as I am very much in want
of it. I could at any time become a member of the Lyceum here,
if I had $1o. for the initiation fee. This I shall not be able to spare
this winter however. How does the National Institute come on and
what is Townsend at.

Mr. Audubon’s work on the Quadrupeds will make its appearance
in the first number, next May at Philadelphia. The drawings will
be Lithographed and the work will not cost more than half as much
as the birds. Being so much at Mr. Audubon’s I have an opportunity
of seeing a great many North American Quadrupeds. He has made
a most beautiful drawing of our Squirrel, it being put in a group with
a Gray and a Black variety; Cat Squirrel. It is in the attitude of
leaping from one bough of a hickory to another and you expect every
minute to see it in the air. Give my love to all. Answer this letter
as soon as you finish reading it and believe me,

Your Affectionate Brother

Spencer F. Barro.

On the 27th Baird left New York for his Christmas
vacation and went to Philadelphia. Here he bade good-
bye to Thomas Nuttall the botanist, who was returning

60 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

to England. He had inherited a fortune of a thousand
pounds a year and the estate of Nutgrove, at Prescott
near Liverpool, from a relative who, distrusting his
habit of wandering in barbarous countries, made the
condition that he should forfeit it unless he spent six
months of every year on the estate. It is said he rendered
this somewhat less onerous by choosing the last and
first six months of succeeding years so as to have a clear
year at his disposal.

He also saw T. A. Conrad’s ® collection of Silurian
fossils, and was informed that several new Trilobites were
among the fossils he had sent from Carlisle. January
4th, 1842, he returned to New York. Later in the month
he had what seems to have been a serious attack of influ-
enza, which not yielding to treatment, he wrote for per-
mission to return home. On the 2oth he left New York
and reached home on the 22nd.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

New York, Jan. 7. 1842.
Dear BRotuER,

I returned last Tuesday from a very pleasant visit to Philadelphia;
of about a week; having seen a great many curiosities & old friends.
I took tea one night with Dr. Marshall at Isaac Lea’s, who showed
me his splendid collection of fossils & shells. I obtained also several
skins there from a young man named Woodhouse, of Muscicapa
Acadica & Vireo Noveboracensis. Also those birds I procured from

16 Timothy Abbott Conrad, born at Trenton, N. J., Aug. 21, 1803;
died Aug. 7, 1878 (according to his relative Dr. C. C. Abbott). A
prolific writer on paleontological and other scientific subjects;
especially associated with the work of the New York State Survey
and the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences. One of the
participants in the long continued controversy between Isaac Lea,
S. G. Morton and others, in the thirties of the last century.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 61

Leib in the spring, namely Ardea Exilis & Emberiza Grammaca.
There is a young man there named Cassin!” has some very rare
birds. Flycatchers & White fronted Goose, Azure Warbler, White
Ibis &c., ---------------- Mr. Audubon is getting along with
his drawings, has lately finished beautiful pictures of the mink, &
grey fox. I am now at the feet of the Golden Eagle & a pretty tough
job it is. Giraud here has thought that there is a permanent distinc-
tion between the large & small Black heads & has commenced a
description of the smaller kind as Fuligula Minor. The differences
are these. Ist, Size. 2d, In the smaller ones the white band on the
wing is distinctly of that color only on the secondaries & not extending
to the primaries as on the large one. 3d, the inside of the bill is dark
in the small one & whitish in the large. 4th, the small one is most
tufted and has a purplish reflection on the head instead of a greenish
one. 5th, the small one has the black on the lower abdomen, about
the anus finely undulated, while the large one has it in spots, & 6th,
the large ones have a white spot at the base of the under mandible
on the chin which the other has not. These two last characters I
want you to examine those in the Washington markets & let me know.
I think myself that they are distinct—as I have seen many specimens
of each in the flesh.

They are very anxious to have descriptions of our new birds to
publish in the Annals of the Lyceum here, but they had better be
put in the Journal of the Academy of Nat. Sciences of Phila. Have
you a full description of the flycatcher? Dr. Holbrook is going to
cancel the first edition of his Herpetology & supply subscribers
with a new one. Dr. Hallowell of Phila., Holbrook’s right hand man
there asked me to write down all I knew of the habits of the reptiles
& give to him for Dr. Holbrook.!® Will you send me what you know.

17 John Cassin, born at Chester, Pa., Sept. 6, 1813, died Jan. 10,
1869. Curator of ornithology and Vice President of the Philadelphia
Academy of Natural Sciences for many years, he stands in the first
rank of systematic ornithologists and in his day was more familiar
with exotic birds than any other American student. He was a life-
long friend and coadjutor of Baird in his favorite study.

18 John Edwards Holbrook, born at Beaufort, South Carolina,
Dec. 30, 1794, of New England ancestry; graduated at Brown Uni-
versity in 1815, and in medicine at the University of Pennsylvania

62 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

He wants it within two weeks. Try & stuff several Gadwall ducks
if there are any in market, they are very rare here, also any of the
other ducks we have not got. Don’t forget to send me some money
to buy birds in the market. I mean to take a quantity of arsenic
home with me—as it can be procured here for 16 cents a pound. If
you are writing home tell them to send me some money as soon as
possible as I have but 3 dollars in the world, & no boots to wear, and
but one pair trousers good for anything. Try and answer all the
questions in this & the last letter and write as soon as you get this
letter. Your affectionate Brother
S. F. Barrp.

P.S. On the other page I send a list of the birds I have procured
here. I expect to get many more before I leave. Such as Canada
Jay, 3 toed Woodpecker, Kentucky Warbler, Hemlock Warbler,
&c., &c., &c. There is one of my roommates the Rev. W. W. Hale
who will visit Washington in a short time. I will give him a letter
to you and I want you to show him every attention in your power,
as he has been very kind to me & has materially assisted me in many
points. He wishes particularly to see the Collections of the National
Institute. By the by send me an account of what they are doing at
the Institute.

Notwithstanding his illness, which lingered some time
after his return, he kept up his walks; though confessing
to fatigue on several occasions. He travelled on foot
105 miles in March. Among the unpublished papers of
that month I find the following letter from Audubon:

From J. J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, March 24, 1842.
My pear Youne Frienp,—
If I have not answered your last letter to me sooner, it has been
because I have been truly extremely busy. Not I am sorry to add

in 1818. Married Harriott Pinckney Rutledge in 1827. He was a
resident of South Carolina for many years and died Sept. 8, 1871.
He was devoted to the study of reptiles and fishes, on which his
publications are American classics.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 63

at my own pleasurable laboring, but in commoner daily business
transactions to which I regret to say, I like the rest of our kind must
attend to from time to time. I am sorry to hear you speak of the
misfortune your good parents have met with,’® and trust that now
that affairs are at the lowest ebb, that a better tide will soon bring
about you flowing with abundant relief.

Your talked of Journeys to the Seaboard of Maryland, and to
the Mountains of Vermont, would delight me greatly, but it would
be next to impossible for me to leave home until my family have
removed to our Country place, and for another month at least must
I remain to assist and attend upon that movement.

Have you heard from my friend John Bachman? He wiote to
me for your address, and I sent it to him, as he said he was particu-
larly anxious to form an acquaintance with a young friend of whom I
continually spoke so very highly. What have you done in the way
of quadrupeds and of birds? The Shrews and the Scalops are now
out in numbers from their winter retreats and I try to become better
acquainted with them, and their Habits than I am at present. I
have a weasel alive, but what species of Mustela it is is more than I
can yet tell. It began changing from white to brown on the 5th
inst. and my memoranda about it will be a curiosity after a while.

My son Victor is now at Philadelphia, and should you forward
anything to the care of Mr. Chevalier I could receive them soon.
Major LeConte, and Dr. Goldsmith, and us all at home often speak
of you, and I should like of all things to spend a week or so with
you, in, and about your beautiful and peaceful Carlisle. I am so
much fatigued this evening after having tramped all day long the
streets of our noisy city, that I must ask of you to excuse me for more
at present than my Wishes for a good-night to both of us, and all
those we honor and love, and to believe me ever your sincere friend,

Joun J. Aupupon.

Baird’s mother had been in Washington but returned
with his Uncle Penrose and his cousins March 31.

19 This refers to the depression in business and cessation of divi-
dends by many stock companies in which the Baird family were
interested.

64 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Caruise, April 2 1842.
Dear WIL,

I received the birds and other things safely by Mother and find
some very interesting articles among them for instance the piece of
Gen. Washington’s carriage. The birds were in excellent condition
and the Canvas back & Ring necks were done up so as to make ex-
ceedingly good skins—and could be mounted from, almost as well as
if fresh. The whole will be valuable additions to the collection.
We bid fair to have as good a collection in a few years as any about.
You do not say what you think of the birds I sent on, the hawks, &c.
I will send the Muscicapa Acadica by Uncle Penrose who talks of
leaving here on Tuesday, next—I think that it is distinct from our
M. Trailli. In respect to the Black head ducks, the bird that Giraud
named was the smaller; as F. Minor. so that we could not name one
of them.

I have shot five or six ducks this week, three yesterday—They
are getting very scarce and probably in a week will be all gone except
a few Summer ducks & Butterballs. Those shot yesterday were
Summer duck, Black duck and Hooded Merganser. The spring
birds are coming back rapidly. Will Penrose insists that he saw a
warbler, and I shot a Yellow Belly Woodpecker and purple Finch
yesterday, which I stuffed. We saw several Cranes &c. The spring
flowers are out, the Dogtooth Violets will Bloom in a few days or so.
The small bird time is near at hand & I will have to look very sharp
lest I miss them—By the by if you are not exhausted or wearied
out by my continual & certainly unreasonable demands for powder
& shot, send me a stock or its equivalent for the spring campaign.
Mother makes such a fuss about my shooting away powder and shot
that I hate to ask her for money.

You speak of making an excursion to the [illegible] this spring.
Nothing would give me greater pleasure than to go after the birds
have left here, which will probably be about the middle of May or
before. The season is a great deal earlier this year than the last.
You recollect that the ducks were just becoming plenty this time last
year, whereas now they are almost gone. In respect to a cane gun—
Uncle Ned talks of going to Philadelphia about the beginning of
week after next, and I suppose would get you one—They cost I

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 65

believe 15 or 18 dollars. Talking of guns do you still retain your
proposed idea of having the old gun new stocked & Breeched. If
you do, suppose you have it done now; as it is the only gun I can
shoot with; as I am alone here I ought to have a very good one.
Keller would do it well & perhaps trust us some weeks or so. I
suppose it would not cost more than 8 or 1o dollars, including a new
heel piece. The old one is so small that it would not do for a new
stock. The heel piece is the iron against which the right shoulder
rests on the end of the stock.

Try and get me heads of all the birds which cannot be procured
here; by pulling off the skin, taking out the eyes, and extracting
the brain or some of it, and putting them in the sun, they would
dry and I would clean them when I get them. I will write more
fully hereafter; as I want to stuff a cowbird before going to bed, and
itis late now. Give my love to Aunt Blanie & Penrose and Believe me

Your aff. Brother
S. F. Barrp.

Miss Lucy Baird records the following:

“Mrs. Blaney, my father’s aunt, came to Carlisle in
April, 1842, with her children. Her husband Major
Blaney of the U. S. Engineer Corps, was stationed at
Smithville, North Carolina, at the mouth of the Cape
Fear river, engaged in superintending the construction
of Fort Johnson, during a portion of the seven years
that my grandfather Churchill was in command at Fort
Caswell. Major Blaney and his family resided in the
garrison or very near it, and an intimacy sprang up be-
tween my grandmother Churchill and Mrs. Blaney which
lasted throughout their lives. Major Blaney died quite
suddenly in 1842, and the fact that the Churchill’s were
the friends who were with Mrs. Blaney at the time of
her great affliction, made the friendship still stronger.
My great grandmother Biddle and her son Edward went
to Smithville (now Southport) and brought Mrs. Blaney

and her children back to Carlisle where they remained.
5

66 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

My grandmother and Mrs. Blaney kept up an active
correspondence.”

This eventually led to the residence in Carlisle of
Colonel Churchill’s family, as will be explained later.

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.
Dede Wes CaruisteE, April 14. 1842.
I received your package of birds &c. by Aunt Blaney this even-
ing, and was much pleased with the contents. The scull & sternums
were particularly acceptable. Don’t forget to get as many sculls
& sternums as possible, which I can not easily procure here. I still
go on with my project of figuring both, and have a number of each
done. I was out shooting to day, and Bagged 7 Black heads, and
I goosander; I wounded several others. last Monday I killed 7
Black heads, and 2 Butterballs, & 2 Hooded Mergansers. I had
one of the Hooded Mergansers cooked for dinner without letting
any one know what it was, and all pronounced it the best duck they
ever tasted. Ducks have been very plenty this spring; I have killed
upwards of 40. If you had been here we would have counted by
hundreds. There are a few Green Wing teal, Black ducks and Bald
pates about now, but the principal article is the Black head— The
flock I killed the 7 out of consisted of about 25. I have seen no
Blue Wing teal or Shovellers yet. Adams says that last evening he
wounded a Greyish duck, with a long tail, a white stripe on top of
its head, and a large patch of Black on its Neck & Breast. It must
have been a South Southerly. A man sent down a Bonapartian
Gull from Shippensburg the other day but it was so far gone that it
could scarcely be stuffed. The spring Birds are coming about. Will
Penrose shot a Pine creeping Warbler last Saturday. All the swal-
lows are here, the White Bellied the last. They were seen first to
day. Bartram’s Sandpiper, Fish hawks, Ruby crowned wrens,
Hermit thrushes, White throated sparrows: yellow Belly Wood-
pecker, Purple finches; on the 1st April Martins; 29th March, Spotted
sandpipers, &c. Snipe are very scarce. I have not seen one. How-
ever I have been so much occupied shooting ducks that I have not
had time to look for them. George Knox killed 9 at Gal. Ege’s the
other day. I am very sorry to hear that you will not be able to

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 67

come to Carlisle this spring. We might have procured some valuable
birds together, which I simply can not get. You speak of my coming
to Washington. This I should like very much in May, but I think I
had better stay here till the Migratory birds have passed. Nothing
would delight me more than to spend a week or two among the patent
office, Congress Library, &c. How would I get my baggage there if
I walked? Give my best love to Aunt & Uncle Penrose, Sal, Clem
& Charley. Charley, I suppose, does not remember me, however.
Your affec. Brother

Spencer F. Barrp.

P. S. Do you know Frances Markoe Jun. Secretary of the
(National) Institute. I was introduced to him last fall in Philadel-
phia and he wanted me to exchange Carlisle fossils for Tertiary.
I am going to get Alex. Logan to haul a 4-horse load of stones from
his hill, when I shall have enough to last a while. I will make up a
set for the Institute if they wish it. Get a good many duplicates of
such birds as Blue Grey Flycatcher, and others; Red Birds, Carolina
Wrens and in fact any thing you can come across. They will do for
exchange with Phillips and the rest. I will send the Gull, flycatcher,
& Shot, by Grandmother if she has room. There is no news in town
except that a Daguerreotype man is here; he has taken Uncle William
& Dr. Foster. Both admirable.

On the ninth of April the Journal records: “Heavy
rain. Did nothing!” The exclamation point is surely
appropriate in view of his usual incessant activity.

On the 19th he met for the first time Colonel Churchill,”
his future father-in-law, who came to Carlisle to inspect
the garrison, and stayed at his Grandmother Biddle’s.

20 Sylvester Churchill, born in 1783 at Woodstock, Vermont,
married in 1812 Lucy Hunter. He served in the war of 1812, and
with high honors in the Mexican War as Inspector General. He was
retired in 1856, but offered his services to the Government in 1861,
and died Dec. 7, 1862. His daughter, Mary Helen, was born at
Windsor, Vermont, Aug. 30, 1821, and died at Washington, D. C.,
Dec. 22, 1891.

68 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

During the month of June he made a trip along the
Susquehanna valley and notes the hospitality with which
he was received on the way by the inhabitants.

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaRLISLE, June 24 1842.
Dear WILL,

I returned last Friday from my trip along the Susquehannah
in as good health as when I started, and proceed to give you an
account of it in a few words. I left Carlisle on Tuesday the 31 of
May, and got to Mifflin that evening. Saw Republican swallows at
Wagner’s gap & in Perry Co. June 7, From Mifflin to Lewistown,
then to Mr. Rawles’ Forge where I dined, and in the afternoon over
to James Hall’s furnace in Stone Valley, Huntingdon Co; passing
Brown’s mills. Thursday the 2, Stayed at the Furnace, only going to
see a great Botanist Dr. Henderson, Uncle of the Law student,
Annie Hay’s Beau. Friday 34, Went over to the Bear Meadows 9
miles off, being a meadow on top of a Mountain so Boggy that you
can thrust a stick through the roots & moss 15 feet. The place is
filled in most places with a dense growth of Rhododendron, Hemlock,
Black Spruce, Tamarack &c. It contains many very curious and
beautiful flowers; I saw 4 ravens. On Saturday 4, Came back to
Mr. Rawles’ forge 2 miles from Lewistown with James Hall. Sunday
5, went in to Lewistown to church. Monday 6-, left the forge for
Bellfonte which reached about 4 P.M. Found Andy Curtain & Mrs.
Curtain very friendly. Miss Norah Curtain does not live in Bellfonte
but 5 miles off at her father’s. Saw Pair Bewick Wrens near Bellfonte.
At a Gentlemen’s party in evening with Andy C. Tuesday 7,
Went out to old Mr. Curtain’s with Andy to Breakfast. Rode from
his place to within 4 miles of Lockhaven, then walked to Williamsport,
32 miles. Wednesday 8, Walked to William Hall’s place 6 miles
down river, in morning & back again in afternoon, when went to
see Judge Lewis & Mr. Hugh Campbell. Back again to Mr. Hall’s
at night. Thursday 9, Left W™. Hall’s & got to Northumberland
at 7,39 miles. Went to see the Priestley’s whom I found very clever.
Friday ro, After dinner went to Danville. Saturday 11, went to
Beech grove, 30 miles. Found Aunt Hannah & the others well and

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 69

apparently much Pleased to see me. Sunday 12, Loafed about, no
church to go to, so Monday 13, Went up to Mr. Beech’s Coal mines
& back, 3 miles off. Tuesday 14, Went to Col. Lee’s, 8 miles from
Wilkes Barre. Wednesday 15%», Went to Wilkesbarre & back again.
Saw Charley Denison. Thursday 16th, after going in Col. Lee’s coal
mines back to Beech grove, 13 miles. Saturday, 18th, From Beech
Grove to Sunberry, 45 miles. Sunday, rot*, In morning to Church.
In afternoon over to Northumberland. Stayed at Geo. Wentzel’s
tavern. Monday, 204, Over again to Northumberland spent day.
Tuesday 215+, As this is the Longest day’s walk I made I will be more
particular; I left Sunberry at 5 A.M. Reached Seling’s grove at 6,
4.5 miles. Breakfasted, and at 14 of 7 Went to Liverpool by 20
minutes after 11, 21 miles. Eat Dinner there and at 1234 went to
Duncan’s Island, the head of it; at 314, 14 miles. Left it at 434, and
Reached Carlisle at 11 P. M., 20 miles. I came by the wrong road
not going through Petersburg, this making it so much longer. The
total was 60 miles. Whole time 18 hours. I did not ride a single
foot. Walking time about 15 hours. I was a good deal fatigued
after crossing Sterret’s Gap, having passed so many mountains and
hills, but on reaching Carlisle I felt as if I could have gone 10 miles
further; got up next morning at 7 without the slightest stiffness or
Pain. Walked in all 400 odd miles. Rode besides, 40 at different
times. Lost 12 pounds of flesh, and burnt to color of old Aunt Rachel.
Walked in a Blouse Check shirt, Beaverteen Pants, Heavy shoes &
cap. Carried Knapsack & Gun. Weight of extras on coming home,
25 pounds.

The above is a compressed account of my trip which was as
pleasant as it could possibly be. Fine clear cool weather all the
time, with but one or two exceptions. The day I left Bellfonte
there was a heavy frost, and Saturday the 11, my fingers were so
numb going from Danville to Beech Grove that till 12 o’clock M.
I could scarce load my gun. Old Mr. Beech is a wonderful old man,
something like grandmother, very friendly too. He wants Mother
& Grandmother to come up. Republican Swallows are the most
common swallows along the Susquehanna. I saw at least 100 nests
under the eaves of William Hall’s Barn. I saw 8 or 10 pair of Goosan-
ders at different places in the Juniata & Susquehanna also one of
Hooded Merganser. I saw a fine male South-Southerly in the river

70 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

at Sunberry last Sunday. If I had had a gun I could have shot it.
It probably had been wounded some weeks before. It was sitting
in the water line when I first saw it about 20 yards off. I threw
stones at it & hit near it frequently, but it swam out into the middle
of the river. At Sunberry I got a set of the Lead ores worked near
there, pieces of which I carried home. Partridges were very plenty
along Susquehanna. Heard them whistling the whole time. I would
like very much to come down and spend a few days in Washington
to see you all. I could go to Baltimore in two days. The walk to
Baltimore would not be very hot, but that from Balt. to Washington
would. In fact I should prefer going by Harper’s Ferry, if I had
any way of getting a small trunk to Washington. I could go to
Chambersburg in the evening from Chambersburg to Harper’s Ferry
in the morning, and from there to Washington the next day by the
Chesapeake & Ohio Canal tow-path. This would be preferable to—
[paper torn] other unless I could ride from Baltimore to Washington
in the train. The great objection to the Harper’s Ferry plan would
be that I would come to Washington at night without knowing where
to go.

I went to Harrisburg at the cars at 4 A M this morn. & came
back at noon. I went to see Elizabeth Sargeant who is there with
Mrs. Espy. The whole family, Mrs Sargeant, Dick & Lizzie are
going the middle of next month to Foxburg in Clarion Co. By
the By if you have any time in the fall it would be delightful for us
to walk out there. We could go in 4 or 5 days and they would be
delighted to see us. There is any quantity of game of all sorts there.
At Harrisburg Post Office this morning I saw a Map of Pennsylvania
on a pretty large scale, showing all the post offices with the distances
marked. It was made by James H. Burr, Topographer to the Post
Office Department Published in 1838 or 739. Could you not get one
from the Department for me? Write soon, as you are now two

letters in Debt & Believe me :
Your affectionate Brother

Spencer F. Bairp

Urged by his brother William to come at his expense,
the proposed walk to Washington, doubtless prompted
by economy, was soon carried out. On the 2oth of July

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 71

he left Carlisle at 5.30 a.m., walked 42 miles in eleven
hours and a half, and was naturally much exhausted.
Slept at Manchester, rising at 6.30 a.m., and reached
Baltimore at 3 p.M.; found his trunk, which had gone
by stage to Cockey’s Hotel, and at 4 p.m. took the train
to Washington, where he arrived at 6.30.

He went to his Uncle Penrose’s house, where he received
a hearty welcome. His time was well taken up visiting
the public buildings, calling on old acquaintances and
making new ones. He was especially interested in the
libraries and the Museum of the Patent Office, where
collections from the Wilkes Exploring Expedition had
begun to arrive.

The project of an exploring expedition to be sent out
by the United States, similar to those which many Euro-
pean governments had organized, had been mooted for
many years, but without result. John N. Reynolds had
proposed it as early as 1828.% ‘The tradition current
among the Smithsonian habitués in 1865 was to the effect
that the stimulus which finally stirred Congress to action
in the matter was due to the activities of a Captain
Symmes, who had become obsessed with the idea that
the earth was a hollow sphere, with openings at the poles,
and possibly inhabitants in the interior. In order that
his theory might be proved true he came to Washington
and urged upon Congress to equip an expedition to what
was popularly known as ““Symmes’ Hole.” Preposterous
as it now seems he was said to have made such an impres-
sion on a large number of Congressmen that an appro-
priation was on the point of being voted, when some of
the better informed members succeeded in modifying the

21 For an account of Reynolds’ activities in this line see Biography
of J. D. Dana, by D. C. Gilman, New York, Harpers, 1899, pp. 45-49.

72 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

project so as to make it a scientific expedition to the Pacific
under Lieut. Charles Wilkes * of the navy.

Dana, Pickering, Peale, and other men of science
were among the scientific staff, which also included J. P.
Couthouy,” an enthusiastic conchologist, who enlisted in
a minor capacity, to avail himself of the unusual oppor-
tunities offered by the expedition. Wilkes was an ener-
getic and capable officer, though something of a martinet;
the expedition was remarkably successful. New charts
were made, new Antarctic lands discovered, and enormous
collections obtained and sent home at each available
opportunity. These were unpacked and stored in the
Patent Office, which also housed the library and collec-
tions of an association known as the National Institute,”

2 Charles Wilkes, the Commander of the United States Exploring
Expedition, was born in New York, April 3, 1798, entered the navy
and rose to the rank of Admiral. His abilities were recognized as
of a very high order. His services in the Civil War were valuable
and he derived much popularity from his action (afterward diplo-
matically disavowed) in seizing the Confederate commissioners
Mason and Slidell, from a British vessel on the high seas. He died
in Washington, Feb. 8, 1877. His mansion, formerly the ‘Dolly
Madison house,” is now occupied by the Cosmos Club.

8 Joseph Pitty Couthouy, born in Boston, Jan. 6, 1808, a ship-
master by profession, was appointed by President Jackson to a post
on the Scientific staff of the Exploring Expedition and his notes,
drawings and collections form the basis of the report on the shells
of the expedition prepared by Dr. A. A. Gould. He volunteered in
the navy during the Civil War, and while in command of the U.S. S.
Chilicothe off Grand Ecore, Louisiana, was shot from ambush and
died April 4, 1864. He was an excellent naturalist, and fuller details
may be found in regard to his life, in the Proc. Biological Soc. of
Washington, volume iv, pp. 108-111, 1888.

* For an exhaustive account of the relations of the Institute to the
Smithsonian see “‘Genesis of the National Museum,” by G. Brown
Goode. Ann. Rep. U.S. Nat. Museum for 1891, Washington, 1893.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 73

chartered by Congress, and in some respects a precursor
of the National Museum which eventually fell heir to
its collections. The expedition sailed in 1838 and returned
in 1842.

Baird was naturally intensely interested in the fine
collection of exotic material which he saw at the Patent
Office, and formed the idea of applying for a position as
Curator, as at the time there was no competent scientific
man in charge.

He met Mr. Audubon, who happened to be in Wash-
ington, at Fuller’s Hotel, the Sunday after his arrival,
and took his brother William to be introduced to him.
After this, both being very busy and Audubon’s visit
brief, they missed each other.

As little is recorded about the Museum of the National
Institute except in Professor G. Brown Goode’s valuable
paper the following extracts from letters of William M.
Baird have a more than usual interest. They have been
assembled on account of the unity of the subject, though
of widely different dates.

From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird.

WasHINGTON, July 2nd, 1841.

I have been to the Congressional Library but once since
I wrote you, and then could stay for a very short time. I have been
to the Patent Office for a little while in the evening after dinner.
The collections of specimens which have been sent home is enormous.
The shelves of one room are piled with bird-skins. Very few have
been mounted in the cases; of the birds sent home by the Exploring
expedition, probably not more than 150, principally parrots and
pigeons. Although three or four persons are engaged in stuffing
and mounting birds and cleaning shells, minerals, etc., not more
than one or two birds are finished in a day. The skins in the state
sent by the expedition look amazingly rough, but when mounted

74 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

present a well finished appearance. I should like very much to
tumble over and examine the rough skins, but nothing is allowed to
be touched, and the room in which they are deposited, separate
from the exhibition room, is kept locked and persons admitted but
for a few minutes. Dr. Leibs’ birds are beautifully preserved and
mounted; most of them looking as to position, eyes, etc., perfectly
lifelike and natural. It is not so complete a collection of the birds
of Pennsylvania as ours; although he has birds procured in Pennsyl-
vania which we have not, the big loggerhead shrike amongst the rest.
He has a female hawk there, precisely in appearance like the Astur (?)
we got this spring. It appears to be about three inches longer,
but exactly like in plumage. It is marked Astur Cooperit. If it is
marked correctly, and I have very little doubt it is, Audubon is
wrong in making his male Cooper’s hawk the same length with the
female. Perhaps he may have corrected this in his smaller work.

From William M. Baird to Spencer F. Baird.

WasuinctTon, Aug. 24, 1841.

I have been at the Patent office once since the collection of the
National Institute was moved upstairs. It was in the basement
and the damp was very injurious to many of the articles, but the
room now is very well situated, immensely large, very handsome
and well lighted.

From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird.

WasHINGTON, January 7th, 1842.

The collection of the National Institute increases in the most
astonishing manner. The collection of reptiles is immense; there
is ditto minerals; very large birds, ditto; both of the South Sea
expedition, of which some are mounted and set up daily, also of our
own birds which they buy in the market whenever an opportunity
offers, and set up in the most splendid manner; besides having large
numbers presented. They will no doubt get a pretty good appropria-
tion from Congress. If this is accomplished, they will no doubt get
on even more rapidly.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 75

From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird.

WasuincrTon, February Ist, 1842.

The National Institute collection is increasing in the most
wonderful manner; donations of every description are daily pouring
in. Townsend * buys up everything worth having to be found in
the market, and mounts them in the most splendid manner. There
are about 450 species of birds mounted (besides those of the Exploring
expedition, which have not been set up, to the number of some
hundreds probably) of these in the neighborhood of 180 are North
American. Quadrupeds are about fifty in number, among the rest
a fine South American jaguar. There is also in the collection a small
lynx, which is supposed to be our common species. It is, however,
gray, with stripes almost as regular and distinct as those of a tiger.
It seems also to be much lighter in the body than the common wild-
cat. All that is known as to where it came from is that it was pre-
sented by the proprietor of a small museum, who bought it of a man
who knew nothing about it. The collection of crustacea is said to
be the largest in the United States. The number of shrimps crabs,
lobsters, etc., is immense. The collection of reptiles and fish, which
are principally from the Exploring expedition is also large, but they
are so mixed up together in the bottles that there is very little satis-
faction in looking at them. The cabinet of animals is very fine and
there is a good collection of geological specimens. Besides these
are many things too numerous to mention: skulls, mummies, coins, etc.

I have arrived at the same conclusion as yourself, that arsenical
soap is not the best thing for preserving skins. Those put up with
the powder look a great deal better and are much less trouble, even
if the soap were as efficacious. At the end of this letter I will give

% John Kirk Townsend, born in Philadelphia, Oct. 10, 1809, died
in Washington, Feb. 6, 1851. An associate of Audubon, a student
and explorer, connected with the staff of the National Institute in
1842, and highly regarded by naturalists of his day.

76 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

you Townsend’s receipt for preparing the powder, and which he
always uses. It is safe, while there is danger of pure arsenic injuring
the lungs. I have noticed a great many little points in Townsend’s
manner of stuffing, which will be of great assistance to me when I
prepare any skins myself. I looked at his tools and will try to get
some like them. The value of proper instruments is very great in
the saving of time as well as the appearance of the skins. Townsend
can skin, stuff and sew up a bird, so as to make it look far superior
to any I have ever seen, in five minutes.

From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird.

Wasuincton, November 23, 1842.

There is a man named Naylor, an Englishman, engaged at the
Patent Office in making eyes. He seems to be well skilled in the
business and has enabled Townsend to put colored eyes into the
birds which wanted them. The collection of birds is growing very
fast and Townsend appears to be improving very much in the atti-
tudes in which he places them.

From S. F. Baird to J. J. Audubon.

WasHINGTON, July 27, 1842.
My pear Mr. AupuBoN:—

After making several unsuccessful efforts to get a second sight
of you, day before yesterday, I was obliged to give up the attempt
in despair. I went to the Capitol at half-past twelve and wandered
over the whole building, Library, Senate Chamber, & house, without
being able to see or hear anything of your excellency. In the evening
as in the morning I was again at Fuller’s without avail—went up
street, listened a while to the Circus music, came back—you were
in bed. One thing I wanted to ask you about, was respecting your
proposed trip next Spring. In the first place the expense: the
Pennsylvanians have all been so much affected by the derangements
in the currency of our state, Stocks, Banks, &c., that, where in former
years dollars were thrown away, cents are now carefully looked to.
Nothing could delight me more than to go, if I can afford it. Next,

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 77

what preparation would I have to make to fit myself to accompany
you. The Journey ought to be a sort of “Humboldt and Bonpland”
one, for the purpose of increasing the general sum of knowledge in
every department of science, Physical as well as Natural. Will you
please write and tell me all about the matter,—route, &c. If there
is anything I can do for you here, do not hesitate to command me.
It would require a good many drafts on me to wipe off the heavy load
of obligation I am under to you for your kindness to me in New York,
Sympathy and assistance in more ways than one. I have Influential
Friends and Relations here who, if occasion demands, may forward
some of your views. By the by, a gentleman asked me yesterday
several particulars about your proposed work, intimating at the
same time an intention of becoming a subscriber. Will you enable
me to give him some information on the subject?

I have spent my time since I have been here principally between
the Treasury Building and the Patent Office. I have a strong desire
to spend a few months among the collections of the Exploring expedi-
tion, with the privilege of overhauling the articles. This my Uncle,
Mr. Penrose, Solicitor of the Treasury, says I will be enabled to do
by being connected in some way with the corps to be employed
under act of Congress the ensuing winter. He says that if I could
get a note from Mr. Audubon, intimating in general terms that from
his knowledge of my qualifications! I would make a competent
assistant to those gentlemen already engaged; that there would not
be much trouble about the matter. Will you do me the favor to
write something or other to this effect, which he may use for this
purpose. A few lines from you will be of more avail with the Secre-
tary of Navy, or State, than a whole folio would be from anybody
else.

Will you ask Major LeConte to send me a few of those very fine
steel pins, tightly packed up, directed in an enclosure to “Chas. B.
Penrose, Solicitor of the Treasury, Washington, D. C.”? With my
best respects to Mrs. Audubon and all your family, I remain,

Yours sincerely,

Spencer F, Barrp.

P.S. Please address anything to me under cover to, “Chas. B.
Penrose, etc.”

78 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From J. J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, July 30, 1842.
My Dear Younc Frienp,—

Your letter of the 27th Inst. reached me yesterday. I am truly
vexed that I should have missed you at the Library or the Congress
Chambers, where I went (perhaps too late) between 3 and 4 o’clock
of the afternoon, having been detained at the different Departments
of State where it was my duty to call, preparatory to my next coming
Great Western Journey.

Now it proves by your letter that you feel favorably disposed
to accompany me on this long thought-of and contemplated Tour,
and wish me to give you some idea of the expenses, attached to such
an undertaking; but to this question I am quite unable to reply at
present, although I may do so in a few weeks, and which I shall do
provided you write to me again on the subject.

I have no very particular desire to embark as deep in the Cause
of Science as the great Humboldt has done, and that, simply because
I am both too poor in pecuniary means and too incompetent; but
I wish nevertheless to attempt to open the Eyes of naturalists to
Riches untold, and facts hitherto untold. The portions of the country
through which it is my intention to pass, never having been trodden
by white Man previously.

I have some very strong doubts whether the results of the
Antarctic Expedition will be published for some time yet; for, alas,
our Government has not the means, at present, of paying some
half a Million of Dollars to produce publications such as they should
publish, and connected with the vast stores of Information, collected
by so many Scientific Men in no less than Four Years of Constant
Toil and privation, and which ought to come to the World of Science
at least as brightly as the brightest rays of the Orb of Day during
the Mid-summer Solstice. Oh, my dear young friend, that I did
possess the wealth of the Emperor of Russia, or of the King of the
French; then indeed I would address the Congress of our Country,
ask of them to throw open these stores of Natural Curiosities, and
Comply with mine every wish to publish, and to Give away Copies
of the invaluable Works thus produced to every Scientific Institution
throughout our Country, and throughout the World.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 79

As you however appear desirous to present my thoughts of your
capabilities as one of the assistants in that Stupendous undertaking,
I send you inclosed what I hope most sincerely may prove beneficial
for such purposes.

Now as you have been kind enough to offer me your services
at Washington, I desire you to call upon Mr. (Caleb) Cushing, M. C.,
of Mass.tts, and to ask him to have the goodness to forward me the
Letter promised me by the President of the U. S., for, as I have not
yet had it, I somewhat fear that it has been missent.

Write to me at once, and believe me,

: Your friend, Joun J. Aupuzon.

(Enclosure)

Knowing as I do, Spencer F. Baird, Esq. as a young gentleman
well qualified to assist in the arrangement, description, etc., of the
specimens of natural history brought home by the Exploring Expedi-
tion, and deposited in the National Institute at Washington City
for the purpose of being published and thereby rendered useful to
the world of science, I take great pleasure in recommending him as a
most worthy, intelligent, and industrious student of nature, both
in the field and the museum, and I would feel great satisfaction in
hearing that our government had employed him in this national and
important undertaking.

Joun J. AupugBon.’6

This proposition, however, came to nothing. Political
influences prevailed, as one might expect from Congress-
men, some of whom had been willing to finance a Symmes
expedition. A janitor and preparator in the person of a
kindly and well intentioned old man, one or two taxider-
mists, with a Dr. King as Curator, and a clergyman,
doubtless a worthy theologian, were assigned to the work
of caring for the collections until the return of Capt.

%'The above recommendation is a copy of an original or auto-
graph letter of the great naturalist and distinguished author of the
“Birds of America,” now in possession of Harvey Rowland, Jr., of
this city. C. A. Kingsbury. April 23, 1883.

80 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Wilkes.* One of the consequences may be noted.
Couthouy, who was rather in advance of his time as to
methods of study, and an artist of ability, made many
extremely fine colored drawings of living mollusks, full
notes of their habits, location, etc., so far as observed,
and preserved the specimens in jars of alcohol. These
were identified by numbers in his notes and the same
number stamped on tinfoil was placed in the jar, so that
the connection between the notes and the specimens
should be preserved. Unfortunately the tinfoil contained
some lead as an impurity, and this, gradually oxidizing,
whitened the specimens in the jars. This was observed
by the reverend custodian, who traced the evil to its
source, and with the best intentions removed the slips
of tinfoil without replacing them by any other means of
identification. ‘The slips were carefully preserved in
another glass jar.

This operation destroyed all means of correlation
between notes and specimens, and when Couthouy
returned he was so horrified at the destruction of his
careful work that he abandoned in disgust his project
of making a report on the collections. Years afterward
when the material had been transferred to the National
Museum, this biographer was shown the jar containing
the hundreds of rejected tinfoil slips, and the story related
to him by Professor Baird himself.

In the report which was finally made on the shells
by Dr. A. A. Gould, with the aid of Couthouy’s notes
and drawings, the inevitable result followed; namely,
that the value of the work as a contribution to geograph-

27 This was in 1841, under the direction of the National Institute.
In 1842 a competent staff was appointed, but a little too late for
complete safety of the collections.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 81

ical distribution of mollusca was almost entirely destroyed,
and doubt thrown upon many of the attributions which
happened to be correct.

From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird.

WasuincTon, October 14th, 1842.

. Uncle Penrose went to see Colonel Abert yesterday, and ascer-
tained that the arrangements for the preservation and arrangement
of the articles brought home by the Exploring expedition had been
made, and that there was no possibility of getting you a place. I
am sorry that this is the case, as it would have been very pleasant
for me to have you here, but so it is. He did not learn exactly what
arrangements had been made, but was told that they had been
obliged to leave Conrad out.

Baird spent a large part of his time copying from rare
books and reading volumes which were not accessible in
Carlisle. On the 31st of August Congress adjourned,
and the following day Mr. Penrose left the city for Carlisle
while Baird stopped over at Baltimore for a day and then
took the train for York. He notes that at one time they
ran five miles in eleven minutes. From York he took
stage for Harrisburg and the following day reached
Carlisle.

Soon after this he received a notice of his election to
Corresponding Membership by the Academy of Natural
Sciences at Philadelphia.

During this summer he maintained a rather brisk
correspondence with S. S. Haldeman,” of Chickasalunga,

28 Samuel Stehman Haldeman, born at Locust Grove, Penn.,
Aug. 12, 1812, died at Chickies, Penn., Sept. 10, 1880. A man in
easy circumstances, his studies ranged over many fields of science.
He was especially expert in philology, and in 1851 professor of the
natural sciences in the University of Pennsylvania. He was of a

6

82 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

naturalist, philologist, and geologist. Early in October
his uncle Penrose and brother William returned to Wash-
ington. On the 16th he received a letter informing him
he had been elected a member of the National Institute
at Washington. About this time he was shooting and
preserving an astonishing number of birds from the fall
migration, and had to add a new case to his series to
contain the skins. He walked 240 miles during October,
and, during the year 1842, 2100 miles.

His future plans were of course under discussion and
he received a letter from his brother William generously
offering to bear the expense of a winter residence at
New York for the purpose of continuing the medical
lectures.

In his reply (which is not preserved among the papers
at my disposal) Spencer must have expressed a distaste
for the medical career. The following extract from his
brother’s reply is all that a search has revealed in regard
to the matter:

From William M. Baird to Spencer F. Baird.

WasuincTon City, 23 November, 1842.
Dear SPENCER,—

I received your letter and was sorry to find that you had a distaste
for a medical life. As, however, you have it, it perhaps would be
best not to pursue the study, for no one ever succeeds in a profession
of which he is not fond. As it is necessary for you to do something,
you ought to make up your mind. No means of livelihood, however,
is to be obtained in America from ornithology.

genial and somewhat eccentric disposition, and noted for his gener-
osity to young students and lovers of nature, as exemplified in his
services to the youthful Baird. He was one of the early members of
the National Academy of Sciences.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 83

The brothers were busy on a proposed list of the birds
of Cumberland County and were cataloguing their collec-
tion, which is referred to in the letter following:

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.
Die War. CaruisLe, Nov. 28, 1842

I send you the list of Birds up to this date. The lot sent you
before numbered to 835. From this number to 847, I wrote myself
in order to bring all up to November. I hope to reach No. goo by
the end of the year at least.

I received your last, on Friday ult, after having returned late
from shooting, and had barely time to give Aunt Mary the skins
you spoke of she starting on Saturday Morning at 4 AM. I gave
her, The Lesser Red Poll shot here, and one of those brought from
New York. Also, Male & Female of the Largest,—Big Spotted Hairy
Woodpecker, and Male of Small, little Spotted Hairy Do. Investi-
gate whether the Red poll, may not be a Larger? I can see no differ-
ence in the descriptions of the two species except 34 an inch in size.
As to the Woodpeckers. There is more difference between the two
Males I send you, than many of Audubon’s Species. . . . I
will now proceed to give the ornithological news.

Saturday 12. stuffed two Woodcock which Will Penrose shot
in cornfield towards creek. They were very fat. Monday 14. Shot
Barred Owl & 2 Butter Balls: of these last one was an old Male,
but though it was on the other side of the creek from me, the upper
mandible was entirely shot away—as if two or three pellets had
gone together.

15. Tuesday. Saw 8 Butter Balls, of which shot two, 20 Shel-
drakes & 6 whifflers. Saw a Long Eared owl; but could not get near
enough to shoot: Dan Biddle passed through on his way to Pittsburg.
16. A little snow. 17. Thursday. Saw two superb Bald Eagles at
Pike pond. 18. Friday Shot a winter Hawk in very much the same
plumage as the one shot by George Gibson & Will Penrose. 19.
Saturday. Saw great many ducks. A large flock of Mallards, Black
ducks, Whiffles, Butter balls, Mergansers, Summer ducks, and per-
haps several other species in the pond at the dam. Then a flock of
Green Wing teal, then what appeared to be 20 Ruddy ducks, then large

84 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

flock summer ducks, then a still larger, of about 30 Hooded Mergan-
sers, shot 2 Hooded Mergansers, & green wing teal. Saw Marsh
Hawk, Pileated woodpeckers, 2 purple Grakles. Pike Pond with
thin ice. 22 Tuesday, very cold. Thermometer at 12°7AM. Dam
Frozen over, skating. Creek nearly frozen. Saw many golden crested
wrens. Shot a curiously marked sparrow, No. (866), with the nape,
or back of the neck, consisting of a broad collar of pure white. 25.
Friday. Creek mostly frozen except below Middlesex. Saw Rusty
Blackbirds. Saw 3 Mallards in 1st Bottom. Shot one which fell
on ice dead; could not get at it, so stripping, went in up to armpits,
with big club, with which broke the ice as I went, until I reached the
duck. It was cold enough but could not afford to lose the bird; at
first dam shot two Mergansers at a shot, and in 2nd Bottom found the
other two Mallards in flock of Mergansers; fired into them and killed
a Mallard and Merganser. Saw an English snipe along LeTort
spring. Obtained permission to shoot from old Ruhl, by gammoning
him about wanting to kill hawks which just now are troublesome
to him. Saw a Mallard among his ducks, but dared not shoot it
as he was near, and it was before I spoke to him. Uncle William
thought it a great sin to stuff the Mallards. To-day (28) went down
creek to 1st Bottom, intensely cold. High wind & thermom. at 14°
to 20° all day. Creek closed except at Middlesex. Saw 2 Doves
at M. Below Middlesex saw Mallard and Male Summer duck; also
a Pigeon Hawk. Fired at all of these at reasonable distances, but
fingers so cold as to damage my aim. Saw plenty of Golden crest
wrens with Black Cap tits. I am writing this in a great hurry as I
wish it to be in time for the mail. Send back the labels as soon as
you can, and I will then finish all my items of news. Yours &c
Spencer F Barrp.

Audubon raises the question again about his proposed
trip to the Yellowstone country in the following letter:

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

My pear Youne FrRienp,— Baw Yorn, Mev. 29,08
It seems to me as if an age had already elapsed since I have news

of you or of your whereabouts. Neither do I know clearly whether

in the way of correspondence, you are in my debt, or I am in yours.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 85

Nevertheless I now write to you, and request you to read this
letter more than once, and think deeply on the purport of its con-
tents that you may be the more able to form a true Idea of what I
intend to say to you, and for yourself to give me a true answer, and
one on which I can depend, no matter whether it is to my liking
or not.

It is now determined that I shall go towards the Rocky Mountains
at least to the Yellowstone River, and up the latter Stream four
hundred of miles, and perhaps go across the Rocky Mountains. I
have it in my power to proceed to the Yellowstone by Steamer from
St. Louis on the 1** day of April next; or to go to the “ Mountains
of the Wind” in the very heart and bosom of the Rocky Mountains
in the company of Sir William Drummond Stewart, Baronet, who
will leave on the 1°* of May next also from St. Louis.

It has occurred to me that perchance you would like to spare
a few months of your life, to visit the great Western Wilderness,
and perhaps again prefer going in my Company in preference to that
of any other person? Of this of course I cannot Judge without your
answer to this. I thought that you would have been in New York
long ere this, but not a Word of you has reached any friend of yours
here for several months. I have had an abundance of applications
from different sections of the country, from Young Gents who proffer
much efficiency, etc., but I do not know them as I know you, and if
the terms which I am about to propose to you will answer your
own views, I wish you to write to me at once so that I may know
how to prepare myself for such a Journey, and under such Circum-
stances.

Would you like to go with me at any rate? By which I mean,
whether by Land, or by Water, and undertake, besides acting toward
me as a friend, to prepare whatever skins of Birds or Quadrupeds I
may think fit for us to bring home. The Birds, you might have one
half as your own, the Quadrupeds, (should I wish it) you might havea
4°", or every 4" specimen of the same species, reserving to myself
all that is new or exceedingly rare.

I will procure and furnish all the materials for skinning, preparing,
and saving whatever we may find in ornithology and in Mammalia,
and in all probability (if you think it absolutely necessary) pay one
half your expenses from the time we leave Saint Louis until our

86 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

return to that city. You will have to work hard, of course, but
then I trust that the knowledge alone which you must acquire would
prove a sufficient compensation, and as you already know me pretty
well, I may freely say to you that I am not “hard on the trigger.”

It will be necessary for you to provide a good double barrelled
Gun, and an excellent Rifle, Shot bag, powder-flask, &c. a good
hatchet, and a sufficiency of clothes for something like a 12 month’s
Campaign. But if you will write to me at once upon the subject, I
can give to you a more and a better a/c of all my intentions, than is
at present necessary.

If all-goes on as I trust it will go on, we may be back home by
Oct® or Nov’. next, 1843.

Do not lose a moment in writing to me in answer to this after
you have thought deeply upon the matter.

Remember me kindly to all your friends, and believe me, Yours

Always, Joun J. Aupuson.

This letter was transmitted to William Baird enclosed
in the following letter from Spencer:

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Car.isLe, December 20, 1842.
Dear WILL.

T send you a letter which I received from Mr. Audubon today,
intimating that he has finished his arrangements respecting going
to the West in the spring & asking me whether I would like to accom-
pany him. He says if necessary he will bear half of my expenses
from St. Louis, where the expedition starts with which he is going.
I of course would be perfectly delighted to go with him, and wrote
to him to that effect; but told him that it was impossible for me to
find money to bear the expenses. I asked him to tell me how much
he thought would be the cost of the expedition. It would be an excel-
lent opportunity to go west had J the money, as travelling with a
large party of trappers there would be no danger from Indians, &
one might make great collections. I am afraid however that I must
give up all thoughts of going. Send Mr. Audubon’s letter back when
you have done with it.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 87

I have not done much since I wrote last, having been out but
twice I believe. I shot three more Lesser Redpolls in the same place
as the first, last week. One of them was in Beautiful plumage, the
neck, & breast being a delicate Carmine. The rump also in a less
degree. I am much obliged to you for the money you sent me;
but am sorry that you think that I have been extravagant or waste-
ful. Ithink that I may say truly that I have not wasted five loads in
the last three months. Having to depend entirely on the kindness
of others for this source of amusement I have been careful, to employ
my means to the best advantage. I have stuffed every bird I shot
except those which were torn too much to allow of this. I have
stuffed upwards of one hundred since you left. The cotton has been
a considerable item in the sum total, as I find that by making hard
and tight bodies, that the ducks especially, as well as all birds, have
a much better finish.

I obtained a very fine hawk from Johnson Moore the other day.
It went into a chicken coop of his after a snow some time ago, and
the snow drifting against the door, shut it up. It killed two chickens
in the coop, when the old hens got at it and pinned it down on its
back, till some one came & caught it. It is rather wild but is getting
tamer. I have it in a cage on the Balcony. It is very like the one
you shot at the creek last September and is very Blue above & very
closely marked with the reddish bars & stripes beneath, & is about
16 or 17 inches long. Uncle William says he saw one like it in the
Washington Market which the man offered for a quarter & said it
was good eating. Was it like it? I have a very good skin of a
wildcat caught 10 days ago at the South Mountain, which if you
think good, I will send to the Patent office. Itis small, but has all
the markings.

It is probable that I will have to go to Reading the end of this,
or the beginning of next week, to see about Mother’s business there.
As it will be but two or three dollars more I think that, if I can get
any money then, that I will come home by Philadelphia. If so I
will be able to get some good birds from some of those fellows
in Phila. Answer this letter if you can soon, so that I may get it
before I leave.

Your affectionate Brother

Spencer F. Barren.

88 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, January 2, 1843.
My pear Frienp,—

On my return from Boston where I have been for upwards of
a fortnight, I found your letter at home, and now will answer to
your questions as far as is in my power at present.

First however I am glad to know that you are desirous of going
with me and this because I know I understand you well; and that it
would be a pleasure to my whole family to know that you are my
companion during such an absence as is now to take place between
me and them, and which cannot be calculated under any circum-
stances to be less than eight months from the 1* of April next, when
I must be at St. Louis, ready to embark on board of my friend’s Mr.
Chouteau’s Steamer leaving for the Yellowstone River, etc. etc.

It is next to impossible for me to say with any degree of accuracy
the amount of money which this Journey may require; but I can
safely say that the sum of $500. would prove all sufficient, as our
passages to the Yellow Stone will be granted us free; and the expenses
from here or from Carlisle cannot exceed 50% to St Louis, and may
be less.

It is now necessary that you should inform me as soon as possible
whether you can go with me or not, that I may answer to several
Young Gents who have applied to me to go on with me, but of whom
I know but little. The principal want of money, will be required in
all probability, for the purpose of purchasing horses and mules for
our return over Land, should we be so unfortunate as not to meet
with a transit by water, the latter of which of course we should no
doubt greatly prefer.

Are you at all likely to come to New York this Winter? I have
given up all Idea of going South this season, being determined to
draw quadrupeds until a few days of my leaving home for this grand
and Last Journey, I intend to make as a Naturalist. Should you
come here, come to us—We have ample room, and we can talk
over matters more at leisure and more fully than by mere letter-
writing. . .

Do answer this at once in every point of view and be sure to
tell me whether you can go with me or not. I trust that our friend
Harris will be one of the party; it is my intention to join the party

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 89

of Sir William Drummond Stewart, Bar’, on his return from the
Central part of the Rocky Mountains, and to come back with him
and his too followers to St. Louis next Oct’. or early in November!
God bless you. Present our best regards to all among you, and with
the best Wishes of my whole family, believe me always,
Your friend,
Joun J. AupusBon.

Baird’s reply to this is not found among the papers
accessible, but its import may be inferred from the follow-
ing letter:

From J. J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, Jany. 31, 1843.
My pear Younc Frienp,—

I have this evening received yours of the 28th Inst., and reply
to its contents at once.

It appears from the whole tenure of your letter, that that rascally
article cash is the cause which prevents you from going along with
me to the Yellowstone River and back. Now, it happens that al-
though we are very far from being rich, we all feel desirous that you
should go along with me, because we all know you, and I particularly
so. Therefore, if you will go with me, and assist me all you can, in
the way of hunting, measuring and dissecting Specimens when I am
otherwise engaged, etc. etc. I will furnish you with all that may be
necessary for your expenses, excepting your clothing and your gun
or guns, as you may have them. I do not at present expect to be
gone more than six months, and in all probability will go and return
by water. Now and then you may have to assist Mr. Bell of this city
in the skinning of a few large animals, but my principal wish is to
employ you as my Secretary, in friendship, and for the sake of that
Science to which I have now been devoted many years, and yourself
several.

Therefore, I wish you to consider this matter, and write to me
as soon as you can, and send me your last decision at once.

Besides John G. Bell, the stuffer, etc., I expect a young man
from Hingham, Mass‘*., some of whose drawings I believe you have
seen, and who will assist me when wanted, but who will especially

go SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

draw plants and Views for backgrounds to our present work, of which
I now send you a prospectus. If after all this, you should determine
not to go then I will write to you and tell you in what way you may
be of service to me during my absence. Besides Mr. Bell and Mr.
Sprague from Hingham, I expect my friend Harris to join me, and
in all probability a young gentleman from New York who is rich,
and very anxious to go along.
Write soon, and believe me always,
Your sincere friend,

Joun J. Aupupon.

It is evident from the circumstantial evidence that
the ladies of the Baird family were somewhat alarmed
at the suggestion that young Spencer should venture
into the wilds which their imagination painted as full
of rattlesnakes, Indians, fevers and untold perils. To
Baird’s letter in which these anxieties are mentioned
Audubon replies as follows:

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, February 10, 1843.
My pear Youne FRrienp,—

I have this evening received yours of the 7th Inst., and I see
very clearly that you would be at once ready to accompany me were
it not, for the opinions of your friends or relations to the contrary.
That your kind mother should feel great reluctance in the premises,
does not astonish me, as my own good Wife was much against my
going on such a long Journey; but her Strong Sense of what is best
for us all, and as well as in myself, the perfect confidence that our
Maker’s Will will be done, she has now no Scruples of any kind, and
as for myself I rely as much as I ever have done in the Support of
the Almighty Being who has supported and secured me against
evils of all sorts in my Various undertakings, and with this Idea at
my heart, I feel confident that although an Old Man, I could under-
take any Journey whatever, and no matter of their lengths or diffi-
culties. But I wish you would assure your good mother that to go
to Yellow Stone River, in a good Steamer, as passengers by the courte-

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH gI

ous offers of the President of the American Fur Company who himself
will go along with us, that the difficulties that existed some 30 years
ago in such undertakings are now rendered as Smooth and easy as
it is to go to Carlisle and return to N. Y. as many times as would
make up the Sum in Miles of about 3000: Our difficulties (if any
there are) will be felt on our return; when we must come back to
S*. Louis in one or 2 open boats in Sep* and part of Oct" next. The
passage being longer or shorter accordingly with the state of the
Missouri at that Season.

Edward Harris, who went with me to the Texas, has determined
on going with me. John G. Bell, the Stuffer of birds, etc. I have
hired to go with me, and was I willing to accept of all the different
offers made to me, I could have more companions than would serve
my Views or advance my Wishes in any way.

Young Leconte is not going with me as far as I am aware of at
present.

The objects mostly wanted for such a Journey are a good Gun
or Two, double barrelled with Moulds for Bullets to fit, Caps, etc.
etc. a couple of good Blankets, or what we Call Comforters, a first
rate Life preserver to Swim with, a Butcher Knife or 2, and Just
such Clothing as is fit for a rough expedition of Six Months. Every-
thing else, I can venture to promise for our Comfort and safety.

My son Victor wrote to you this afternoon, Just previous to
having taken your letter to the N. Y. Post Office; thus you will
receive our two letters almost simultaneously.

It is my Wish to leave New York on the ro or 12th of March
next, and go by way of Baltimore or Wheeling, then to take a steamer
to Louisville, and, again another direct for St Louis. The steamer
of the Fur Company leaves S‘. Louis from the 25th of March to the
1st. of April, according with the advancement of the season, and the
rise of the Waters, but of this I can inform you in good time as soon
as I receive your determination to go or not to go? This I will
positively look for in your next letter in answer to this.

With our united regards to the whole of your family, believe me
always, Yours sincere friend,

Joun J. Aupuson.

P. S. I forgot to say that you will want a Strong Mosquito-Bar
this is made of beaver grass Cloth. If you cannot procure this article

92 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

say so, and I will. If you can procure one of the double-barrelled
Rifles of which you speak do so, and half a dozen good and strong
check shirts! J. J. A.

It is probable from Audubon’s next letter that as an
additional reason why he should not undertake a journey
certain to call for the utmost vigor, Baird’s relatives
laid stress on the attacks of palpitation of the heart
which young Baird had suffered from at times.

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, February 23, 1843.
My pear Younc Frienp,—

Your letter of the 17th Inst. reached me yesterday, and I feel
truly sorry at the reading its contents. It is in fact with sincerest
regret on my part, as well as the whole of my family to hear of the
malady under which you at times suffer, and I think with your kind
Parents and friends that nothing more injudicious could be to you,
than to absent yourself from home. Nay, I would even more recom-
mend to you, not to follow your uncle in the Wilds of Schuylkill
County, portions of which I have myself visited many years ago.
I also think you should be careful in your application to your different
studies, but confine yourself periodically only to them, and to take
moderate daily exercise, as soon as the weather becomes milder.
Since the receipt of your letter, I have concluded to take a Young
Gentleman in your stead who is a Neighbor of ours, but who alas
is no Naturalist, though a tough, active, and very willing person.
Whatever you procure in the way of Quadrupeds that you consider
new or very rare, please to save for us, taking notes of their exact
measurements, localities, and dates of capture. We all Join in best
wishes to you and to all yours, and I remain as ever your Sincerely,

attached Friend Joun J. AupusBon.

The following letter written by Audubon after his
return may not inappropriately find a place here, though
out of its chronological order:

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 93

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

Minnte’s Lanp, (N. Yorx) November 3, 1843.
My pear Youne Frienp,—

I have your kind letter of the 24th Inst., to which I would have
answered sooner had I not been exceedingly engaged in arranging
sundry affairs of considerable importance.

You may well regret the difficulties thrown in your way through
the fears of your good friends. Why, only think that J saw not one
Rattlesnake and heard not a Word of bilious fever, or of anything
more troublesome than Muschietoes and of those by no means many!
No, our Trip was a pleasant one. Abundance of the largest Game
was killed, and much more could have been procured had we wished
for it; but when a fat buffalo weighing some 1500 pounds or upwards
is dead and the camp is prepared and the beast is roasting by large
Juicy pieces, who could have the heart to kill more for the sake of
the Tongue, or for that of the Wolves? Why, not I, I assure you.
I have brought home alive a Deer which we thought may prove
new. A Swift Fox and an American Badger. All these are doing
quite Well; 15 New Species of Birds, and a Certain Number of Quad-
rupeds. We met with many of the Birds procured on the Western
side of the Big Rocky Hills by Nuttall and Townsend. Yet I feel
quite assured that much remains to be done, and all I regret is that
I am not what I was 25 Years ago, Strong and Active, for willing
I am as much as ever.

Pray what are you Doing at Washington? How long do you
expect to remain there, &c, &c, &c. ???? I cannot write to you at
this time at such length as I wish but will give you an Idea of the
Birds brought home very soon. Health and prosperity, believe me
always, Your sincere friend & servt.

Joun J. Aupuson.

Collecting and correspondence with William Baird
continued energetically, as the following correspondence
will show.

Meanwhile the two brothers decided to offer their
paper on the two supposed new species of Flycatchers

94 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

to the Academy of Natural Sciences at Philadelphia for
publication. Baird was studying earnestly at French,
German and the calculus. He also read a number of
standard works of fiction in French and German inci-
dental to his study of the languages. In April he began to
teach a small class of girls in geography, arithmetic,
botany, and history. His first pupils were Lydia Biddle,
Lydia Baird, Jane Alexander and Anna Reed. The class
met daily except Saturday, during the week. When it
came to the day for Botany he took his class into the
fields to make practical application of his instruction,
and in later college work he followed this plan with his
students in the natural sciences. He had joined the
Musical Society some time previously and now did more
or less practising, and joined the church choir in their
rehearsals. July 13th he took his diploma of A. M. in
course, at College Commencement, with several others of
his class.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CARLISLE, May 23, 1843
Dear W111,

I send you the result of the last 7 days. By examining the list
you will find some good Birds. Last Tuesday, I went towards the
North Mt. up & down the valley, shot 4 Lincoln finches in different
places, a pair of Blue Grosbeaks, at the very place where we three
shot them before; and some other birds of less interest. Last Saturday
Will Penrose & I went down the creek through Tempe & the Bottoms.
Shot a Traill’s Flycatcher, and a very handsome Mourning warbler,
Male, on the same thorn tree above the 1st Bottom as the one I
shot one last spring. There is something very curious in this thing
of the same species being found always in the same place,—as the
Mourning Warbler, Blue Grosbeak and others. Yesterday I went
out to Yellow Breeches creek and up to Ege’s forge. The wind was
very high and I could see no birds. I shot a Lincoln finch however.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 95

This makes 3 specimens procured this spring. This is walking into
them pretty extensively. I have no doubt they breed here as the
organs of some which I shot were strongly developed.

Last Saturday I shot a very curious Humming Bird down the
creek. It is very large 3%- 4%, 1%. Female, Bill, feet & every
thing much larger than a Male Bird sent me the same day by Prof.
Allen. The throat instead of being white as all the descriptions
say, is a pale Buff, and the back has more gold mixed with the green
than the male.

Grandmother left this morning for Philadelphia with Mrs.
McClure & Mrs. Roberts. Aunt Julia went down in the train to
Harrisburg to bring up Mrs. Storm Espy & Margaret, and to meet
her Mother & Eliza who leave Philadelphia to day for Carlisle.
Dont forget to send the Intelligencer although grandmother is gone.
Write soon,

Yours affec.
Spencer F. Barron.

P. S. If you ever come across a number of “the Dutch in
America” published in Washington, I wish you would send it on.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaRLISLE, June 22 1843.
Dear Wi11,

I received your package containing the descriptions & letter
this morning. I wrote to Cassin a week ago but have not had an
answer yet. I asked him when the next Bulletin would be published.
T think I will not send the paper to him until I receive an answer
from him, as he may have had a relapse and be too ill to attend to
the matter.

John Leconte #* came up from Philadelphia last Tuesday he
brought the things he spoke of. . . . A fine White Ibis white

29 John Lawrence Le Conte, born in New York May 13, 1825;
married Helen S. Grier in 1861; died at Philadelphia, Nov. 15, 1883.
One of the most distinguished American entomologists, especially
interested in Coleoptera. He was a relative of the Bairds, and of
the brothers John and Joseph Le Conte.

96 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

plumage, with tips of Black. These two are very good Skins. Ardea
Herodia; Short eared Owl & Marsh Hawk not so good. Also Head
& tail of Fork tailed hawk, and head of great Crow Blackbird. He
says he will get all the rest I want next winter, he is going there again
then. He is here yet, but leaves to morrow morning Dont forget
about getting bugs for him.

I will shoot all the Republicans & Rough wings (swallows) I can
find. There is a large colony of the former at Wagner’s Gap, and at
that stable along creek above Fishburn’s above Hay’s Bridge. The
four Bewick Wrens on the list were all shot in our garden, two old &
two young. I have been out every two or three days since you wrote
about Scarlet Tanager to get some, but have neither seen nor heard
one. I send two in the bundle I have already for you, As we have
but two good Rose Breasted grosbeaks I send but one. I send about
30 skins in all: which I hope you will get soon. I will keep a sharp
look out for an opportunity. How would it do to send them to Phila.
some where. Fleming goes to Philadelphia every week, & I could
send by him.

The Rev. Mr. M’Farlane—the man Frailey of Columbia was
telling you about, was here this morning to see the birds. He seems
a very good ornithologist as I had understood from several persons.
He was perfectly enchanted with the Mourning Warblers, and said
with a smile that he hoped he should be able to get some rare birds
in the course of his travel in the West, by means of which he might
get some of them by exchange. I said, “I hoped so too.”

affect.

S. F. B.

Extract of a letter from John Cassin to S. F. Baird.

Puta. June, 1843.
Dear Barro,

The monograph I would have published in the Proceedings, and
the other article, also, if not too long. I think, however, I would
make but one paper, if I were writing it, as two would certainly
make some confusion, particularly in referring to your monograph
by other naturalists. It will strike you as evident that two papers

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 97

of the same character, in the same periodical, and by the same person
would be rather anomalous, especially if they happened to get into
different volumes. I think it would be best to make one paper, as
complete, of course, as possible. It may possibly be rather long for
our Proceedings, but I have no fears but that we could get it in
easily, and afterwards when republished in the Journal, you could
readily revise it and make such additions as you think proper, but
let the Titles of the paper remain exactly the same, so that when
ornithologists speak of Baird’s Monographia Tyrannularum, they
will allude to the same thing exactly. However, this is your business,
and I plead guilty to giving an opinion rather gratuitously.

Our ornithologists have done quite a good business this Spring,
but Krider has beaten everybody. He got three Mourning Warblers,
1 Summer Red bird, 1 Cooper’s Flycatcher, 1 splendid Cape May
Warbler and all the species usually met with. He has about 200
skins which I intend to get for the Academy, or, at least, all the good
ones. Spackman did little except collect the common species. He
has made about 200 skins also. Ashmead I have known little about
this season. He has not collected anything of unusual interest.
Darley is not in this city. He is employed at the Baltimore Museum,
but has not collected this Spring. . . . I will write to you again
soon and will with much pleasure send you all I know about Tyrannula
Acadica, and would do it now, but I think I have some notes on the
species which I wish to overhaul. . . . Since writing within,
Mr. Phillips called on me with your letter from which it appears I
have misunderstood you. If you will send the descriptions of the
two new species before next Tuesday, the paper can probably be
published in the Number of Proceedings now forthcoming. I will
see Doctor Zantzinger, (Secretary) this evening, and get the publi-
cation of it delayed. I was under the impression that it was a Mono-
graph which you wished to publish now, but I understand the matter
more fully. The Monograph is another affair entirely.

The expedition to Brazil is still in agitation, but no naturalist
has yet been engaged to go, and I suspect it will ultimately be off
without. A young friend of mine is going to South America from
whom I have extensive expectations, very. I think I shall get at
those pickled birds I mentioned to you some time since. I will,
without doubt, be able to get a few interesting specimens for you,
Sialia occidentalis, etc.

7

98 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.
Dux Bane PuHILaDELpuia July 5, 1843.

Dished! Last evening being the 4th July, the Academy of
Natural Sciences of Philadelphia did not muster a quorum,—the
honorable members, as it would appear, patriotic as well as scientific,
were probably helping to celebrate the anniversary of the Nation’s
birthday in a manner seeming to them right and proper, which was
pretty enough in them and to which, of course, I have not the slightest
objection, excepting that I had not the pleasure of reading to them
your paper. I had talked the matter over with Doctor Zantzinger,
Secretary, and could probably have got it published in the number
of the Proceedings which is now partly printed, but now it will be
another week before the paper can be read, and then another before
reported on, so that I fear the number now forthcoming must be
published without it. But if we can make out sufficient material,
another Number can be published 1st August, which I shall try to
bring about if possible, and I think it can be done.

Immediately upon receipt of your last, I sent my box as you
directed, and also called at Ashmead’s, but they had received nothing
for you. I did not open my box or I should have marked the species
of Tyrannula with the names I have been accustomed to call them,
mostly, however, doubtingly; and should also have put in the speci-
men of S. Chrysoptera—but this I will send you another time. I
have rather carefully examined my Vireos, and am of opinion that
the species in the box is the real V. gilous. What do you think of it?

The Brazilian expedition progresses. They will sail from
Norfolk in the course of a month. Midshipman Strain, who is the
commander and head of the expedition, goes to Norfolk in a week
or ten days to make the requisite arrangements. No naturalist is
yet engaged positively, though one is now coming to the point, and
another person is thought of.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Deak Witt, Car Lise, July 7 1843.
Although I wrote but yesterday to you yet I cannot but write

again to say how glad I am that you have concluded to go to Cape

May for a while both for your own sake, and that of the Birds, and

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 99

Aleck. I hope that when you get there, that you will walk into them
in a Taxidermical point of view very extensively, as you may never
have another such an opportunity. Try and get as many species,
as well as as many specimens as possible; Nearly if not quite all of our
sea Shore birds are as scaley as is consistent with decency and pro-
priety, many of them more so. Aleck Penrose has a very good idea
of taking the bodies out of birds, and he might help you a great deal.
Dont forget to take plenty of cotton and arsenic with you, as such
things are hard to get at such a place; and above all dont be afraid
of getting too large a bundle of them, as transportation costs little.
The birds we want particularly are, new sets of all the Tringas,
Plovers, & Totanus, White Egret, Night Heron, Violet Crown if you
can get it, Cormorants, Sandpipers, all the Terns, Rallus Elegans,
Avosets, Stilts and almost every thing else. How I wish that I was
going along. Would’ent we walk into the birds. Shooting and
stuffing. I would think nothing of sitting up till twelve every night
Stuffing what we had been all day in shooting. If I had the money
I would start off to morrow, to meet you at the Island. The expense
would be about 16 dollars, there, and Back again, the remaining
expense would be for board. However, what can’t be, can’t.

That was first rate, your getting those Buntings, would it not
be worth while to go to that place again? you had better take all
the birds you have got, with you to the Island, and send them on by
Aleck. Suppose I meet you in Phila. on your return?

When you get to Cape May, write every few days, a line or two,
to say what you are getting, and seeing. Cannot you send home a
parcel of sculls, with the birds. There are a number I should like
to have for Dr. Morton, which he has not got, as, all the plovers,
except Melodus; Turnstone, oyster catcher, all Tringas, Willet,
god-wits, all the Herons except those found here, all the Terns.

The dissipation I spoke of yesterday has not ceased yet. To
night there is a grand party at Miss Hodgson’s, and tomorrow one
at Prof. M’Clintock’s; Miss Hodgson’s will be very splendid, it is
expected, as among other things, they got a large box of Bouquets,
from Philadelphia, for the occasion. The two parties last night were
very pleasant. There will probably be several next week also;
certainly one by Prof. Emory, to the students. Dont forget about
writing soon and often Yours affectionately

SpeNcER F. Barrp.

100 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From John Cassin to S. F. Baird.

Purana. 21 Aug. 1843
Dear Barrp:—

I should have written to you ere this, but have delayed it, hoping
to be able to get out the Academy’s proceedings for July.

Our Secretary, Dr. Zantzinger, has been out of town nearly
from middle of July to middle of August, and last Tuesday evening
was the first time I had an opportunity of urging the matter to him
personally—he examined his documents, and found we had not
enough to make four pages of matter for July, and so it must be de-
layed until first September. The printing will commence next week,
immediately after the last meeting in this mo., which will be 29th,
so that by the first we shall have the Number ready, when I will
forward you copies immediately, and will also send copies to any
person that you may designate. The paper will be published ver-
batim, with the extensive exception that I took the liberty of inserting
“Swainson” after Tyrannula in the title of the paper—making it
read “Species of the Genus Tyrannula, Swainson” etc. I hope it
will be in good time.

Nothing going on—Brazilian expedition gets off next week—so

I hear. De

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

Puta. 6 Sept. 1843.
Dear Bairp,

I have sent you two copies of Proceedings just out and have sent
all the others as you requested except those to your brother at
Washington, which I shall send to-morrow, not having enough of
them at the store.

Your paper reads well—and I will see that copies of this number
are sent to most of the Naturalists, in this country at least. The
proceedings, you know, are sent as published to all the European
societies. . . . J. G

The following letter seems appropriate here, though a
little out of chronological order:

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 101

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, Jan. 3, 1844.
My pear Youne Frienp,—

Many happy Years to you and to Yours! I received your last
letter and also the descriptions of your two species of Muscicapae
and I now thank you for that. But as I figure some 12 or 14 New
Species for our small Work, I should like very much to place among
them your own valuable discoveries. Can you send me Specimens
of each forthwith? If So, lose not a moment. If not please to write
a few lines on this subject.

When you come to New York, I trust that you will not forget
to come and see us “at home”, where your cautious friends need not
fear “Rattlesnakes” or “Putrid fevers.”

Always very sincerely attached Friend,
Joun J. Aupuson.

Early in October he went with a few friends on a
hunting and collecting trip to Sterrett’s Gap, Bloomfield
and the Little Juniata river country, which he describes
in the following letter to his brother William:

From Spencer F, Baird to William M. Baird.

Car.isLE, October 9. 1843
Dear W111,

I send on the birds to be labelled which have accumulated since
the last Batch. I have been away so much since you left, that I have
stuffed but one bird. On the Friday after you left Alick Penrose
& I went over to Duncan’s Island and came back on Saturday, down
the west side of the river to the railroad. I saw few ducks in the
river but a very large flock of partridges of about forty. There would
have been the most beautiful chance to shoot them ever seen, as
they were entirely hemmed in by the Cove Mountain. They had
but three fields to fly in. I had time only to shoot one, as I was afraid
of not getting down in time for the cars. They told me that partridges
were very plenty on Haldeman’s Island, the one next to Mr. Duncan’s.
We saw the greatest quantities of Papaws, all along the river, several

102 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

times as large as the largest we have about here and in bunches of
from three to six. Persimmons also in the greatest Profusion. On
Wednesday morning last Alick & I went over to Bloomfield to Mr.
M’Intyre’s. Reached there at 5, P.M. At 8 that evening, went
out Coon hunting with Sam Creigh, a son of old Dr. C., with several
other persons. We treed a coon, but on cutting down the tree, the
animal was gone. The tree was a large oak 24 feet in diameter, and
they supposed it had got crushed under it some how. We got home
at 1 o’clock, got up at 6. A. M. of Thursday and, after breakfast,
went out after Pheasants, but as is always the case, there were none
where they had been abundant only a few days before. We heard
a few fly but got no chance at them. Went out again after dinner
with an old Pheasant shooter and his dog, but met with no better
success. Came home at 53% and at 6% went out coon hunting again
with the same party. We walked about 15 miles over about the
roughest country I ever saw, miles of Laurel bushes, rocks, precipices
&c. and caught— a Rabbit! got back at 2. and got up at 6. again and
at 8 Started for home by Landisburg— Stopping at Wagner’s Gap
to gather Chestnuts, which are in greater abundance than I ever
saw them before. Gathered 5 quarts in a short time, and saw three
large flocks of Pigeons about 100in each, flying through the Chestnuts,
probably after the fruit. It was too late however to stop to shoot
them: So we came home, going from the Carlisle side of Wagner’s
Gap to the Bridge over the creek in 55 minutes & to town in 85.
This is all the news I know of. Uncle Penrose Started off with the
rest at 7 o'clock this morning.2° Write soon & let me know about
your journey home.
Yours affectionately,
SPENCER F. Bairp.

About this time Baird spent much time preparing
“blue print” photographs of leaves with bichromate of
potash. By this time the collection of birds made by
the brothers had become somewhat noted among the
people of the region, and was frequently shown to
strangers as one of the local attractions.

30 For Washington.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 103

The skins were prepared in the old-fashioned way by
applying to the inner side a preparation usually known as
“arsenical soap.” This was more troublesome and took
longer than the later method with dry arsenic in powdered
form, but was very effectual as a preservative. Many
of the skins thus preserved are still in good condition
in the National Museum. The feet and bills were painted
with a solution of corrosive sublimate, and thus preserved
from museum pests. When Baird in his letters and Journal
speaks of “stuffing” birds, he means only that the skin
was preserved, as the technical term is “unmounted,”
and not that the bird was prepared in an attitude
resembling life, for which the term “‘stuffed” is often
colloquially used.

Baird also began to collect specimens of wood, and
notes in the Journal that in one afternoon he obtained
thirty kinds. He wrote to Espy, the noted meteorologist,
who sent him blank forms to record his observations of
the weather.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Caruiste, October 30. 1843
Dear WILL,

I would have written to you sooner had it not been that as Alick
was going I thought that he would tell you all the news. The ducks
are about here pretty plenty now. I wish you were here to shoot
some. I have killed several. To show you how they are & what
kind I will give you an account of my experience in the last eight
days. Last Saturday week I killed two summer ducks at a shot
in the marsh opposite the Pike Pond. I had gone out in the afternoon
merely to get specimens of wood. On Monday last I killed 4 summer
ducks and a green wing teal, in four shots, and wounded a sprigtail
& summer duck I did not get. Tuesday I went out with Uncle
William & Mr. Husten after Pheasants. We rode to Miner’s, and
then went over to McClure’s Gap and along the foot of the mountain

104 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

to Long’s. Did not see a single bird worth shooting, of any kind.
On Wednesday, I was out. Thursday went out with Mr. Husten,
to dam, down creek to 1°* Bottom, & home by (Le Tort) spring.
Shot a Baldpate and fired at three female Ruddy ducks above Wise’s
Bridge. Killed two and wounded the other, which escaped. They
are tamer than Blue Wing teal or Butter balls, letting you walk right
up to them. Coming up by the spring Mr. Husten Shot 5 Snipe in
Poorhouse Meadow. He shoots snipe very well. Friday staid at
home. Saturday went out to dam, and killed two Ring ducks at
a shot out of a flock of 9. Shot also a Young Male Red Head. It
was feeding in the mud along shore, Just above Black’s house. This
morning went out but found only Butterballs on the dam. ‘There
were 4 or 5 flocks of from 10 to 50 each. I fired once into a flock of
them all with their heads under their wings, asleep. I wounded three
and got two of them. The next time I fire at Sleeping ducks I will
make them hold out their heads. I ought to have killed six or ten
out of the flock. I could have shot plenty more of these ducks, but
I did not want them. Of the ducks shot I have Stuffed a Ruddy
duck, a Ringneck and the Redhead, all in very interesting plumage,
different all of them from the specimens we have got already. Iintend
to go out every morning if possible, to the dam, for an hour or two,
so as to see if any thing is there worth Shooting.

Aunt Valey in a letter to Aunt Blaney says that J. K. Townsend
has lost his office. How did this happen if it is so?

Mother has not yet returned. She will probably do so some time
this week. When she comes I will be able to fix on the time of coming
on. I think I will ride to Hagerstown and then make Washington
in two days. I have not yet determined however; which route
would you advise? We are all well. Write soon

Yours Affectionately
Sp. F. Barrp.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaruisLE, Nov. 8" 1843.
Dear W111,
I am very much obliged to you for the waistcoat and other
articles you sent by George Hilton. They arrived on Monday last
and are just what I wanted.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 105

The grand event so talked of for many years past, namely Lydia
Biddle’s Majority party, came off happily last night. There were
a great many people there though not so many as had been invited
by thirty or forty. The entertainment was excellent, and in quantity,
handed round. The waiters were brought in eight times, with Cakes,
Preserves, Cake, Jellies & Blanc Mange, Fruits, Chicken Salad,
Pickled Oysters &c. Every body looked well & seemed to enjoy
themselves. It held on from half past seven, till half past one. Bill
Parker was there figuring around with a moustache about a quarter
of an inch long on his face, and a little red cap under his arm.

The good ducks have gone pretty much, as I have been out several
times, seeing nothing but Butterballs, Golden Eyes, and Sheldrakes.
Mr. Huston wanting some game to take home with him, I shot and
gave him five Butterballs, with which he seemed much delighted.
I could not detect the sex of the Ruddy duck I shot, I think it was
a young bird however.

The weather is so cold, and raw this month, that I will try to
ride to Washington, instead of walking. It would cost me within
two or three dollars as much, to walk as to ride, at any rate, Par-
ticularly if I go by stage from Baltimore to Washington. I will
start about the 21™ of this month, next Tuesday week, if I can get
off. If I see Bob Kirkland which I expect to do, and he is very press-
ing, as he was last year, I will probably stay a day with him. H

Is there any thing I can bring on for the folks in Washington?
Shall I bring any birds with me? I suppose Audubon must be home
by this time. He was in Pittsburg last week. I will write to him
from Washington and find out what he has got. I believe I forgot
to mention that Mother returned safely last Saturday from Phila.
Your prediction with regard to (sister) Molly is getting verified.
She is growing very pretty with her curly hair. At the party last
night she made quite a sensation. Write soon.

Yours affectionately

S. F. Barrp

Notes from the Journal.

Thursday, Nov. 21, 1843. Left Carlisle for Washington at 4.30
A. M., with a Miss Zollikoffer under my care to Baltimore. Reached
Harrisburg at 6.30. Breakfasted at Hughs’. Left in stage at 8

106 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

for York, 25 miles; $2.00. Near York overtaken by a storm of wind
and rain lasting half an hour. Reached York at 1.15 P. M. Dined.
Left York at 3 P. M. for Baltimore in cars. 59 miles $2.00. Reached
Baltimore about 7. Met by Robert Kirkland at depot. After seeing
Miss Zollikoffer home corner Fayette and Charles streets, went home
with him to his father’s, 30 Light street. After supper went with
him to see Rev. John G. Morris,*4 the entomologist, with whom I
spent some time.

Wednesday, 224. In morning went down to Mr. Kirkland’s
country house and about town with Robert. Got a stick of Brazillite
wood from Mr. Montell. At five left for Washington in the cars;
39 miles, $2.50. Arrived at 7.30, and went to uncle Penrose’s. All
well there.

At Washington Baird renewed his acquaintance with
Titian R. Peale and J. K. Townsend and met J. D.
Dana,” of the Wilkes’ Exploring Expedition, who had
recently returned. He gave much time to assisting the
latter, who was working at the Patent Office Museum
over his collection of Crustacea. He began to write up
his list of the birds of Cumberland County, enumerating
201 authenticated species. He visited Mr. Rich, the artist
of the exploring expedition, where he records seeing some

31 John Gottlieb Morris, D.D., eminent entomologist and divine;
born at York, Pa., Nov. 14, 1803; died Oct. 10, 1895. He was an
early collaborator of the Smithsonian Institution, which published
for him among its early issues his volume on American Lepidoptera.

32 James Dwight Dana was born at Utica, N. Y., Feb. 12, 1813;
married Henrietta Silliman, of New Haven, June 5, 1844. He
applied for service on the United States Exploring Expedition under
Wilkes, was appointed one of the scientific staff in January, 1838,
and served until 1842. The reports on Corals, Crustacea, and Geology
were prepared by him. He became Professor of Geology at Yale
University, and his manuals of Geology and Mineralogy are classics.
He died at New Haven, April 14, 1895, and was acknowledged one
of the foremost men of science America had produced.

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 107

beautiful Chinese drawings, South American costumes,
scenes from the places visited by the expedition, etc.
He translated some German papers on corals for Dana,
amounting to fifty quarto pages. He notes that he had
walked 1400 miles this year, and used 70 pounds of shot,
8 pounds of powder and 1800 percussion caps.

On the 15th of January, 1844, he went to Captain
Wilkes’ house with Mr. Dana to see the drawings of the
exploring expedition, reptiles, fish, sea anemones, land-
scapes, portraits, etc., very numerous and beautiful. On
the 25th he left Washington for Philadelphia.

Professor Silliman had asked for the list of Cumberland
County birds for the Journal of Science and Art, and the
proof reached him at Philadelphia.

He met C. A. Poulsen, the friend of Rafinesque, John
Pennington, Isaac Lea, and others prominent in science
or literature.

He records seeing a large snowy owl settle on the roof
of a house at the corner of Spruce and 8th streets. Girard
College observatory was visited and notes made of the
instruments.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

PHILADELPHIA, Jan. 31, 1844.
Dear WIL1,

I would have written before this had I not been waiting for
several persons to give me bird skins who had promised them. I
have already gone pretty extensively into this department, & hope
to do still more. The other day I went to Dr Leib’s with Brewer,
and he had a large quantity of Birds brought down, and told me to
take my pick. You may be sure it did not take long to avail myself
of this offer. So I selected about 40, very nice birds, only two or
three however new to us. These consisted principally of a fine
snowy owl, Marsh Hawk: very Black Rough Legged Do.: Young

108 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Red teal, Pigeon hawk, Long eared owl, 2 coots, green leg Galinule;
Blue wing teal: Hudsonian Godwit, Hudsonian Curlew, Winter
plumage of Black-head Gull: Havell’s tern: Adult Pine Grosbeak,
& White winged Crossbill, Hyperborean Phalarope, Carolina Parrot,
Lark Bunting, Coerulean Warbler, and a variety of others, the names
of which I will send for the labels when I get home.

From Sam Ashmead I got a fall mourning Warbler, and I think a
Wilson’s Phalarope in winter plumage. I am going to get a number
of others from Sam Ashmead, John Krider, & Cassin. I have also
got a number of the Californian duplicates from Cassin in the
Academy, two species of Centurus & a jay like Steller’s; siskin, also
a whole lot in spirits. Agelaius tricolor, Western Blue Bird, a Starling
with a Yellow throat, A Tyrannus like the F. Verticalis, Bullock’s?
oriole, two species of Phalarope, and several others. These can not
be identified all of them, until they are stuffed, as the rum in which
they are blends all colors into one.

I have been much interested looking at some Anatidae of Cassins.
The obscure species I was telling you of may I think be referred to
the King &-Eider ducks, but he has an exceedingly curious goose.
It is rather larger than a Brant, with its general appearance, except
in being shining & entirely black beneath!!! What do you think
of it. I have no doubt of its being a new species-----. I forgot to
say that Cassin gave me the skin of a snow goose, in bad order, it
is true, but I can improve it greatly by stuffing it over.

I think you will be glad to learn that the plates of the two last
volumes of Holbrook’s Herpetology are all printed with the letter
press & will be published shortly. I am going tomorrow to see them
at Richards, the printers, & I will tell you about them.

I wish you could feel rich enough to buy a Camera Lucida. [I
am full of the idea of making drawings of the Bills, feet, wings &
tails of all our birds & it cannot be done accurately without a camera.
M’Allister has an excellent one second hand which he offers for 7
dollars. It is the most complete one J ever saw, being fixed for magni-
fied drawing. If you will buy it, I will pay you as I get the money,
which I think will not be a great while as I can sell a set of the Farmer’s
Encyclopedia I have at home, for 4 dollars, which will approximate
to this sum. They (the cameras) can be sold again readily second
or third hand at a small reduction of price. Do try and afford it

CHILDHOOD AND YOUTH 109

dear Will. Dr. Morton has got a new Species of Hippopotamus
from Monrovia, the scull I mean, which he is going to publish. It
is about 1 the size of the others species & differs materially in the
teeth. It has been too cold to go about hunting guns & Powder, as
yet, but I will do so this afternoon or tomorrow. We have had the
coldest weather here I experienced for some long time, 8° the other
morning. I think you had better not say any thing about the birds
T got, to Townsend or any body else for reasons I will tell you of
hereafter. Write as soon as you get this, and do not show it to any
one as it is so badly written. Give my love to everybody. All well
here. Uncles William & Ned are expected down to day.
Yours affec—

Spencer F. Barrp

On the 15th of February he left Philadelphia with his
sister Rebecca, and went to Reading, where he visited
relatives and made copies of articles in books not acces-
sible at Carlisle. On the 23rd they returned to Harris-
burg and reached Carlisle on the 24th. On the 3rd of
February, his 21st birthday, he notes that he measured
6 feet and 5/8 of an inch in his bare feet and weighed
158 pounds.

III
LIFE AT CARLISLE

EING now twenty-one years of age and subject to
enrollment, Baird was called on May 6, 1844, and
answered to his name at the annual registration of

the militia.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Car.istE, May 5 1844
Dear WILL,

As it is against my principles to write letters on Sunday, I will
merely give you a general idea of what I have been doing since you
left. I have procured no novelties, except a Whipporwill which I
shot in Brown’s woods, & a White crowned Sparrow. If the quality
has been deficient, not so the quantity, having stuffed 51 birds;
and had it not been for a succession of visitors last night, the number
would have been at least sixty. Among them were five tanagers,
6 or 8 orioles, some Jays, red heads, & I hardly remember what all.
I got the raven which old Leibler had, from him a few days ago.
It is badly mounted, though sound; shot near town some time ago.

The “doctor” is well, & has got into the way of feeding himself.
He touches nothing but birds with feathers on, steadily rejecting all
skinned ones.

I hope you have the Vieillot? in your possession, & will bring it
with you. If you could not see Dr. Morris last week, could you not
do it on your return? Write soon & tell me about it.

Yours affectionately,

S. F. Barrp

1A pet owl, taken from the nest in nearby woods.

2 Vieillot’s Oiseaux de l’Amérique, in two volumes, folio, which
he had arranged with Dr. J. G. Morris of Baltimore to accept in
return for a series of 100 birdskins.

110

LIFE AT CARLISLE III

From the Journal May 14, 1844.

Went to Mr. Holliday’s mill with Will to see some ducks said to
be hybrids between the mallard and the canvasback. Found them
to be hybrid but do not know after what species. The mallard
much predominates. At 10, joined my company of militia, viz. the
“Solid Rocks,” for parade. Marched round town several times, and
then garrisoned, where roll being called was dismissed at half past
twelve, till two o’clock, at which time I joined again. Was excused
from further attendance on account of bad toothache.

From Spencer F . Baird to William M. Baird.
Dean Wr, CaruisLe, May 27, 1844.

T have been waiting the arrival of the various packages of birds
before writing to you, but as it is uncertain when they will be here
I have concluded not to stop any longer, for fear that I may forget
what I already have to say. Dr. Brewer left here this morning,
having been in Carlisle since Wednesday evening. He slept at Foulk’s
but ate his meals with us. I had gone to Mr Hays’ on Wednesday
and staying all night, was particularly astounded on coming out of
my bedroom on Thursday morning, to see him just entering the door
with Tom & Will Blaney. He had got a carriage from Hilton & came
after me. Mr. Hays received him very kindly & after breakfast
there, & getting a Red head woodpecker & Jay’s eggs, we rode over
to Wagoner’s gap. There we got a lot of Cliff Swallows eggs with
some Barn ditto. On Friday—We went down the spring & over
to Tempe, getting Rough Wing Swallows eggs, Indigo Bird, & Chip-
ping Sparrows; also on Saturday we went down to Sam Miller’s
where we got Red head Woodpecker, Dove, Robin, Blue Bird, Field
Sparrow & Larks eggs & some imperfect Field plover, the young
having just come out. This last lays an immense egg, being nearly
allied to the Willit in this respect. From Miller’s we went over
to Middlesex, where we got several Rough-Wing Swallow’s nests, 16
eggs. We had a great deal to talk about, & wished that you were here.
I think he was pleased with his visit, we all liked him very much.

3 Dr. Thomas Mayo Brewer (1814-1880), the odlogist, of Boston,
for many years afterward an intimate friend and associate in scientific
work,

112 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

So much for Dr. Brewer, now for some other items. Last Friday
week Atken came to me & asked me to come to his shop to decide
a dispute he had with some one, about a small Fly up the creek he
had there. I went there & was rather surprised to see two Least
Bitterns. They had been killed shortly before in that marsh opposite
Slack’s house at the Dam. I went out there next morning, and in
an hour had four of them, 3 males. Not being satisfied with these,
I went out again on Monday & got four more, all females. I probably
could have got more, but I began to be ashamed of murdering them
so. They were the tamest birds I ever saw. I caught one uninjured,
& Nep‘ another. I have no doubt there are more out there, perhaps
they will breed. The females had eggs as large as peas in their ovary.
The same Saturday, I stuffed a Loon which I bought from a Black
boy for two cents. This was a male, just changing from young
plumage to old & very curious.

I am glad you got the birds you did in Philadelphia. Mrs.
Alexander’s not having arrived yet, I have not seen them. Brewer's
box has not reached this yet, though it is in Philadelphia. He says
there is a Mealy Redpoll in it, and that he thinks the Guillemot is
Brunnich’s. I will send the birds you bargained for to those Phila-
delphia fellows as soon as I can. In some instances I will have to
send others in place of those you mention as we have not got them
to spare.

How did you make out with your Butcher bird & the Reading
Museum, & what sort of a collection have they of birds, &c. I hope
you keep your eyes about you for the capture of any thing valuable.
Don’t forget about getting birds eggs of all species, as we ought to
have a collection of them ourselves. I forgot to say that Brewer
told me that Kimball had a Cinereous owl, with but one wing,
otherwise in good condition which he will exchange for almost any
thing. Brewer is going to make him hold on to it for us.

The number of birds stuffed amounts now to 1568. I could not
do much while Brewer was here, & it is getting late in the season.
I think I will go over to see Haldeman before long, I may get some-
thing valuable from that Museum man there. Write soon tell me
all the news. I had almost forgotten to say that Dr. Morris’ book
arrived safely the day you left, and seems well worth having. I

‘His dog Neptune.

LIFE AT CARLISLE 113

have got some new ideas from it, which I will communicate hereafter.
I will just mention however that he says positively that both the
Hirundo rustica and the rufa inhabit this country. That during a
three years residence in New York state, he was familiar with both.
The Rustica builds in chimneys & constructs a different nest from
the other species. It has also a longer body & the usual broad band
of black on the throat. Keep a sharp look out for this bird. I sent
the birds on, Last Wednesday. They all went in your Cape May
box. Mother says not to forget to answer her letter soon. How
comes on the Schuylkill A. Expedition. Yours aff’ly

Spencer F. Barrp

Old Miller told me he saw three Swallow-tailed Hawks flying
over his house last fall. He was very close to them.

In July he began his correspondence with John Edward
Gray, Keeper of the British Museum. On the 11th his
cousin and companion on shooting expeditions, William
Penrose, graduated from Dickinson College with honors.
Baird at this time, beside his ornithological work, reading
of English classics and busy exchanges with American
and foreign collectors of birds, was digging hard at
German, reading Schiller and other noted writers. He
was also keeping up an active correspondence with Dr.
Brewer and Dr. Morris. He was on Brewer’s instance
elected a corresponding member of the Boston Society
of Natural History.

The following interesting and characteristic letter
from his grandmother is preserved:

From Mrs. Lydia Spencer Biddle to Spencer F. Baird.
Caruis.e, July 24th, 1844.

Enclosed, Dear Spencer, is four dollars to purchase the Dictionary
you mentioned to me, as being necessary to your progress in French
and matters of science. Had you wanted any article of gratification

8

114 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

or even of necessity, perhaps I should not have agreed so promptly—
had you wanted an ice-cream or any indulgence of your palate, or
a New Coat, or any article of Dandyism, I think likely I should
not have complied, but advised your wearing your old Coat and Vest
a little longer, but when the gratification is to feed the mind, and
cloathe the intellect, helping you through the journey of life, 7 am
not the one to refuse.

Hoping, Dear Spencer, you may realize the value of this book,
is the earnest desire of your affectionate Grandmother.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Dew Wid, CarLisLeE, July 31. 1844.

I have nothing very particular to say, but will endeavor to serve
you up a small hash containing a variety of ingredients. There is
no news here of any account. The scarlet fever is about as usual
in town, every few days we hear of a case, generally of no great
intensity. There has been no death from it for some time. Mr Watts’
two little children are very ill with it, the baby is recovering however,
Lulie is in statu quo.

There have been a number of political meetings of different
complexions in the vicinity, within the last few weeks. The first
was a flag pole raising at Holly, at which all the Carlisle fellows
got drunk. I suppose in emulation of the 140 foot pole, to see which
could be elevated the most. There was then on Friday last, a meeting
at Chambersburg, which was however pretty well drowned out, by
the rain; on Saturday another at Petersburg which was well attended.
The Locos *® have one to day at Chambersburg, which bids fair to
be numerous. About 60 went from Carlisle in the cars.

Uncle Ned has been to Cape May since last week. He expects
to be back here to morrow.

Uncle Penrose & his family leave Washington this week, and will
come somewhere in this latitude, Middlesex, Bloomfield, or some such
place, but will keep clear of Carlisle through fear of Scarlet fever.

I walked over to Gettysburg last Monday week to meet Dr
Morris, who was there lecturing to the students on Zoology &.arrang-
ing their cabinet. It was a very hot day, & I was covered with dust

5 The so-called Loco-foco party, opposed to the Whigs.

LIFE AT CARLISLE 115

& perspiration, nevertheless I went right to the door of the lecture
room, where the Dr. just happened to be lecturing, and mounted
guard, gun in hand, till he was done. When he was done, all the
students came pouring out; the way they started, & edged to one side
when they saw me, was funny to behold, and when I stalked in to
where the Dr. & the faculty were standing together, they opened
their eyes wider. I rather guess they thought I was an Indian wanting
to shoot the President. I found the professors a very clever set of
men and dined & drank tea with them all round, with the Dr. with
whom I staid, in a room at the College. I returned on Wednesday.
I saw a good many Bewick’s Wrens on the road over, but could only
shoot two, which were too much mangled to stuff.

The fall birds are beginning to come about. Last Saturday I
killed two Little and one semipalmated Sandpiper at a Shot by old
Ruhl’s; we killed also a Virginia and Carolina rail. The Virginia
is a very queer bird, being Sooty black on nearly all lower parts.
It is a male, with organs most too much developed, to be a bird of
the year. Writers do not mention this state of plumage at all. Many
birds have finished their moult, and are in their fall livery. We
have killed several young summer ducks out at the Pike Pond,
which had been raised there this season. They were nearly fully
grown, with the feathers not well developed yet. I saw about 360
Bank Swallows last Saturday. They were all along the creek &
spring; & at the Turnpike bridge at Middlesex, in number like a
cloud of the small gnats you see hovering on a summer evening.
Not one Rough-wing seen, I am afraid they have gone.

In a letter from Spackman, he says he has for us adult Slate
colored Hawk, Broadwing Hawk, Night Heron, Fish Crow. He also
has a Prothonotary Warbler which he will give for a consideration.

I received to day a notice of my election as corresponding mem-
ber of the Boston Society of Natural History for which of course I
returned my most fervent Thanks! /

Write soon & tell me all news

Yours affect’ly

SPENCER F. Barrp.

August 5th he left Carlisle to visit Dr. Melsheimer,
the noted entomologist, in York County about 20 miles

116 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

away, and spent most of the next day looking over the
Doctor’s extensive collection of insects and books. The
next day he continued his journey to Chickasalunga, the
mansion of S. S. Haldeman, a fine large house at the
foot of a high hill with a 300 foot precipice near it called
Chickies Rock. Haldeman was one of the noted scientific
men of that day, who wrote on many subjects, especially
conchology and philology, and had a fine library of books
on all branches of science and large collections in Natural
History and Archeology. He was noted for his kindness
to young students of science, and became for many years
a friend and correspondent of Baird. Usually wearing a
round fur cap, short, with brilliant black eyes and slightly
eccentric manners, he was a personage who lived in one’s
memory after even a brief interview. On the present
occasion he gave books and specimens to his young
visitor. On the 9th Baird returned to Carlisle.

Baird expresses little political sentiment in his Journal.
All his family were Whigs and he records spending an
evening at his Aunt Julia’s helping to fix a banner to be
presented to the Whig organization of the town by the
ladies of Carlisle. This function came off on August 17th,
when thirty carloads of people came from Chambersburg
to see the procession, with men working at their trades,
on “‘floats,”’ blacksmiths, coopers, leather dressers, etc.

On September 6th the Loco-foco party retaliated by
holding a grand meeting in Carlisle at which four thousand
people were estimated to be present.

As is natural at his age, Baird saw much of the ladies
of his acquaintance in these days, spending most of his
evenings at one hospitable house or another, and there are
indications that some of them were not indifferent to
the cheery, handsome young fellow.

LIFE AT CARLISLE 117

In October he notes writing an article on “blue print”
photography for the Gettysburg Society, which may be
essentially the same as that published in the Literary
Record of the Linnean Association of Pennsylvania
College in December of 1844. He served as groomsman
at the marriage of his friend Harriet Duncan with Mr.
John Olyphant. That his attentions to the girls were
not all of a superficial character is shown by the fact that
he records cutting out for two of them 2900 lozenges of
material for patchwork!

On the first of November he cast his maiden presi-
dential vote for Clay and Frelinghuysen. On the same
day he notes “Suffered periodical cleaning of work room
today,” an experience all students of Natural History
will appreciate.

On the 5th the family of Colonel Churchill arrived
in Carlisle, consisting of Mrs. Churchill, her daughter
Mary Helen,* and Charles Churchill, her youngest son.
The sad circumstances which united Mrs. Blaney, Baird’s
aunt, and the Churchills in a lasting friendship have
already been recorded.

Miss Lucy Baird writes in her reminiscences:

“When my grandfather was obliged to leave his
family on military duty in Mexico, in 1844, my grand-
mother Churchill looked for some pleasant place to live
in, with her unmarried and just grown daughter, and
youngest son, during Col. Churchill’s absence. Mrs.
Blaney wrote and urged her to come to Carlisle. This
she finally decided to do; boarding at first in a house,
Mrs. Blaine’s, nearly opposite to that in which my grand-
mother Baird lived.”

6 Born Aug. 30, 1821.

118 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Charles Churchill joined Baird in many of his excur-
sions, they soon became intimate friends, and young
Churchill studied Algebra and Geometry with Baird as
tutor. On the 19th of November a fire occurred at the Col-
lege Museum in which the collections were much injured.

Mary Churchill had been staying with the Baird’s, but
about three weeks after his arrival she went South with the
Colonel, leaving her mother and brother at Carlisle. Not
long afterward Spencer began to correspond with her, and
on New Year’s Day, 1845, received his first letter from her.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CARLISLE, Jan. 13, 1845
Dear WI11,

About a week ago I wrote you a letter, which seemed so flat
when I read it over that I was ashamed to send it. I do not know
whether the present one will be any better, I however will try to
makeitso. I have nothing of any particular interest to communicate,
no narrative of rare or curious birds shot, or procured, no queer
varmints, no nothing. My time has been principally occupied with
study about as follows. In the morning Italian and German. From
11 to 12 Draw Heads, feet, wings, tails, & Sterna. After this at
synonyms of our birds, in the various works of Vieillot, Wilson,
Audubon, Bonaparte, Nuttall, Jenyns, Jardine, &c. Algebra &
geometry in the afternoon. German for a while in the evening
with M’Clintock, & the rest of the time reading, writing &c. I have
been getting my room fixed up in grand style for study & work,
the partition side of the room filled up with shelves, large enough
to hold all the school books, with a desk to study on. In this way
I am rid of the necessity of having so many lumbering shelves, &c.,
and the room has now an air of stern simplicity most beautiful to
behold. I have just finished the rough draft of another little article
for the Gettysburg Linnaean journal, a list of the trees & shrubs of
Cumberland Co. which will probably be published in the February
number. The only birds of any importance procured since I last
wrote are three Red tailed hawks, two Red, one Barred Owl, one

LIFE AT CARLISLE 119

Pine Finch, Golden Eye duck, & a number of small individuals. The
number now is 1770, I had hoped to have it 2000 to begin the year
with, but could not manage it. I had a letter from Brewer some time
since saying that Cabot had a Golden Eagle he wished to exchange.
I offered him what we could spare but have not yet heard whether
he accepts. Brewer has quite a heap for us, Cinereous owl, Laughing
goose, and some other names not mentioned, set aside for the Birds
eggs I sent him. I got that copy No. 1. of Gray’s Genera of Birds,
I sent for $2.6234. It is a magnificent work, giving a description
of each genus with the names of the species & principal places where
described. The whole is to consist of 50 numbers. This one I got
serves a very good purpose in serving as a model to copy after in
my drawing. Bartlett & Wellford of New York advertise the 4 vols.
of Fauna Boreali Americana for 30 dollars, the birds for about 9
or 10: they also have Jardine’s edition of Bonaparte & Wilson with
notes in 4 vols. 18 mo. 1840, for $2.75. I should like much to have it.
McClintock was sending to Germany sometime ago for Books,
and as he gets all books free of duty I thought I would send for some
through him, accordingly I ordered Wagler’s Systema avium, Boie’s
Tagebuch (The one containing those genera given by Bonaparte)
and Lichtenstein’s Catalogue of the duplicates in the Berlin Museum.
I selected them out of some German catalogues McC. had, and the
whole will not come to more than three or four Dollars. I would
like to get Deppe & Schieds Sale list of Mexican Birds by Lichten-
stein, containing the description of many Mexican & California
Species; Illiger’s Prodromus, Temminck’s manual, &c. They could
be got at a low rate in this way, through the college, the difference
being about 75 cents or a dollar in three dollars. As Mother wishes
to write in this letter I must go Backwards.

I am very anxious to go to Philadelphia & Reading this winter
and will make most superhuman efforts to do so. I could do & get
a great deal in Philadelphia if I was there. If I go it will be about
the end of February, & I have strong hopes of accomplishing my end.

If you want to learn German in six months to speak it, get
Hempel’s German grammar, in 2 vols. 12 mo. Harper Brothers,
1842. $1.75. I am studying it and am pleased all to pieces with it.

Yours aff.
S. F. Barrp.

120 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

At this time Baird began the study of Italian. In
February his paper on the Trees and Shrubs of Cumber-
land County, Pennsylvania, was published in the Literary
Record of Pennsylvania College at Gettysburg. About
150 species were enumerated. The collection of cut and
polished woods illustrating this paper is still preserved
in the United States National Museum.

On February 4th his contemplated journey to Phila-
delphia was undertaken. Here he spent much time at
the Academy and with Cassin, Morton, Phillips, Ord, and
Isaac Lea.

IV
THE YOUNG PROFESSOR

N the 19th of February, 1845, Baird proceeded to

New York and went to his relative Major Le Conte.

He found the streets almost impassable from the

deep snow. He met James Hall! and Frank Churchill, the

elder brother of Charles, came to see him. He visited

George N. Lawrence and examined his host’s fine collec-

tion of birds. At Dr. Trudeau’s he saw a splendid collec-

tion of birds’ eggs and drawings of eggs. On the 24th
he went to visit the Audubons.

The house was beautifully situated two miles beyond
Harlem on the bank of the Hudson river. He found
there Audubon and his wife and his two sons and their
wives. He enjoyed Audubon’s fine ornithological library
and collection, and the pleasant walks of the vicinity.
On the 26th he returned to the city. A few days later
he revisited the Audubons and was told by Mr. Audubon
to select from his collection at Bell’s taxidermist’s estab-
lishment any duplicate birdskins he desired. He complied
with this generous offer and selected about forty species.
March 7th he visited the printing office of Harper and
Brothers, and met there William Cullen Bryant, the poet
and editor. On the 1oth he returned to Philadelphia,
where his mother was visiting, and on the 21st both left
the city for Carlisle. The train ran off the track near
Middletown and down an embankment, fortunately
without serious consequences to the passengers; and they
reached Carlisle late in the evening. Mrs. Churchill and

1 State Geologist of New York and distinguished paleontologist.
121

122 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Mary had returned from Charleston, South Carolina,
the day before and were at Mrs. Biddle’s.

Political changes in Washington resulted in retiring
Mr. Penrose from his position as Solicitor of the Treasury,
so a useful source of influence should a Government
appointment be desired was lost to his nephew. The
Pinegrove iron furnace having been sold to Mr. Watts
by the Penrose interest, Baird made a collecting trip
to the place in May.

At the Commencement exercises of the college July
10th Baird was elected Honorary Professor of Natural
History and Curator of the Cabinet of Dickinson College.
He records it in his Journal with the comment “No
salary and nothing todo. Received many congratulations
thereupon.” His grandmother writes:

From Mrs. Lydia S. Biddle to Spencer F. Baird.

Deat, Monmouts Co., N. J.
July 25, 1845.
My pear SPENCER,—

I do not know that I should write to you at this time, were it
not to express my gratification in the honour you have received in
the appointment of your professorship in Dickinson College, for
although at present there is no Salary attached to the situation,
yet as the institution rises in fame and importance, which I doubt
not i will under your guidance, and that soon, there will be ample
compensation made for the support of its professor. Besides, dear
Spencer, the appointment is so honourable to a young man of your
age, that the fame and credit is almost worth a principality to a
young man who wishes to establish himself scientifically in the world;
indeed I think this beginning of your career most excellent and
promising, especially if you have patience to wait until your turn
comes, and mind the opinion of the Poet who says,

“Heroes must rise by small degrees to glory,
*Tis stairs that lead them to the attic story.”

MRS. LYDIA SPENCER BIDDLE
: Grandmother of Professor S. F, Baird
From a Painting in the possession of Mrs. Lydia Spencer Blight Hageman

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 123

Therefore, Dear Spencer, as you have mounted the first step, I most
sincerely pray and hope your progress may be steadily onward and
sure. And should you, before you reach the Topmost Towering
hight of this arduous ascent require a little propping or helping up,
your grandmother’s hand shall be extended to you as long as she
has the power.

On the 13th he left Carlisle for another visit to S. S.
Haldeman.

He met there Dr. J. G. Morris, Dr. Melsheimer, Dr.
Zeigler of York, and Miss Helen Lawson, the daughter
of Alexander Lawson who engraved the plates of Wilson’s
Ornithology and, later, many of those of the Wilkes
Exploring Expedition and Dr. Amos Binney’s Terrestrial
Mollusks of the United States. She was making drawings
of shells for Mr. Haldeman which were afterward engraved
by her father.

' The Entomological Society of Pennsylvania met at
Haldeman’s during Baird’s visit and elected him a mem-
ber. On the 2nd of August he reached home again.

Cassin had written him for some extracts from a
serial not accessible at the time in Philadelphia, the
work was done by Baird and subsequently he received
a letter from which the following extracts are taken:

From John Cassin to S. F. Baird.

Puitan’a. 5 August, 1845.

Dear Bairp,—

My dear fellow,—I had not the slightest idea of imposing such
a task upon you. My impression was that there might be some half-
dozen descriptions in Revue Zool.—not the slightest idea of such a
job. You say you spent two or three days quite pleasantly at Halde-
man’s—I think so—copying descriptions of Humming birds.
We have a new member at the Academy, Doctor Leidy, who is an
anatomist especially, and is now making dissections and drawings

124 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

for Dr. Amos Binney’s work? (Boston). What I was going to say
about him is that he is a circularian * and understands well the system
—has read Vigors, Swainson, and company, and is likely to come out
a philosophic naturalist—an acquisition to the Society.

lc.

A fire had occurred in New York, endangering
Audubon’s engraved copper-plates, and he replies to
queries of Baird in the following letter:

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, August 7 1845.
My pear Youne Frienp,—

I have this moment received your letter of the 4th inst, and will
answer it at once.

You have been sadly too well-informed about the plates of our
large work. They have indeed passed through the great fire of the
19th ul°; but we are now engaged in trying to restore them to their
wonted former existence; although a few of them will have to be
reingraved for use, if ever that work is republished in its original
size at all.

I regret very much that the Northern Hare does not inhabit.
your County or the next adjoining.

I do most sincerely hope that your Friend now in Texas may try
to procure the Great Hare of that Country, and also hope that he
will some time or other furnish us with several Specimens of that
remarkable Animal.

I saw in some of the transactions that you had been elected

_ ? Remarkable anatomical drawings of the anatomy of snails,
forming, with the text, part of the monograph of Binney on the
Terrestrial Mollusks of the United States.

3 This refers to a system of which Swainson was the chief exposi-.
tor, in which Natural groups of the Animal Kingdom were supposed.
to be related to one another after the analogy of impinging circles.
Leidy probably, like the rest of the scientific world, soon rejected.
a conception purely fantastical and which has long been consigned.
to the limbo of discarded hypotheses.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 125

Professor of Natural History, and, although you may not receive
any emoluments, still it is an honourable situation.

With sincerest good wishes, believe me always, your Friend and
Servant, J. J. Aupuson.

Baird’s facilities for storage and laboratory were long
since inadequate, especially since he had added collections
other than unmounted birdskins. An old back building
on his mother’s lot was now torn down and Carpenter
Doty engaged to put up a new one with working facilities
in it, for the sum of $320.00. Work was begun on the
1ith of August.

On the 16th we find him stripped and diving for a
drowning child at Pike’s Pond, and applying first aid
when the body was recovered, but without success. A
few days later he went to Allendale to call on his friends,
the Crawfords, and found there a nephew of theirs from
Texas whom he immediately tried to inoculate with
the fever for collecting. This was perhaps the friend
alluded to by Audubon in his letter of August 7th. This
young man had an apple of which Baird records the story
in his diary. ‘There were half a bushel which on Monday
had been shaken down on the ground on the side of a
hill facing the south, exposed to the perpendicular rays
of the sun. On Tuesday afternoon when I saw them
every one had the exposed side completely roasted, in
some nearly to the centre. Color totally changed, and
taste and color with all properties resembling a roasted
apple.” On the 29th and 30th he was busy on a revised
list of the birds of Cumberland County for the Journal
of the Gettysburg society. This was printed in October
of the same year.

On the second of September he and Charles Churchill
started on a trip to the Sulphur Springs at Dublin Gap.

126 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

They were much impressed by the beauty and extent of
the view from the rocks at the summit of the mountain,
where many towns and villages were plainly visible
twenty or thirty miles away. Returning home he had
snapping turtle steak for supper, which Baird pronounces
“delicious.” About this time he began receiving many
foreign birds in exchange from Nicholas Aall of Norway,
Jacob Sturm of Nuremburg, and others. On a visit to
Gettysburg in connection with the printing of his list
of birds, he found a live rattlesnake in a cage, and tested
the popular superstition about the aversion of poisonous
snakes for the white ash tree by stuffing a quantity of
the leaves into the cage. But the reptile remained as
indifferent as Pet Marjorie’s turkey.

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

New York, Sept. 30th 1845.
My pear Younc Frienp,—

I received yours of the 26th Instant last evening. I am much
obliged to you for what your letter contains about the habits of the
Northern Hare; but feel monstrously desirous to see in the flesh
the farfamed Catamount! Try to procure one of these for me if
possible, and also a silver fox if you can.

My son John will leave this for the West and South-West, as
far as the confines of Texas, about the last of next month, and intends
being absent until the first of March. Would you like to go with
him, provided you can pay your own expenses? He will take one
of our Servant men along to help him in the procuring of Quadrupeds
and Birds, of which he hopes to procure some, if not a good number
of new Species.

Victor leaves this for Ph*, Baltimore, and Washington in a few
minutes, and you will have to excuse this short answer to your letter.

Ever your Sincere Friend,

Joun J. Aupugon.
Our respects to your Ladies and friends.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 127

The following letter to his brother describes the
progress on the new workshop. William at this time,
having left Washington, was practising law in Reading.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CARLISLE, Sept. 30, 1845
Dear WILL,

Mother requests me to write and acknowledge the receipt of
your letter enclosing the check, which came very opportunely. We
can now Sauce Doty to our heart’s content for delaying so much.
The house is not done yet, and will not be until next week. They
are painting the woodwork, but there are all the shutters to put up,
the balcony, and the locks on the doors, 16 in number, Yet to do.
If I were the girls I would not come home until the beginning or
middle of next week, if they wish to get the coup d’oeil, in fact I
would advise them to that course. Mother says that if you have not
got the carpets, not to do so unless they are very pretty and cheap.
She will get them in Philadelphia in the event of your not having
taken them. Bishop McCoskrey urges me to write to Dr Houghton
who is surveying some government copper land about Lake Superior,
for a situation in his corps which will start out next April. He is
sanguine of my success. If Uncle Tommy goes to Schuylkill Co. I
would like to visit him for a few weeks to learn some of the practice
of Surveying. Won’t Lake Superior be a great place. Every body
is preparing for Shooting Partridges to morrow. They are very
abundant. Other game is however very scarce. I killed a Short-
billed Marsh Wren last week in the Poor house meadow, and saw
others, but could not get them. Write soon. Yours truly

Spencer F. Barrp

Nothing seems to have come of the Lake Superior
proposal. October 4th his brother Samuel and his cousin
William Penrose went to Lancaster to stay, the former
to undertake teaching and the latter the study of law.
Spencer hard at work on Spanish, Italian and German,
besides Trigonometry, etc.

128 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Car.is.E, Nov 24. 1845.
Dear WILL,

I received your letter yesterday, and as you request hasten to
attend to its contents. I saw Mr. Hamilton just now about the school.
He says that the board elected Tommy Criswell on trial for four
months from 1 December to 1 April. If satisfactory he will probably
be retained. I don’t believe however that he will suit very well.
I should like very much to have Dana here; is he related to J. D.
Dana? Talking of him, don’t you want to subscribe for Silliman’s
Journal a new series of which commences on January next. It will
appear every two months, & will contain more matter than before,
particularly miscellaneous science & bibliography. It is § or 6 dollars
a year. Try and get some body or bodies in Reading to subscribe.
They are going to publish an index to the 50 vols. of the old series,
price $3.00, don’t you want this? If you will have either, let me send
for you, as may be I can get enough subscribers for a gratis copy.

I have very little to say about Shooting, having hardly been
out for weeks. Partridges I care nothing about, and Ducks are
obsolete. I spend my time at hard study. Spanish (South Am;
Mexico; & California;) Italian & German in the morning, Analytical
Mathematics, drawing (Landscapes) &c. in the afternoon. I am
going to study Mineralogy & Chemistry, & Iron Metallurgy also.
William Watts in consideration of analysing his ores, will buy me
any apparatus & books I want. I have accordingly sent for Dana’s
Mineralogy, Fresenius Chem. analysis, Berzelius on the blowpipe
&c. He will get me blowpipes, mortar, platinum spoon, tests &c.
this week in Phila. I have got out the old collection of minerals,
but cannot find the catalogue. Do you know anything of it? I
wish you were here to see my room. It is the greatest one in the
country. Every thing fixed off in grand style, Venetian Shutters,
Sash springs, morticed locks, fine carpet, Crimson curtains (about
to be) drum‘ &c. Never smokes, very light, easily warmed, &c.
Nothing new here, at least I can think of nothing. The new bell is
up in the Court-house, weighs 1020 lbs. If I can raise money I will

4 A sheet iron cylinder fixed above the stove to increase radiating
surface.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 129

come to Reading this winter, if not I will stay at home. Give my
best respects to every body & believe me,
Yours affec—

Spencer F. Bairp.

P.S. I got a copy of Fremont’s 1 & 2 Report the other day.
Mother received your draft for the bank interest.

From John J. Audubon to Spencer F. Baird.

Minnie’s Lanp, N. Y.
December 25 1845.
My pear Frienp,—

It is indeed a very long time since I have had the pleasure of
hearing from you. I hope and trust that you were not offended at
my letter, when I wrote to you on the Subject of accompanying our
son John to Texas where he is now I hope safe and sound, and I
believe at Corpus Christi.

I wrote to you especially for you to procure for me a specimen
in the flesh of the farfamed Cat-amount; and also the one of a Black
Fox, also in the flesh. I have at last received a fine Red Fox from
our Friend E%. Harris, who although he did not kill it, obtained the
Cunning Animal very shortly after its death. I have drawn it the
Size of life, and I think made a good figure of it.

I have been drawing pretty constantly these last past Weeks
and have finished 6 plates for the Engravers. I wish you would
have the goodness to write to me as soon as you can conveniently,
and let me know what you have been a-doing this Sharp cold Weather.

Weare all quite Well, and send you our best Wishes, and a Merry
Christmas to yourself, Mother, Sisters, and Brothers all.

We are hard at Work preparing the letterpress for the 1°* Vol.
of the Quadrupeds, a copy of which I hope to send you about the
beginning of April. Do try your best to send me the animals men-
tioned in this letter, and with my blessing towards yourself and
family, believe me Your ever Sincerely Attached Friend and Servant,

Joun J. Aupuson.

P.S. You may pay and draw upon us for the price of a black
Fox and a Catamount!
9

130 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Can you not obtain farther particulars of the habits, etc., of the
Pennant’s Marten (Fisher)? We want yet a great deal of knowledge
of this & many other species.

In January, 1846, the Churchills decided to go to
housekeeping, and took a house belonging to a Mrs.
Stevenson, in Carlisle. The Colonel came on to Carlisle
with his aide, Richard Hammond, to inspect the garrison.
The latter was at once instructed in preparing birdskins,
and with the Colonel left Carlisle for Texas, January 3oth.
A new regiment of riflemen being raised, Baird became
busy with Professors at Carlisle and officials at Harrisburg,
trying to secure for Charles Churchill a commission in it.

On his 23rd birthday Baird records his weight as 150
pounds and height six feet and three quarters of an inch,
in bare feet. About this time he was notified of his
election to membership in the New York Lyceum, and
the American Association of Geologists and Naturalists.

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.
Minnie’s Lanp, N. Y.

d
My Dear Frienp,— nse ae

We have not heard from you for so long a period, that we fear
you have been III, or absent from home.

Do you recollect, that you promised to send me a Catamount;
which you said was not the Cougar, and also gave me some hope
that I might receive from your hands a Black Fox; for the latter I
do give you my word that I would willingly pay you Twenty Dollars
by a draft upon us at Sight.

Can you give us any further a/ct of the Mustela Pennanti,?
If so, do forward it to us as soon as you may have leisure to write it.

Weare all well. My Son Victor’s Wife has had another Daughter.
Both Mother and Child are doing quite well.

Do write to us, and address your favor to 78 John Street.

Believe me, as usual, Your Sincere Friend & Servant,

Joun J. AupuBon.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 131

March sth he started for Philadelphia; the railroad
was much obstructed by deep snow, but after a collision
and a series of other accidents he finally reached the city
in safety.

Beside old friends he met Leidy, and William Gambel,*
who had been collecting birds in California; Dr Edward
Hallowell the herpetologist, Dr. John Griffiths, a conch-
ologist, John Krider, taxidermist, James D. Dana,
whom he had helped with his crustacea in Washington,
Mr. Longacre of the Mint, who showed him a nugget of
native gold from Virginia weighing twenty-three ounces;
and others.

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

Miwnie’s Lanp, N. Y.
March 14‘ 1846.
My Dear Frienp,—

Your favor of the 7th Inst. was duly rec’d. We have already
published the “Mustela” of Lichtenstein who also published it many
Years ago, therefore, I offer my best thanks to Mr. Gambel for his
kind offer.

I have not seen the Zoology of Beechey’s Voyage to the Pacific.
I should like much to receive at your hands the descriptions therein
given of the Species given and which I have not read. When you
come to New York I beg that you will make our house your head-
quarters for the time being!

Could you procure a black and a Silver Fox for us, we will be
willing to give a good price for either in the flesh, and preserved in

common New England Rum, and forwarded by express to 78 John
St. N. Y.

5 William Gambel, M.D., born about 1820, and died Dec. 13,
1849, in California at Rose’s Bar, after a hairbreadth escape from the
privations which resulted in the death of most of the members of
Captain Boone’s party crossing the Sierras in the winter of 1849.
He was an ornithologist of more than ordinary promise, and through
his explorations added numerous new birds to the known fauna.

132 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

We expect to See John at home in about Six or Seven weeks.
He has made a very poor Journey of this one, and will have to go to
Europe this summer, I have no doubt.

We are all well, and wish to present our respects to your Dear

Mother and Friends among you.
Your ever Sincerely attached
Joun J. AupusBon.

On the 21st of March Mrs. Churchill and Mary came
to Philadelphia to purchase furniture for the house in
Carlisle, with Mrs. Blaney as a guide and adviser. After
this science and the Academy seem to have diminished
in attractiveness, and young Baird was constant in his
attendance on Miss Churchill, at shops, church, the
theatre and the various sights of the city. On the 30th
the Churchills returned to Carlisle, and the same after-
noon Baird went to New York, where he stayed at Major
LeConte’s, the second day going out to Mr. Audubon’s
for a visit of some days.

John Cassin had offered some time previously to pay
Baird’s expenses to Boston, if he would undertake to
verify the synonymy of certain birds, the references to
the literature not being accessible in Philadelphia.
Baird, having a desire to do some work of the kind on
his own account, accepted the offer, and April 6th left
New York by steamer for Boston via Newport and
Providence. Dr. Brewer had engaged a room for him at
Mrs. Lane’s, number 2 Avon Place. With Brewer he
called on Dr. Storer, who showed him the proofs of a
work on American fishes. Then to Dr. Amos Binney’s,
where he saw what was considered the finest zoological
library in the United States.

He saw Mr. Cabot’s fine collection of birds, and noted
especially the wild turkey of Yucatan. In the evening

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 133

he saw Mrs. Barrett in the part of Julia in “The Hunch-
back,” played at the Boston Museum, and examined the
collection of natural history and historical objects, which
old Bostonians remember as forming one of the features
of the theatre. His attention is attracted by the recessed
front door steps and the “swell fronts” of the Boston
houses, so different from the buildings in Philadelphia.
The concerts at the Chickering piano rooms, where one
of his old classmates, Edward L. Walker, of Carlisle,
was creating quite a furor by his music, were several
times visited.

He found Dr. Brewer’s great collection of birds’
eggs most interesting. He called on Dr. Oliver Wendell
Holmes and accepted a parcel to be taken to Dr. Morton
in Philadelphia. He visited Dr. Siedhoff, a friend of
the ornithologist Brehm, at Newton Centre; and went to
the Botanical Garden in Cambridge to call on Asa Gray.®
He visited the Boston Society of Natural History and
Dr. A. A. Gould to consult books and the State House
to get a set of the Massachusetts Reports.

It seems almost incredible that he should be able in a
few days to do all these things and complete his references,
but it is all set down in his diary.

Having had nine days in Boston and vicinity he notes
in his diary: ‘‘My visit to Boston has been a very
delightful one. Found every body, without exception,
kind, polite, and attentive. Made many valuable ac-
quaintances. Consulted many books not accessible
elsewhere. There are many things in Boston which strike

6 Asa Gray, born Nov. 18, 1810, in Oneida Co., New York,
married May 4, 1848, Jane Lathrop Loring of Boston; died at Cam-
bridge, Mass., Jan. 30, 1888. Professor of Botany at Harvard
University and the most eminent American botanist.

134 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

a stranger as peculiar, streets very intricate. Many
cul-de-sacs. Drays of peculiar shape. Scrapers at doors
have brushes on the sides to clean the edges of boots.
Some Doctors have speaking tubes from their front doors
to their sleeping apartments, in order that they may be
called without disturbing any one else. Granite is much
used in building houses and abundantly for posts and
fences.”

This glimpse of Boston in the forties of the last century
has its interest.

On April 16th he left Boston for New Haven, stopping
overnight at Springfield. He notes that the railroad
between Hartford and New Haven ‘is wooden, with
iron bar rails 13/16 inches thick laid on southern pine
six inches square and about 20 feet long. Costs about
$25.00 per 1000 feet. The wood is replaced about every
three years. Road very good. Few or no accidents.”

After reaching New Haven he called on Professor
Silliman, the elder, and found Dana and the younger
Silliman there. He was able to consult Oken’s Isis and
other desired books, and visited the University library
and the cabinet of minerals, then the finest in the country,
with Dana and Silliman, Junior.

Then to the steamer for New York, noting quantities
of ducks, a cormorant, a few brant and a loon, in the
water as they passed into the Sound.

On returning to Mr. Audubon’s the latter desired
him to accept any birds he might choose from the Audu-
bon collection. In regard to this transaction Miss Lucy
Baird has noted as follows in her reminiscences:

“IT have often heard my father say that Mr. Audubon
finding him inclined to be modest in selecting from the
collection only such birds as he thought Mr. Audubon

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 135

could readily spare, told him that that was not what he
meant, that he was to take any that he really wished,
and, finally, he, Mr. Audubon went through the collection
himself and took out with his own hand many additional
specimens, and among them some of the most valuable
in the entire collection.’?

April 22nd he arrived in Philadelphia, where he
attended to various commissions, dined with Dr. Hallo-
well, and at the Academy met Sir Charles Lyell, the
geologist, Gambel, and Heermann,® who was later one of
the collectors on the Pacific railway explorations. Five
days later, with a large array of bandboxes, baskets and
bags containing his specimens, he proceeded to Carlisle.

The fifth of May, the Journal records, he “‘went to
Graham’s thicket at 6 A. M. back at 9.30, shot 41 birds;
stuffed 33 birds today in the railroad office where I kept
the office for Uncle Ned who is absent.” The following
day he shot 20 birds and stuffed 16, and the next shot
26 and stuffed 22; several of his pupils being present to
watch the process.

On the 24th Colonel Churchill and some members of
his family arrived from the south. It is noted that Mary
Churchill, being ill, was staying with Mrs. Baird.

Baird mentions that he got a lot of red cedar for
shavings, to be put in the bottom of his bird cases to

7 These birds are still among the cherished treasures of the collec-
tion in the National Museum at Washington.

8 Adolphus L. Heermann, M.D., field naturalist, collector and
explorer, born about 1818, died in San Antonio, Texas, Sept. 2, 1865.
He was one of the early explorers of the far West, and a member of
Lieutenant Williamson’s expedition of 1853. His collections of birds
and fossils are described in the report of the Pacific Railroad Surveys
in 1859.

136 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

eliminate moths. John Le Conte® had arrived for a
visit, and remained a fortnight.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaruisE, May 25", 1846.
Dear WILL, 3

Is your patience almost exhausted? I would have written long
ago but waited until I could give you some account of what"was in
the big box brought from New York. This I only opened last week,
& have but just finished looking over and making out the names.
There are a number left undetermined, but I can tell you most of
the new species.

The shooting this spring has been very poor owing to the exces-
sive rains which prevented my going out. Could I have gone out
as often as I would have wished, I would have had a great many
skins prepared, as I got in the way of stuffing faster than ever. I
have made skins at the rate of 5 to 9 in an hour, and very good ones
too. One afternoon I stuffed 33. The only rarities were two white
Crowned sparrows & a few Tyrannula minima, flaviventris, & tratltt,
& one female Mourning warbler.

I have made a kind of nominal deposit of my birds in the college
museum, & Mr Emory has given me permission to have such cases
made as I wish, at the expense of the College. I am having three
or four made by a Cabinet maker in first rate style at an expense of
about 12 dollars each. They are to be 61% feet high, with 6 drawers,
each measuring 3 feet, x 18 inches, x 1024 inside. Each drawer to
have a tray about 4 inches narrower, so that it may be taken out
without the drawer. I have planned the cases so that I will defy
any Bug, Moth, or particle of dust to getin. The first is to be finished
this week.

Col. Churchill arrived here on Saturday night, from Texas.
He brought me a pretty good skin of that great walking Cuckoo
like the one I showed you in Gambel’s box at the Academy—which

® John Le Conte, born in Liberty Co., Georgia, Dec. 4, 1818,
died in California, April 29, 1891. He was Professor of Physics
and afterward President of the University of California, and the
brother of Joseph Le Conte, the geologist.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 137

Mr Hammond Shot in Texas. With a little fixing I can make a
good specimen out of it. The Col. is to be employed in Mustering
the Volunteer Companies into Service.

From Spencer F. Baird to Thomas B. Wilson.”

CaRLISLE, June 1846?
Dear SiR:—

Will you pardon the liberty which I, a stranger to you, have
taken of writing to express the thanks which the whole scientific
community of the country owes to you for your unexampled liberality
in purchasing the splendid collection of birds now in your possession,
and of placing it in a place so accessible to everyone as the Acad. of
Phila. For years I have been familiar with it as one containing the
most complete series of certain families and genera of any in the
world. The sight of several individual species has been the object
of my highest ornithological aspiration, as this would have facilitated
the settlement of various doubtful points in a labor in which I have
been engaged for several years, viz:—The elucidation of the Synonyms
of North American birds. Had I gone to Paris, my first visit would
have been to this collection. Judge then of my delight when I heard
that it had been brought to our own doors. Heretofore when Ameri-
can ornithologists wished to do anything in their favorite field of
science, they were prevented by the want of specimens for comparison,
and of books for determining the validity of their discoveries. Now,
if I did not misunderstand Doctor Morton, what in time will probably
be the finest collection of birds and of ornithological books in the
world is thrown open to us. I for myself am waiting impatiently
for the time when your specimens shall be opened and arranged,
as I have several monographs in preparation, with drawings, which
I cannot complete until I see those species you possess which are

10 Thomas Bellerby Wilson, M.D., born in Philadelphia, Jan. 17,
1807, collector, student of various branches of Natural History, and
lavish benefactor of the Philadelphia Academy of Natural Sciences,
to which he gave immense collections of birds and other specimens
and considerable sums of money. He was elected President of the
Academy in 1863, but served only a short time. He was a man of
great generosity and extreme modesty. He died Mar. 15, 1865.

138 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

not in my collection. It is my intention to monograph most of our
sub-families from time to time with outline drawings of the generic
and specific parts which cannot well be described; as the shape of
the bill, feet, wing and tail. Those at present underway are Tyran-
ninae, Tyrannus, Ptilogonys, Sylvicolinae, Falconinae, &c. For this
T possess very extensive materials as far as North American species
go, but to make the work complete, the difference between each one
and any closely allied Foreign species must be clearly ascertained
and pointed out, and for this a very large collection is necessary.

I am afraid, however, that it will be some time before your
materials will be available; the mere putting in order of so many
birds will require a great deal of time, and when to this you add the
labor of labelling each specimen and determining the unknown
species, and of intercalating those which may be procured hereafter,—
it will probably be found that a period of several years will be required.
Besides, there are very few persons in this country who are capable
of doing all this in a scientific manner such as Tschudi, a de Wied,
a Lichtenstein, or a Sundevall (not English or French) would respect.
It is not something to be taken up in a day; not to be contracted
for, as one would to mend a turnpike or pull down a house; these
things men could be hired to do; that must be attended to by science
alone. It requires years of study, combined with great natural
aptitude and ability, to be equal to such a task. I know of but one
individual in the country,— and I believe I am well acquainted with
all the Ornithologists,— who is at all capable of doing what is neces-
sary. This is Mr. John Cassin of Philadelphia. Years ago, when
I first commenced the study of Ornithology, I found him well versed
in it, and now he is the only person I have yet seen who knows
foreign specimens as well as American. Familiar with the use of
ornithological books, and there are few here now who are so, he is
in every way competent to continue on a large scale what he has
been doing for many years on a smaller. You will, I hope, pardon
me, dear Sir, for saying that it would be of the highest importance
to the interests of science to secure his services, if not for permanency,
for a few years at least. I can say in the plainest terms that no one
else in the United States is at all fit to be employed about it. The
collector of specimens is not necessarily an ornithologist; he may
know the names of a great many birds, and yet be deficient in true

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 139

science, in extended views of classification, and arrangement of analo-
gies, affinities and relationships, unable to estimate the value of new
discoveries and new ideas. The zoological collections of greatest
reputation throughout the world are all such as have men of this
character at their head. They reflect reputation and renown mutu-
ally on each other. Rtppel at Frankfurt, Lichtenstein at Berlin,
Sundevall at Stockholm, Schlegel at Leyden, are all men of this
character. I would be obliged to you for a copy of the Catalogue
if you have one to spare."

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaRLISLE, June 15, 1846.
Dear W111,

I have been most busily engaged for two weeks in superintending
the construction of three new bird cases and the alteration of the
old, so that I hope now to have room enough to store away all the
individuals in our collection. These are made in the best manner,
and I think will most effectually keep out insects. Each case is 61%4
feet high containing 6 drawers, each drawer measuring inside 36 x 18
x 10% inches. There is a tray in each so constructed that I can
take it out without the drawer. There are very close panel doors
in front. There is a space of 134 inch between the drawers and the
inside of the doors, and I mean to keep a pan of Spirits Turpentine
there. The bottoms of the drawers are to be lined with Red Cedar
Shaving, or tobacco leaves. The cases made by three different
Cabinet makers (no Doty any more for this kind of work) cost 12,
14, & 1§ dollars. The last made by Spangler is the most beautiful

"The above letter, which is derived from a draft left undated,
seems to have been sent to Dr. Wilson upon the announcement
of the Doctor’s purchase of the celebrated Rivoli collection early
in 1846. An account of its purchase and reception at Philadelphia
will be found in “The Auk” for 1899, p. 175; the Annals and Magazine
of Natural History for 1869, p. 317, and in “Cassinia” for 1909,
pp. 4-5, where a portrait of Dr. Wilson is published. It is especially
interesting as showing the plan, formed so early, which was after-
ward fully realized in the publication of Baird, Brewer and Ridgway’s
great work ‘“‘The History of North American Birds,” in 1874.

140 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

article I ever saw. Made of Poplar & beautifully stained outside,
the inside of the doors & fronts of the drawers are left of the natural
color of the wood, highly varnished. Mahogany knobs & a neat
brass mortice lock complete the article. I am having tight panel
doors put on both fronts of the small case, & small trays made to
put inside the drawers containing minute birds, such as warblers, &c.
In this way I will gain the space of six or seven drawers. Perhaps
you wonder where the money comes from. ‘The satisfying your
curiosity on this point will necessarily cause the announcement of
other facts which may have a long train of consequences. I have
been in conference with Mr Emory a good deal lately, and the con-
clusions we have come to are as follows. I am to enter on my duties
in College next Session with a salary of 400 dollars, and the under-
standing that after a while it is to be increased. I am to teach
Natural History & some of the Mathematics, employing 18 or 20
hours per week. I get a very fine room in the grammar school, which
is to be taken possession of and occupied mainly by Prof. Allen &
Myself for our Private room, Museum, College Library, & apparatus
& Laboratory. Any facilities I may wish are to be extended for the
purpose of having a fine Nat. Hist. Cabinet. This all will be
first rate, if I can give satisfaction which I will try to do. Please
say nothing of all this to any body unless it is necessary, as I do not
wish it known.

You ask about Woodcock. I have not been out since about the
18 ult. on account of the incessant rain. Barnitz from the Yellow
Breeches creek, whom I saw last week, told me that he considered
them more abundant in His neighborhood than he had seen for some
time. I suspect there will be a good many this summer. I hope
you will come up & pay a good long visit. I have much to show &
say. I expect a box of birds from Jo LeConte ” shortly. Nothing
new however therein.

John LeConte has been with us a week. He is delighted with
Carlisle, & talks seriously of coming here to live, which idea I en-
courage, as he has a very fine Library & collection of Minerals as

12 Joseph Le Conte, eminent geologist and teacher, born in Liberty
Co., Georgia, Feb. 26, 1823; died in California July 6, 1901. Long
a beloved professor in the University of California and a highly
esteemed author of works on geology and ethics.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 141

well as Coleoptera. There is nothing new in the town except a grand
flare-up between Marcia Watts & her friends because she would
dance with George Knox in presence of her father & Mother. No
news from grandmother since she left. Cousin Montgomery is here
keeping the juvenile Biddles in order. When next you write to
Phila. give my love to all the people there and ask John Townsend
what became of those birds of Fremont’s.

On the day before Commencement at Dickinson
College, July 8th, Baird was elected full Professor of
Natural History, with all rights and privileges thereunto
appertaining, and took his seat with the Faculty during
the subsequent Commencement exercises. His cousin
Alexander Penrose was in the graduating class. Two
days later he attended his first Faculty meeting. Previous
to his election as Professor he had given some instruction
both in the Preparatory, or Grammar School, associated
with the College, and to classes in the College itself,
but not any regular courses.

Reading between the lines of the Journal one realizes
that a tacit if not formal engagement had existed between
him and Mary Churchill for some time, though there is
no record of it. Colonel Churchill having been ordered
to Mexico and being at New Orleans on his way, was
appealed to by the young people, and not in vain. August
2nd a letter of consent was received from him and they
were made happy. The following letter to his brother
Will at Reading details the circumstances:

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

Car.isLe, Aug. 4 1846.
Dear WILL,
I do not suppose that you will be much surprised at my telling
you that I am engaged to be married, since you knew that already;
but that it is to come off next Saturday will probably make you

142 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

open your eyes. As Mary and Myself possess enough between us
to make a start, (she having upwards of $200.00 per ann.) there is
no especial reason why we should wait. Before Mr. Emory went
away I asked him whether he thought my prospects of an increase
of salary were sufficiently good to warrant my taking such a step,
and that immediately. He answered most emphatically that he
thought they were, and advised me to do so by all means. That I
could study much better, doing more work in the same time, and that
it would be best on every account. So having obtained the consent
of the Col. which arrived last Sunday, we have concluded to have it
all over so that I may be settled before College commences. We
will be married in the Morning, and go down to Philadelphia; after
spending a few days there, we will go to Pottsgrove, & afterwards
to Reading. Circumstances & the advice of friends must determine
where we will go next. In all probability Mother will go with us,
as you know it would be highly improper for a young gentleman &
lady to go off alone.

I suppose I need not ask you to come up to the wedding: as
although it would be a great gratification to me, it would hardly
pay the expense; everything is to be in the quietest manner, no
bridesmaids, white bonnets, or such stuff. Nobody to be invited
but the family, & M’Clintock to perform the ceremony.

Can you tell me whether there is any company at Mrs. Hobart’s?
If there is a house even moderately full, I will stay at a Hotel. Give
my love to Aunts and tell them I hope to make them personally
acquainted with a young lady of whom they have no doubt hearda
good deal.

Can you tell me whether John Townsend & his family are in
Phila. I do net want to let any body know when we are there, but
I want Mary to know the cleverest people of my acquaintance. I
shall certainly try & see them if possible. I do not know where we
will stay, at Sanderson’s or the United States probably. Write to
me before I leave; to ensure my getting it you must do so on Wednes-

day evening or Thursday morning. Yours affectionately

Spencer F. Barrp.

On a sunny morning, August 8th, at nine they were
married by the Rev. John McClintock, Professor of

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 143

Mathematics at Dickinson College. Only the family
were present. Accompanied by Mrs. Baird, they left
Carlisle for Philadelphia at eleven o’clock and on reaching
the city went to the United States Hotel. Their tour
included Pottstown, Reading, Lancaster, the Haldeman’s,
and home to Carlisle. The bride was introduced in the
course of it to a multitude of aunts, cousins, and more
distant relatives and connections of her husband’s family,
who gave the young people a cordial welcome.

Miss Lucy Baird states in her reminiscences:

“As my father had but small means, having only
just been elected to the small professorship which he
held at Dickinson College, his salary the first year being
but $400.00; his marriage would probably not have taken
place for some time after his engagement had not fortune,
or possibly I should say misfortune, favored it in a singular
way.

“Colonel Churchill and his oldest son were in Mexico,
the second brother was practising law in New York City,
leaving only Mrs. Churchill, Mary and the youngest son,
Charles, in the Carlisle home. They had gone to house-
keeping, and the time had arrived when the youngest
son would probably not remain much longer at home.
Mrs. Churchill was of course very uneasy about her
husband and eldest son, of whose death or injury she
might hear at any moment. It was suggested to her that
if my mother and father were married they could live
with her which would give her the support of a strong
arm and warm heart. General Churchill was consulted
and gave the plan his warmest approval, being very much
pleased at the idea of the introduction of such an element
of strength and cheerfulness into the little household.
Accordingly my father and mother were married without

144 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

delay. . .... . . . After the marriage my father’s
belongings were transferred to the Churchill residence.
This was at first a house belonging to a Mrs. Stevenson
near the College; this house is, or was lately, the rectory
of the Episcopal church. About two years after the
marriage they moved to a house next door then owned
by a Mr. Fetter. In the rear there was a building which
my father took possession of for a workshop and study.

““My mother never had any especial taste for Natural
History, although always very much interested in any-
thing which my father was doing. At the time of his
courting, he was exceedingly busy with his college work
and also studying very hard. After he became engaged,
he was anxious of course to spend his evenings with his
fiancée and yet did not feel that he could take all that
time from his studies; so he fell into the habit of taking
a book with him in order that he might carry on his studies
and still have the pleasure of sitting in the room with her.
Being an early riser and often taking long walks with
his class, making collections, my father would be apt to
grow drowsy towards the end of the evening and was
apt towards its close to fall asleep over his book; so when
the hour arrived at which my mother knew he expected
to leave, she would wake him up and send him home; at
least, this is the tale which she used to tell in after life
and as she was a truthful woman, it is probably not
exaggerated!

‘Another story which she told of those days was that
on one occasion when she was walking with him in the
country they came to a little stream in which there were
some curious fish which he wished to secure. He had no
net, and my mother very obligingly lent him her bonnet
with which he proceeded to catch the finny treasures.

a
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, Esq.

NO. 40 WEST HIGH STREET

THE HOME IN CARLISLE,
Restored from Photographs under the direction of J. Rush Marshall,

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 145

My mother assisted my father a great deal at that time
by transcribing portions of his translation of the Icono-
graphic Encyclopedia for the printer. In this, my
Uncle William Baird, then living in Reading, and one or
two of the Dickinson College students who were especially
intimate friends of my father and mother, also assisted.

“My father was only twenty-three years old when
his nominal professorship became an actual one, with a
salary of $400.00 a year, which, however, they promised
to increase the next year; and he was married that same
summer. Of course, many of the students were very little
younger than their Professor; indeed I suspect that there
were some (especially among the poorer ones who had
had to do something for themselves in order to obtain
money for their education) who were a little older. He
was very popular with his class, and in quite a number of
them inspired a strong and permanent love of his own
favorite pursuits. In speaking to and of him they usually
abbreviated his title of ‘Professor’ to ‘Prof.’; to a number
of them he remained always ‘The Prof.’ He instituted
a series of out-door rambles on Saturday afternoon,
during which collections were made of objects of Natural
History, and the boys gained practical knowledge from
Nature herself of great value. This, of course, is very
customary now; but was a startling innovation at that
time. They had to be good walkers to keep up with their
active young preceptor. At the close of the day’s excur-
sion his companions were very frequently invited to his
home to share the family tea, at which my grandmother
Churchill and my mother made them welcome. Two of
these students, Dr. Caleb B. R. Kennerly and John B.
Clark (known to his fellow students by the nickname of

‘Adam’ Clark on account of his roficiency in mathe-
p
10

146 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

matics) were afterwards among his most useful collectors
of specimens for the National Museum, during their
connection with various Government surveys.

“There is probably no naturalist, especially if Herpe-
tology were one of his specialties, about whom more or
less apocryphal tales are not told of the escape of uncanny
beasts from insecure prisons, to the consternation of his
neighbors. During the period when my father was investi-
gating this branch of natural history, he kept the snakes
which he wished to observe alive in barrels; and, while
allowing for the usual mythical stories, there is no question
but that they did occasionally escape, being, however,
recaptured in a short time. On one occasion a hissing-
(or blowing) viper got out from his quarters, and, although
my father made diligent search, could not be found. My
father then took my mother into confidence in regard to
the mishap. She had no feeling of repugnance, or fear,
as to any non-poisonous snakes; but there was some doubt
in their minds whether my grandmother Churchill would
consider a meeting with even this innocent reptile agree-
able,—and it was very certain that my mother’s sister-
in-law, Mrs. Wm. Churchill, who was at that time on a
visit to them, would be very much frightened at the bare
suggestion that one of the snakes was loose in the house.
It was finally decided that the chance of an encounter
between his snakeship and the members of the family was
unlikely, so unlikely that the remote chance would be
better run than the certainty of nervous apprehension
into which they would be thrown if they were in constant
anticipation of it; and that therefore it would be better
to say nothing. The event proved the conclusion to be
a wise one. Some days after (it was in cold weather),
my mother found the truant coiled up behind the stove

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 147

in one of the rooms of the house, the snake having prob-
ably come to the conclusion that this would be a nice
warm abode for him until he could find his way home.
My mother joyfully picked him up and promptly trans-
ferred him to his barrel. My father did not believe in
the theory that an antipathy to snakes and worms is
natural to humanity; he thought that it was generally
acquired at so early an age that the actual fact of the
lesson was forgotten, but that it was always due to the
teaching of some other child, or of some older person.
He was resolved that his own child should be spared
the pain of this (as he believed) unnecessary fear; and
the whole family received strict orders that on no account
was I to be in any way prejudiced against the crawling
members of the animal kingdom. Harmless snakes were
given me to play with, warned I presume, that I should
nat hurt them. A favorite playmate was a large black-
snake, so long that when I was mounted on the shoulder
of my tall father, the snake’s tail touched the ground.
Whether my father was correct in his reasoning,—or
whether I, being the daughter of a naturalist, heredity
in my case worked in a direction opposite to its supposed
usual course, I do not know: certainly I am so fortunate
as to be without uncomfortable sensations in the presence
of snakes which I know to be harmless.

“In his tramps abroad I have heard my father say
that he adopted a regular length of step, three steps to a
rail of an ordinary post and rail fence such as were in
use in those days. As he went along his quick eye noted
all the features of the country through which he passed,
and he constantly stopped to pick up plants or minerals,
or to shoot birds. At the end of a long dusty walk,
laden with these treasures, he would gradually come to

148 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

present the appearance of a ‘tramp.’ I have heard him
say that when on one of his walking tours he visited a little
town in the interior of the state for the purpose of having
a talk with the Governor of Pennsylvania who was at a
hotel there. My father went to the office and asked for
a room; the clerk although he concluded to take in the
dusty stranger, laden with very odd baggage, gave him a
small room in the part of the house reserved for the
humblest guests. My father with characteristic modesty,
meekly took the quarters assigned him, went upstairs
with his luggage, washed and dressed, came down stairs
where he met the Governor in the office receiving a
hearty and friendly greeting. The clerk at the earliest
possible moment told him he had a better room now
vacant and suggested that he should move. My father
used to tell this story with great glee.

“His relations with children were delightful. I
remember very well in my own childhood how fertile his
imagination was in making up fairy tales for my amuse-
ment. One thing only I disapproved. After the hero
and heroine had gone through marvelous adventures,
escaped desperate perils from ogres, witches, wild beasts,
etc., by the exercise of their skill and ingenuity or the
intervention of good fairies, and were safely and happily
married, he could never be induced to stop there and, in
spite of all my attempts at interruption, it was always
announced that ‘they lived happily ever afterward,
until one day in going by a soap boiler’s they unfortu-
nately fell into a vat and were made into soap.’

“The first distinct picture of my father in my own
mind is of his meeting my mother and myself at a railroad
station apparently on one of the rare occasions when we
were traveling for a time by different routes. The

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 149

separation must have been of considerable length, how-
ever, as the thing which probably makes me remember
it was his having grown a beard, and that this was the
first time that my mother and I had seen him with it.
As a very young man, he shaved completely, not even
wearing a moustache; and as was the custom with many in
those days, wearing his hair rather long. I do not remem-
ber him, however, very distinctly except with his hair
cut short as was his custom in later life. His hair was
very dark brown and straight, but his beard was decidedly
sandy in color. His eyes were a rather dark, clear gray.
In his youth and early middle life he was slender, but
later he grew stout. He was very simple in his habits,
and cared but little for amusements, his favorite recreation
being novel reading. He liked clean, wholesome stories,
and had no taste for the problem novel; but, aside from
this, he could read and enjoy almost anything from King
‘ Solomon’s Mines to Miss Yonge, and he particularly
delighted in children’s stories. He could read the veriest
trash with zest as long as virtue was triumphant and vice
did not make itself too prominent. He was charmed
with Treasure Island, being almost ready to indorse Mr.
Gladstone’s verdict that it was the ‘best story he ever
read,’ which, as Lord Playfair told us Mr. Gladstone had
oncetold him. In the days of Bonner’s New York Ledger,
the Professor read the weekly numbers regularly and
especially enjoyed the stories of Mrs. E. D. N. South-
worth, a Georgetown neighbor. He used to say that
reading the Ledger rested his mind. Little Lord Fauntle-
roy took his heart from the time it was published in St.
Nicholas. On one occasion I remember his being missed
during the busiest hours of the morning’s work in the
office. His secretary sat there with his notebook in hand,

150 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

to take down the morning letters, and several people
were waiting to see him on business. I undertook to
find what had become of him, having a shrewd suspicion
as to his occupation; and, sure enough, I found him seated
in a room upstairs with the new number of St. Nicholas
which had come in that morning. He was taking a slight
peep, ‘only skimming’ the pages of the latest installment
of the little nobleman’s history. He even went so far
as to persuade Dr. Burnett one day at the Cosmos Club
to tell him, in strict confidence, how it ended, because he
really could not wait until the end! Dr. Burnett, finding
how interested he was, said he would tell him if he would
promise not to divulge the momentous secret, and to this
the Professor joyously pledging himself they sought a
retired corner of the room where the eager listener heard
the conclusion of the tale. His sympathy with children
was unfailing. On one occasion, when we were away in
summer there was to be an excursion on the Fish Commis-
sion steamer ‘ Fish Hawk’ in order that some distinguished
scientific visitor might see the dredging, and quite a
number of our summer party were to accompany it. A
little boy of about eight years old, the nephew of one of
the scientific gentlemen attached to the Fish Commission,
was told that he might go if he wished. He was not quite
sure that it would prove amusing, and asked who were
going. Various names were mentioned, including my
father’s (he being, of course, the host), and as soon as
the child heard this, he said, ‘Oh, if Professor Baird is
going, I’ll go, for then there will be somebody who will
talk to me!’ ”

Mary Helen Churchill, Prof. Baird’s bride, was a well
educated, highly intelligent, and tactful young woman.
For the period she was exceedingly well read, and she

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 151

had an unusual appreciation of good English. Without
being strictly a blonde, she had light brown hair and a
fair complexion, was of medium height and as a young
woman, slender. Probably she never laid claim to beauty
other than that given by Nature in the spring of one’s
years; but a charming smile, a face lighted up by intelli-
gence and cordiality, aided by a delicate sense of humor
and a wit which enlivened conversation without stinging,
made her a delightful hostess and companion. She was
subject from girlhood, especially in hot weather, to sudden
attacks of illness, not dangerous or prolonged but, for
the moment, needing special care; and the tenderness and
devotion shown by her husband at such times could not
be exceeded.

After their return to Carlisle and removal to Mrs.
Churchill’s many of his specimens were taken to the
College Museum as a temporary deposit, giving more
room for his home work. Baird took up vigorously the
study of fishes, collecting them with his usual energy.

He found that by placing the specimen of which he
‘desired to clean a skeleton, in a tub of water with a lot
of small tadpoles, the latter would do the work most
beautifully, without dismembering the bones. In this
way without labor and in a comparatively short time he
brought together a series of skeletons of the local fishes
which was quite unique.

On the 15th of September College opened and he began
his attendance at the 6 a.M. prayers, met and organized
his classes and arranged the hours for recitations. He
taught fourteen hours a week in the Preparatory Depart-
ment at first and six in the College. He spent the Christ-
mas holidays with his wife in Philadelphia. The following
letter to his brother describes his activities:

152 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F, Baird to William M. Baird.

Caruis_E, Nov. 7 1846.
Dear WILL,

I am ashamed of myself for having allowed so long an interval
to elapse without writing and telling you what I have been doing
since I saw you. My constant and laborious occupation must be
some apology, as I have been kept working like a horse, at the rate
of from three to five recitations every day until now. Old Caldwell
and Prof. Emory returned a few days ago however, and this will
lighten my load, as we all had to divide the recitations of the absentees
till their return.

Monday Tuesday Wednes. Thurs. Friday Sat.

Sophomores 3 3 3 3
Freshmen II 9

1* Preparatory 4 6 4 6

2° Preparatory 7AM. 4 6 6 4 6(16)

The above is my scheme for the rest of the session. The Sophs.
recite in Geometry, the Freshmen in Animal Physiology, the prepara-
tory classes in Arithmetic & Algebra. Next Session (after Christmas)
I take the Seniors in Nat. Theology. I like the business of teaching
very much, & believe J am a favorite with the Students. The College
is larger than it has ever been, numbering about 115 exclusive of
the 50 preparatorys. The Junior class has about 40; won’t it be a
whopper to graduate? All study hard, & the Standard is high.

Emory came back from Europe full of the notion of having a
good collection of Nat Hist. for the College, and accordingly gives
me every facility I can wish. He let me get 64 dollars worth of glass
bottles & jars, for specimens, and as Major Henderson sent me in a
30 gallon keg of 2" proof whiskey, I have every facility for studying
fish & Reptiles. I have been collecting these at a considerable rate,
and have among others, 5 or 6 species of Leuciscus besides that which
I consider new; Pimelodus atrarius, Pomotis appendiculatus, Catosto-
mus gibbosus, & others; Cottus gobio, Etheostoma olmstedi, &c. &c.
Amounting to about 20 species. I have not got a good many which
I know, so that I shall have 40 species at least. I shall get some from

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 153.

Perry Co. & other places, as persons have promised to catch them..
Dr. Storer sent me another copy of his Synopsis of N. Am. Fishes,.
and I will send you my first one by the next opportunity. It is in.
sheets, & wants the latin index but that does not make much differ-
ence. Won’t you collect the Reptiles & fish of Reading for me?’
and put in Spirits. The college will pay the expense of whisky, &c.
Do try. There must be species there not here, as Lamprey eels, &c.
William Watts pumped out that pond in his lower mine bank, and
I was there to see the fun. I got plenty of fish—pike, suckers, (among:
them abundance of C. gibbosus that species you got in Honk’s dam)
sunfish, Leuciscus versicolor, Eels, &c.

I have got some books of interest this session. Lichtenstein’s ver-.
zeichniss (a book I much wanted) Faber’s Prodromus, Brinnich’s.
Ornithologia borealis, Schlegel’s list of European birds, Wagler’s
Systema avium, &c. The College has bought for me the whole of
the N. York state Reports, 11 4to vols, containing plates of all the
Quadrupeds, Birds, Reptiles, Fish, Mollusca, Crustacea, &c. also:
very complete geological & Mineralogical reports. Besides this they
procured the whole of the British association reports, [Milne-] Edwards.
Eléments de Zoologie, his Cours élémentaire &c. Oken’s Natural
History, D’Orbigny’s Dict. & Hist. Nat. By the way I forgot to.
send word before that I wanted that copy of Seligman’s book, belong-.
ing to Dr. Muhlenberg. Direct it to Uncle Ned, and send to Hughes’
tavern, letting me know. He will take care of it & forward it.

I have had several lots of birds this fall. The first came in a
mysterious way from our old friend Edwin Brown of Burton on Trent;.
no letter accompanying it. I would not have known whence it came-
but for a small box in it, on which was the name Edwin Brown. It
was a hogshead, with a good many skins, most of which I had before,
& of poor quality. There were a good many eggs. The next came
from Jo LeConte, Georgia. The best birds in his box were an Ardea.
coerulea, and Fish crow. The last was from old Sturm of Nurnburg;.
in it were some beautiful skins, among them Strix aluco, Pastor
roseus, Larus Leucopterus, Mergulus alle, and others which I forget.
There were also some rare eggs & nests. A copy of his work on the
Birds of Germany as far as published, a copy of Lichtenstein’s.
Verzeichniss and some rough drawings to show the proper attitudes
of some of his birds. It was the neatest lot I ever received, and shall.

154 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

be duly reciprocated. Write soon dear Will & tell me how you get
along. I will try & be more punctual hereafter in telling about myself.
Molly sends her love, to you & all relations.
Your affectionate brother
Spencer F. Barro.

Agassiz ® & Dr. Gray (the Botanist) are coming up to see me within
six months, to spend a long time, especially the former. He tells
every body I hear from, that he is coming here, & how anxious he is
to meet me!

From John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

Minnte’s Lanp, N. Y. Nov’. 8 1846.
My pear Frrenp,—

We were very happy to hear of your Success in obtaining a
Professorship. I wish you had been more minute as to the amount
of your Salary, as I consider 400% as very small, if you have not a
house, fuel, and furniture, &c., &c., &c., to compensate for so small
a sum, and having so much to perform for it.

We are all glad that you have a good helpmate in the shape of
a wife, and we would be all very glad to have you under our roof,
even now, but as the winter is now fast approaching we hope to see
you certainly some time next spring, or during the summer, as you
know that then our place is worthy to reside at. The fishing is
then Capital. The residence of our Friend, W. O. Ayres," is on
Long Island, and I think that a letter addressed to him at Sag-
Harbor, will be sure to be received by that good Friend of ours. He

8 Jean Louis Rudolphe Agassiz, born at Motier en Vuly, Switzer-
land, May 28, 1807; came to America in October, 1846; died at
Cambridge, Mass., Dec. 14, 1873. This great naturalist needs no
introduction to our readers. To him is due the awakening of a popular
interest in Science in the United States through his contagious and
genial enthusiasm, and worldwide reputation. To Baird we owe the
utilization of opportunities and the preparation of publications
through varied agencies, which gave a systematic base to this interest
and ensured its perpetuity. Together they supplemented each other.

4 W.O. Ayres, M.D., afterward a resident of California and a
well known student of fishes.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 155

will be glad to receive the collection of fishes which you have procured
for him, and I know will be most happy to exchange for other fishes
or subjects if you should desire any at his hands.

Please to give your Dear Lady our best love and congratulations
on her having such a capitally perfect husband.

We are all well at present, I have not done anything with the
Birds which, indeed, my son Victor has sent to the Academy of Phila-
delphia.® I suppose I need not look any more for a Black Fox in
the flesh from you during the next winter.

Consider me always, my Dear Friend,

Your most sincerely attached,
Joun J. Aupusown.'*

Should you procure a black fox, be sure to forward him uncut to
our office, New York, 78 John Street. Adieu, and God bless both
you and your Dear Wife.

The letter press will be ready in a few days. I will forward a
Copy to you to Philada—from whence you can no doubt easily get
it. I join my Father, my dear Mr. Baird, in congratulations, and
in sincere wishes for your happiness & welfare.

Yours faithfully,
V. G. AupuBon.

In January, 1847, Baird began the study of the
Danish language.

About this time the question of a Curator of Natural
History or Assistant Secretary of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution began to be discussed.

The building was far from complete and the policy
of the Institution undecided, but it was known that its
functions would include a Museum, under the terms of
its charter.

18 This is a mistake, I brought them back. V.G. A.

16 The last reference to Mr. Audubon in the Journal (under date
of July 16, 1847) is “Went to Mr. Audubon’s by stage. Found him
much changed.” Audubon died Jan. 27, 1851, aged 71 years.

156 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Much to his surprise, Baird received the following
letter:
From James Dwight Dana to Spencer F. Baird."

New Haven, Conn., January, 1847.
Dear Barrp,

I have just written Dr. Pickering 1* that you would make a good
curator for the Smithsonian Institution. What do you say to it?
Salary, $1500.00, with house rent, as I understand. If you wish
such a situation you should write at once and send your credentials
to Professor Henry, and enclose a copy also to Hon. R. D. Owen,
who is one of the Regents. I would give you all of my influence
and the best recommendation.

From James Dwight Dana to Spencer F. Baird.

New Haven, Conn., February 7, ’47
Dear Barrp,

By your credentials I mean any recommendations you
could obtain; and a word from a Political man is perhaps quite as
important as from Scientific, since much depends on favor in all
Washington appointments. I know nothing with regard to the candi-
dates or the state of the question. The day on which I wrote you
I had a letter from Dr. Pickering desiring to know if I wish it, and
advising me to make my application at once; whereupon I wrote a
negative reply, and mentioned your name to Pickering. I suppose
that Peale is looking for the place, and no doubt there are many
other applicants. But I know of none that I should prefer to your-
self,

Evidently Baird took immediate action, and while
only drafts of letters sent are among the papers accessible
to me, they are doubtless correct in essentials. He put

1 The reply to this is not preserved.

18 Charles Pickering, M.D., born in 1805, and a graduate of
Harvard in 1823, was distinguished for his contributions to the
knowledge of the geographical distribution of plants, animals and
man. He died in 1878.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 157

the situation before his friends and pending replies from
them wrote to Professor Joseph Henry, the Secretary and
executive of the still somewhat embryonic Institution, a
letter of which the following, taken from a rough draft,
is supposed to be an essentially correct copy:

From Spencer F. Baird to Professor Joseph Henry.

CarLisLe, Penn. Feb. (8th?) 1847.
Sir:—

Emboldened by the kind but partial advice of some of my
scientific friends, I venture to write and ask leave to enter myself
as a candidate for the situation of Curator of the Smithsonian Insti-
tution. When I first read the advice in a letter received a few hours
ago, I was completely taken by surprise, as I have been in the habit
of looking years ahead for the time when hard study would qualify
for applying for such a situation. Of my present qualifications it
does not become me to speak.

Very respectfully
Spencer F. Barrp.

In pursuance of Dana’s suggestion, Baird also wrote
to several prominent men in politics for their help in
securing the appointment. One of these letters is selected
as an example.

From a Draft of a Letter from S. F. Baird to the Hon. James Buchanan.

CarLISLE, Feb. 11, 1847.
Hon. James Bucuanan,
Sir:—

The son of an old friend of yours, Samuel Baird of Reading, 1
write for the purpose of requesting your influence—if you can spare
a little of your valuable time—in a matter of great interest to me.
I am anxious to obtain the situation as Curator of the Smithsonian
Institute, which I believe has not yet been filled up. From my
earliest youth devoted to the study of Natural History, and at the
present time occupying that chair in Dickinson College, I hope that

158 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I am tolerably well acquainted with the outlines of my duties. Of
the opinions of my various friends as to my competency for the sta-
tion, as Prof. Silliman, Drs. Torrey and Gray, Mr. Audubon, Dr.
Morton and others, I can at short notice furnish written testimony.
If you can say a word to any members of the board of regents which
would be of influence in their decision, I would be very much obliged
to you for its utterance.
Very respectfully,

Spencer F. Barrp.

It is possible that Baird’s first letter to Henry did not
elicit an immediate response as the latter was an extremely
busy man and the appointment of a Curator was likely
to be some time deferred. At any rate a letter represented
by the following draft, accompanied by various testi-
monials to his qualifications for the post, some of which
are reproduced here, was prepared by Baird and sent to
the Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution:

From Dratt of a Letter from Spencer F. Baird to Professor Joseph Henry.

Caruiste, Feb. 25, 1847.
Sir:—

I wrote to you some weeks ago, stating that having heard
that the situation of Curator to the Smithsonian Institute was to
be filled shortly, and being advised thereto by some of my friends,
I wished to become a candidate. I also mentioned my intention of
sending on letters from different individuals as soon as I could
procure them. I accordingly take the liberty of sending the accom-
panying from Doctor Morton, J. J. Audubon, John Cassin, J. D.
Dana, &c. Dr. Gray has kindly offered to write personally to you
on the subject. Some I retain on account of the too partial terms in
which I am mentioned, and of those forwarded to you, many contain
opinions to which my utmost self conceit will not allow me to
subscribe.

I have been told by my friends to mention in my application
to yourself, such places and passages of Scientific works as refer

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 159

to my name, and any scientific publications I myself have made.
The number of these is limited, Mr. Audubon, Dr. Gray and a few
others are all who have put my name in print. My own publications
are few. Various catalogues of Plants and Animals of this region,
some of which I enclosed to you a few weeks ago, constitute the
principal, except various descriptions of new species of North Ameri-
can birds in Silliman’s Journal, Journal of the Academy of Nat.
Sciences, the Supplement to Audubon’s Birds of North America, etc.
My labors for several years past have been devoted principally to
the collection of materials for a work on the Synonymy of the Birds
of North America. To do this in the most complete manner I have
spared no pains. Every work to be found by me in the public and
private libraries of Boston, New York, Philadelphia New Haven and
Washington has been carefully examined. The result of this is that
many discoveries have been made as to the correct nomenclature
of our Species. The whole occupies several hundred foolscap pages
and is nearly ready for publication. I am only waiting until I can
consult several Swedish and German works to publish the results
of my labors. All my ornithological friends at home and abroad
have kindly urged the speedy completion of this work as a very
great desideratum. Among them: Hugh E. Strickland of Oxford,
Charles Bonaparte, F. Schlegel, Curator of the Museum at Leyden,
and others.

Should I go to Washington, my collections would of course
accompany me. The principal of these are specimens of North
American Birds, Quadrupeds, Reptiles and Fishes, Complete Skele-
tons, Crania, numerous Vertebrata, and Forest trees. My ornitho-
logical collection is probably the richest in N. American species of
any in the world, containing with very few exceptions all those
figured and described by Audubon, with many others unknown to
him. I possess numerous new species which I intend to publish in
monographs of families and genera. They are all in skins, and about
three thousand in number, properly labelled and well preserved.
Especial care has been taken to procure every variety of age and sex.
I have besides a good: series of European birds and eggs obtained
from various correspondents in that country.

A principal object also of my studies has been the preparation
of a Bibliography of Ornithology and American Natural History in

160 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

general. With this view I have consulted all the Catalogues, great
and small, of England, France, Germany, Holland, &c. which I
could find. I have had the honor of being called on to assist in per-
fecting the great Bibliographia Zoologica of Prof. Agassiz, and to
furnish various lists of desirable books in different branches of Zoology
and Natural History to different persons in societies.

You will, I hope, pardon me for having said so much about myself
and for repeating what I wrote to you before. May I hope for speedy:
information as to what are the possibilities of success, and whether
any election has been decided on to take place shortly. I have the
permission of the writers of the accompanying letters, Dr. Morton,
Mr. Cassin, J. J. Audubon, James D. Dana, and of others as Dr.
Gray, Major LeConte, &c. to use their names as reference.

Very respectfully

Spencer F. Barrp.

The testimonials follow:

Copy of Testimonial from James D. Dana.
New Haven, Feb. 7, 1847.

I take pleasure in giving my unreserved recommendation to
Prof. Spencer F. Baird of Carlisle, Penn. for the Curatorship of
the Smithsonian Institute. To a general acquaintance with Natural
Science and a thorough knowledge of some of its departments, he
unites a character of the highest excellence. He is habitually accu-
rate in investigation, and is well acquainted not only with specimens
in his favorite branches, but also with the literature of science. In
the situation of Curator, I cannot doubt that he would give perfect
satisfaction and prove an honorable addition to the scientific corps

at Washington. James D. Dana.

Copy of Letter from John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird.

Miwnnre’s Lanp, Feb. 11, 1847.
My pear Frienp:—

I have great pleasure in answering your letter desiring me to
give my opinion as to your qualifications for the post which several

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 161

of your valued friends have proposed you should apply for, namely
that of the Curator of the Smithsonian Institute.

I am quite convinced myself that no one can easily be found
so well adapted for such a trust as yourself and if my testimony as
to your knowledge and high character and industry, and your zeal
in seeking a perfect acquaintance with the various branches of Natural
History, and all the scientific and literary pursuits which have
heretofore occupied you, may be of any service, please present this
note to the Honorable Board of Regents, who will I trust receive
it as an evidence of my ardent desire for your success, the more
readily as I have the honor, I think, of knowing some of the Board
personally.

I thank you for your note respecting the difference between the
young of the cougar (Felix Concolor) in North and South America.
There are not improbably two species, I have had that idea, but my
researches are not yet completed.

With the best wishes for your success, Believe me,

Your sincerely attached friend and humble servant,

Joun J. Aupuson, F.R. S. L.

Copy of letter from Doctor S. G. Morton to the Regents of the Smithsonian
Institute.

GENTLEMEN :—

Understanding that you propose to elect a Curator of the Smith-
sonian Institute, I beg leave to commend to your favorable considera-
tion Mr. Spencer F. Baird, a gentleman who has devoted his life to
the active pursuit of Natural History and who is well versed in the
Philosophy of Science. He occupies an enviable position in the higher
branches of Zoology, while his attainments in all of them and in
general Geology, give him a peculiar fitness for the Curatorship of
your projected collection.

I remain, Gentlemen, with great respect,

Your obdt. servant,

SaMuEL Grorce Morton M.D.

Puta. Feb. 13, 1847.

II

162 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From J. D. Dana to Spencer F. Baird.

New Haven, Feb. 25th, 1847.
Dear Bairp,—

I have hoped to hear from Washington about the Curatorship
that I might give you a good word on the subject. But nothing has
come. So you must lean on hope for a while yet at least. I addressed
a letter to Prof. Henry about you the day after I last wrote you,
presenting your claims in a strong light. I hope I have not given
you vexation and uneasiness for nothing. We of the (Wilkes) expedi-
tion have had large allowances of the same commodity in times past.
You have a formidable rival in (Robert Dale) Owen—yet there is
room for hope. Pickering I think does not expect it. I judge this
from his advising me to urge my claims. If he would accept it I
must, of course, support him, as I was long ago pledged to him, and
have the highest opinion of him. But he does not stand well with
Pearce and the Library Committee, and I believe there is little chance
for him. I do not know that you would secure much by writing
him unless you state that you do not present yourself as a rival of
him, but on the supposition that he was not a candidate; and then
ask his advice. He is at Washington. Your course thus far is right
if there are no insuperable obstacles—that is, some favorite in the
way. Your efforts cannot be unavailing. Prof. Silliman would give
you a letter stating that he relies on another for his knowledge of you
and on the whole, I thought it quite as well to depend on what you
already have.

The Principles of Zoology ° I know nothing of farther than it is
to be. Gould has had the thing in view for a long time past, and,
Agassiz coming in the way, he has obtained his assistance. The
Index is slow work, it is about 2/3 printed and will be out probably
by the first of May.

You see I have no news about Curatorship to mention and this
must be my excuse for giving you no speedier reply. Write me your
earliest word on the subject, or if any further aid is required write
freely to Yours very truly,

James D. Dana.

19 Principles of Zoology, by Agassiz and Gould, Boston, Gould
and Lincoln, 1851. Revised edition, 1863.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 163

Dana’s advice in regard to communicating with
Pickering was promptly followed.

From Spencer F. Baird to Dr. Charles Pickering.

Car.isLE, Feb. 27, 1847.
Dear Srr:—

Some weeks ago I received a letter from J. D. Dana, stating that
in reply to a letter from yourself urging his application for the Curator-
ship of the Smithsonian Institute, he had suggested my name for
the situation. On the supposition that you were not a candidate,
he advised me to take such steps as might tend to secure the place.
I accordingly did so, by writing to such of my friends as I supposed
to have influence, but have heard nothing definite on the subject.
In all I did I was actuated by the belief that you were not a candi-
date, as I would hardly be so presumptuous as to think for a moment
of entering the lists with a man who combines in himself the scientific
accomplishments necessary to make a dozen eminent naturalists.
In case you do not want the place, may I have the benefit of your
advice as to how I had best proceed for the attainment of my
object.

No reply to this letter is among the papers avail-
able.

A response from Professor Henry indicates the delay
which might be expected in the appointment of a Curator.

From Professor Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

Wasuincton, March 3, 1847.
Dear Sir,—

Your letters and testimonials in relation to the office of Curator
in the Smithsonian Institution have been received and put on file
to be considered when the time arrives for the appointment to be
made. The Board of Regents I think will not appoint a Curator

164 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

until the building is in a proper condition to receive the specimens
of Natural History and this will probably not be the case under

five years.

With much respect,
I am yours etc.,

JosepH Henry.

P.S. I hope you will pardon the delay of this answer to your
letter as well as its brevity. I am so much occupied with the organ-
ization, and so overwhelmed with letters, that without an assistant
I cannot keep up with my correspondence. I send you with this a
copy of the Report and Resolutions relative to the organization.

J. H.

In 1847 the elaborate study of fishes and reptiles was
continued by Baird. Careful anatomical researches,
examination of the blood corpuscles and skeleton were
made by means of a microscope generously furnished by
Haldeman, and many drawings made.

Baird was giving at this time to teaching in the Pre-
paratory School fourteen hours and, to the College, six
hours a week. At the end of the college year his salary
was increased to $650.00 a year.

Miss Lucy Baird’s reminiscences contain the following
notes:

‘““My mother was for some time in her girlhood at a
boarding school in Burlington, Vermont, where Mr.
George P. Marsh resided. The school was conducted by
a Mr. Crane a brother of Mrs. Marsh, who had herself
been a pupil, and later a teacher, in the school. This
was at the time my mother was there, and an intimacy
arose between them which, continuing after Miss Crane’s
marriage, led to friendship with Mr. Marsh also. On
Miss Churchill’s marriage to Professor Baird he also was
received into this group of friends.”

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 165

When the question of the curatorship of the Smith-
sonian collection arose Mrs. Baird wrote to Mr. Marsh,
who was one of the Board of Regents of the Institution
and distinguished as a man of culture and wide influence
among public men without being himself a politician.
He was then a representative in Congress.

The following letter was received in reply:

From George P. Marsh to Mrs. S. F. Baird.

Me pe Hh Wasuincton, Feb. 10, 1847.

You know me well enough to believe me without an oath, when
I assure you that it will give me great pleasure to serve Mr. Baird
to the utmost of my power, not only because he is your husband,
but because I am quite convinced that any influence I may possess
could not be better exerted than in aiding him to accomplish the
object he has at heart.

The proper course for Mr. Baird to pursue is to forward his
recommendations to Prof. Henry, with a letter stating his wishes,
and referring to such notices of himself in scientific works as he
thinks useful. He should also secure the influence of such of the
Regents as he can, by letter or otherwise. I will endeavor to assure
him the good-will of Messrs Evarts, Choate, and Hilliard, as well
as the Assistant Secretary, Mr. Jewett, of Providence, and if I can
advance his interests in any other way, I shall certainly not forget
to do so.

From the Same to the Same.

WasuinctTon, March 1, 1847.
My pear Mary,— : » T8A7

On receiving your husband’s letter with the recommendations,
I put them in the hands of Mr. Pearce of the Senate, one of the
Regents, and desired him to give them the proper direction. I have
conferred with several other members of the board, and particularly
with Mr. Hilliard, of Alabama, who saw Mr. Baird’s collection last
summer and was much interested in both it and him. I have also
written to Mr. Jewett, Assistant Secretary, who will have much

166 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

influence, and when I see Mr. Choate, as I hope to do soon, I think
I can prepare him without difficulty to sustain your husband.

Professor Henry is very favorably disposed, and I think every-
thing looks well. I do not think the appointment will be made at
present, which I do not regret, because I hope I shall be in a position
to exert more influence next winter than now.

Toward the latter end of March hoping to see him, Pro-
fessor Baird made a short visit to Philadelphia, but found
Mr. Marsh had left the city. He had left some valuable
books from his library for Baird’s use, and promised more.

In response to Baird’s request for testimonials came
the following characteristic letter from John Cassin:

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

ree: Puiapa. 16 Feby., 1847.

Your letter did not catch me in time for a reply earlier than
to-day. I have been absent from the city since Saturday morning.

Enclosed I hand you my opinion of you—sorry it is no better—
but wish swearing to the truth of it (to the best of my knowledge
and belief) would be of any service.

But what can I do alone? Why not get, or let me get for you a
lot of other names, Phillips, Conrad—or Doctor Wilson, or others
better known than Iam. I will write a lot of certificates and make
the fellows copy them, so it will have a particular sort of look—hope
you will get the place—but my dear fellow, even in science, things
go so much by influence, and a mutual assistance understanding,
that absolute merit is frequently smothered and often overlooked—
hope you will get it though—command me to the end of the world,
and I will go, or at least try to.

If this certificate don’t suit, write one for yourself and (I will)
copy—burn this letter though—it wouldn’t look well in our published
correspondence a hundred years from this.

In a hurry—write early.

Very truly yours,
J. Cassin.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 167

From Spencer F, Baird to William M. Baird.

Dear Wm, CaruisLe, May 31. 1847.

I gave Sam a few days ago that copy of Storer’s Synopsis I prom-
ised and also two plates of Audubon, the Prairie wolf, & the Wild Cat.
I would have sent the whole 8 or 9, but I got them from Bowen for the
express purpose of trying to get subscribers at Commencement.

I have pretty well finished ornithologizing this spring, and have
done worse than ever. Birds seem to be getting scarcer every day.
The only rarities are Bonaparte’s Gull, Black tern & Male Mourning
warbler. I have collected & still continue to collect very many
nests & eggs although I get nothing rare.

My principal labors this spring have been among Fishes and
Reptiles of which I have many species. A number however are
undetermined, & probably several new species among them.

Many of these I have collected in great quantities for exchanging,
as I am determined to make a large collection. I have about 40 live
snakes in a barrel; I find it a first rate way to get good specimens,
as they shed their coats, & I get them then in perfect order. I am
making the College Museum look quite smart with the additions.
They give me anything I want, bottles, liquor, cases, &c.

I wish very much you could come up this simmer sometime before
commencement and see what I have got. Mary & her Mother want
to go to Lake Champlain during the vacation, to Mr. Hunter’s, so
that I shall not see you unless you come before we go.

The college is doing very well now, indeed is more flourishing
than ever since the Methodist administration. I expect to have a
material increase of salary at the next meeting of the board.

Can’t you collect specimens of fish about Reading. The College
will defray all expenses. Write soon. Mary sends her love.

Your affectionately

SpeNcER F. Barrp.

.

From George P. Marsh to Mrs. S. F. Baird.

Ny oe Mis Baan BuruincrTon, Vt. June 6, 1847.

I have been almost constantly in motion since the adjournment
of Congress, and it is but a week since I returned with Mrs. Marsh
from my last excursion, and we are hardly yet settled.

168 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Our present expectation is that we shall be at home from the last
of July to the 20th of August, and, of course, at Commencement, and
in that case it will give us much pleasure to renew our friendly inter-
course with you, and to make the acquaintance of your husband,
if, indeed, we may not claim to know him already. It is, however,
possible that we may be absent during the months of July and
August, but if so, Mr. Baird will find my Library at his command,
though I fear it will offer little to aid him in his favorite pursuits.
Upon looking over my Northern books, I was disappointed to find
less than I had supposed on the subject of Northern ornithology,
(so little, indeed, that I thought it hardly worth while to put Mr. B.
to the expense of carriage of several bulky tomes, which would scarcely
contain the two grains of wheat he seeks in the two bushels of chaff);
though I have several works on other branches of Natural History
in the Scandinavian tongues, and some of a more general character,
embracing something of ornithological learning. Among these is
the Transactions of the Royal Swedish Acad. of Science from 1737
to 1837 in 100 Vols. which contains a good deal of Natural History
as well as other matter. If I am at home, as I hope to be, during
your visit, I shall be happy to aid Mr. B. in the way of translation,
if he has not already mastered the modern languages.

From Geo. P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

Burutncton, Tuesday, Aug. 17, 1847.
Dear S1r,—

I have delayed writing to you in the hope that I might still be
able to start on Thursday, but I fear I have now no reason to hope
that that will be practical. There would be an advantage in going
as far as Montpelier on Friday, which would make the journey easier
to the ladies, and if agreeable to you we will make that arrangement.
In that case we reach Woodstock on Saturday evening and Boston
on Monday.

I wrote to the proprietors of the Tremont House to secure
lodgings for Mrs. M. and myself and added that I supposed you and
Mrs. B. would be of our party, but as J was not sure that you would
not stop a day at Springfield, and so be detained until Tuesday,
I did not desire them to reserve rooms, but said I thought you would
write.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 169

On the 13th of July, Mrs. Churchill, Professor Baird
and wife, and some others, left Carlisle, and the former
party travelled to Westport, New York, on a visit to
Mr. and Mrs. Guy Hunter, who were connections of the
Churchills. From here the Professor made an excursion
into the Adirondack country, visiting the Adirondack
Iron Works and climbing Mt. Marcy. He notes in the
Journal: “Reached top at 5 p.m. Great view for hun-
dreds of miles all around. Nothing but mountains. Could
see Burlington, Lake Champlain and steamboats, twenty
lakes, no settlements. Made fire, pitched tents, and saw
sunset, and passed the night on the mountain. Second
time ever done. Bitterly and severely cold.” On return-
ing to Westport August 4th, he found his wife had gone
on to Burlington with Colonel Churchill and her mother,
where he followed her the next day. After this he spent
much time in collecting trips, visited Au Sable Chasm,
rummaged the libraries of the College and Mr. Marsh, saw
the Zadock Thompson collection and visited Windsor, the
former home of the Hunter family. On the 23rd they
reached Boston, where the Marshes had preceded them,
Mr. Marsh having a Phi Beta Kappa oration to deliver.

Here he met many old friends and for the first time
Professor Louis Agassiz, who was at Doctor A. A. Gould’s
house, where he called. The next two mornings were
spent with Agassiz, and he made the acquaintance of
Desor, Rufus Choate, Jeffries Wyman, Dr. John Warren
and others of the Cambridge group of scientific men.
On the 2nd of September he reached Carlisle and on the
15th College opened and his work began.

The method of instruction, by actual field excursions,
which Baird employed in his classes of zoology and botany,
was new in America, and an original innovation with him.

170 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

It was not unknown in Europe, and Agassiz’s employ-
ment of it a year or two later at Cambridge gave a vogue
to it in America which has been permanent. Like many
other admirable things it recommended itself to more
than one teacher about the same time.

Many references to the long tramps with his pupils
are found in his Journal. This sort of work not only
awakened interest and often enthusiasm among the mem-
bers of his class but furnished them with a field of diver-
sion and a possibility of study which might, in lives like
those of a country clergyman or doctor, in after years
afford a welcome variety and relief from the more or
less monotonous grind of daily professional work.

The (to many arid) sessions in the usual modern
college laboratory with microscope and scalpel, and with
nothing else, if a student has not an overwhelming passion
for science, rather deter him from scientific pursuits; are
chiefly remembered by the smells and messes of the work-
room; and open no such vistas of interest and pleasure
to the average man.

The sudden popularity of so-called “nature study” in
the preliminary schools, is a sign of reaction from the
“Huxley and Martin” type of instruction which is to
be heartily welcomed.

As might be expected among those who came under
Baird’s influence, among his students were several who
afterward became efficient helpers. The names occur of
Moncure D. Conway (class of 1849), author and radical
reformer; John A. J. Creswell (1848), afterward Postmaster
General; Charles O’Neall, later member of Congress;
and C. C. Tiffany, subsequently Archdeacon of New York;
John H. Clark, who left before graduation; Caleb Burwell
Rowan Kennerly (1849); George R. Bibb (1851); and

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 171

Alfred A. H. Ames (1848), afterward in the ministry and
an assistant in the work on the Iconographic Encyclo-
pedia. Of these John H. Clark became intimately asso-
ciated with the Baird family for many years. Mr. Clark
was a native of Maryland, and was a member of various
western surveys carried on under Government auspices,
including that of the Mexican Boundary. Miss Lucy
Baird observes that he was an energetic collector for the
Smithsonian Museum and, “during his winters in Wash-
ington was usually a member of our family.”

Kennerly, a Virginian, and a student of medicine,
intended to practise his profession in the district from
which he came. However, his tastes led him to connection
with Government surveys and finally with the Northwest
Boundary Survey, where he was associated with George
Gibbs, the ethnologist. He started for the Eastern States
in the spring of 1871, was taken ill on the voyage, died,
and was buried at sea. Bibb formed the third of a rather
closely allied trio of those early days, though he did not
enter Government service.

Earlier in the year Baird had received a letter from
Professor Louis Agassiz, from which the following extracts
are taken:

From Louis Agassiz to S. F. Baird.

My bear S1r,—

Months have passed away since I received your very kind letter,
and I should fear to have lost your sympathy did I not feel certain
you will pardon me for not having answered it earlier when I mention
the circumstances which prevented me from doing it as I ought to
have done. But conceive of the position of a naturalist entirely
devoted to his studies without any other object before him, arriving
in a world quite new to him, as so full of interesting objects as this
is, and you will easily imagine how I have been carried away by the

172 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

objects immediately around me. Besides, I had engaged to deliver
a course of lectures in Boston, and in the attempt to go in the same
time through that work and the examination, anatomical as well as
zoological, of every species of animal I could obtain from the market
and from some excursions on the beaches in the vicinity, I was
brought into such a state of excitement that I at last was taken sick
so severely that I have not moved from my bed for these last three
weeks. I am now recovering gradually, and hope soon to be up again,
and able to go into the country; when I shall have the pleasure of
seeing you in the course of the summer at the time which will be
most convenient to you.

As you have been kind enough to offer me your assistance in
making collections, I take now the liberty to suggest some points
in’ which you could greatly aid me. In the Zoological department
my researches bear always upon the anatomical and embryological
side of all questions, and so I prefer to have a great number of speci-
mens of the most common species in all their ages, than to have few
specimens of many rare species. I will mention as an example, that
I should collect as many as twenty and more specimens of all your
salamanders, frogs, toads, and have, besides, the tadpoles in all
their different states, the whole preserved in spirit. So with other
reptiles; among fishes, I should prefer those neglected small species
of Cyprinide and other river fishes; and to preserve them for future
anatomical investigation, I use to inject spirit through the anus
and mouth into the intestines, and in larger specimens also into the
abdominal cavity through a cut in the wall of that cavity. Even
birds and mammalia, especially the smaller species, I preserve in
the same manner in spirit, as often as I can secure specimens which
are not badly shot. It is time to ascertain through anatomical
examination what is the value of all those genera which have been
established among birds, and this cannot be done except with such
a collection. Even in a Zoological point of view, it is impossible to
preserve bats better than in spirits, which must be strong, but not
so much so as to occasion a shrinking of the soft parts. Of course,
worms, mollusks, and all parasites cannot be preserved otherwise.
Now, if you have time to secure for me in this way some of the animals
of your country, I should be most obliged, and, of course, not only
repay you all expenses it will be necessary to make for this, but

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 173

let you have of our European animals what will be in my power
to procure and I hope you will mention your desiderata as freely as
I mention mine. I should greatly value all your bats, mice, rats,
moles, shrews, weasels, squirrels, etc.

Though I am not much of a botanist, there is nevertheless one
branch of that science in which I take the deepest interest and for
which I would also ask your assistance. The study of trees has become
so important to paleontologists, that no one who has paid some
attention to fossils can any longer make progress in this department
without studying the fossil trees and comparing them with the actual
flora. Now, I know you have paid much attention to this subject,
and to me it had acquired a new degree of interest since I have
ascertained that the arborescent flora of the European Miocene
Tertiary deposits has the greatest affinity with the actual flora of
the temperate regions of the United States; a result entirely unex-
pected, and quite contrary to most of the prevailing notions about
the temperature of the continent of Europe during the tertiary
epoch. I am now very desirous to make extensive collections of
all the trees and shrubs of the United States in order to trace as far as
possible this analogy. But such a collection cannot be found in any
herbarium, it must be made anew with that peculiar view; and if
you feel the least inclined to help me in this enquiry, you would
not only help me, but really help advancing one of the most interesting
geological questions. If you find it too troublesome, forgive me for
having asked for it. As fossil plants are mostly found in parts, it
would be necessary to have 1°, young branches with the buds as
they are now before opening; cut such specimens as can be dried
between paper; 2°, branches with young bark, one or two inches in
diameter; cut cylinders of about six inches length; 34, similar cylinders
of the stems, old wood with old bark; then mark the tree to collect
at a later period, flowers, fruits, and leaves, and of the last, a great
number of all varieties of form from different branches and recent
shoots. It is almost late to begin, but I could not write earlier, and
in fact, it is rather imprudent for me to go to-day through the exer-
tion of writing; but perhaps in the thickest of the woods, you will
still find specimens of all your species in a leafless state, with the
buds in the winter state.

174 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

: 8
Deas Wine, CaRLISLE, Sept. 3, 1847

I intended to have written from Phila. about the Pup Mr.
Hobart has for me in Pottsgrove, asking him to send it down to the
city. . . . Won’t you bring the pup on when you come? I

want him very much.

We returned yesterday from our travels, and I would have
written to you all about them before this only I kept putting it off
from day to day in order that I might be able to narrate the adven-
tures of the morrow which always promised to be more wonderful
than those of the day before. You will be here so soon that it will
be hardly worth while now to write down what it will be so pleasant
to relate personally, my results, and experience. I hope to show
you a great collection of Fish, having collected very many, among
them the large fish of Lake Champlain and other northern lakes,
Rock & Black Bass, Lake trout, Esox estor, &c &c.

The sixth of November the sad news was received of
the death of Mrs. Baird’s brother, William Churchill,
at Matamoras, Mexico, from yellow fever. Ten days
later the College students were all out searching for one
of their number, John Blair, who had disappeared the
previous Sunday in a state of mental derangement. His
body was found in a small stream near the town.

On the second of December William M. Baird was
married in Philadelphia to Miss Harriet Holmes. On the
last day of the year Charles Churchill came to bid adieu
to his family, and departed immediately for Mexico,
having volunteered as an aid to General Wool.

From J. D. Dana to Spencer F. Baird.

November, 1847.

Dear Barrp,— pte
I was glad to hear again from you and felt some disappointment
that after an announcement some months since I did not see you

here. I am much obliged to you for your kind offer with regard

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 175

to the Cyclops, &c. But it is quite impossible to preserve these
small species so that they can be properly studied afterwards from
the specimen, though, if kept in alcohol, they will answer to verify
some particulars of a description. . . . The specimen you sent
is a Gammarus, one of the Amphipoda.

I learn that it is proposed by the Smithsonian Institute to have
no Curator appointed until the building is up.

Very truly yours

James D. Dana.

From S. S. Haldeman to S. F. Baird.

Near Cotumsia, Pa., December 3, 1847.
Dear Barirp,—

I am glad to learn that your fishes turn out as well as you assert
in your last letter of the 26th Novr. You were just the man to clean
them up properly and thereby do a credit to your country and
yourself.

I think your best course, now that your work is accumulating,
will be most decidedly to complete your synopsis of N. Am. Aves,
as this is necessarily more complete than anything else you have
or will have for some time to come. You are known as an ornitholo-
gist and owe this to the ornithological world. If I may be allowed
to volunteer a hint it is this. Afterward, write de piscibus to your
heart’s content and become a chief authority in this slippery republic,
for we have no animal kingdoms here. I suppose you have seen
Holbrook’s Southern Ichthyology. It is a pretty work and I think
accurate.

I think I never noticed the Gobius you speak of as such, though
my notes or drawings may indicate the barbules. Speaking of
Salmonide, the head of a Salmon sent to you is from a specimen
taken here in the Susquehanna—the only one I have seen.

I must send you my Cottus Viscosus when an opportunity offers.
Ayres says I am wrong in asserting that the proportions are different
from the European fish—yet my specimen differs from the description
and dimensions given by the accurate Jenyns. I donot now remember

176 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

why I deemed it different from C. Cognatus, but I was aware of this
species being described by Richardson.

I am a subscriber to the Royal Society since last year. I have
only the Vol. of reports and that on alternation of generations which
I should not have got, they belonging to a different year from 1847
in which I entered.

If you get so many Menopoma allegheniensis you had better
send some of them to Leidy for anatomization, i.e. if his hands are
not already too full. One has been taken as low down in the Sus-
quehanna as Middletown or Conewago. You “have a new Sala-
mander.” So have I.

It would not “be too great a stretch” of anything for you to
borrow, and me to lend, Cuvier’s Régne Animal, new edition, and
you shall have the fish and reptiles as long as they will be useful to
you. I am not now studying these branches, so that the books are
so much lost capital, unless you will make them work for their main-
tenance. These portions of this fine edition are complete. I have
parted with the birds to Liebhart and the shells to Phillips, the balance
of the entire work I have.

As to borrowing the works you mention in return, I may state
that to me mineralogy is “stony ground” and I wouldn’t willingly
deprive you of the ability to make constant references to a work
rich in observations on our local fauna and which so dichotomously
arranges animals (horses, ducks, and cows, for example) into tame
and wild.

Let me always hear from you whenever you think I can aid
you in anything for I want our work to be done and am not anxious
to monopolize.

Dr. Schaum, an excellent German entomologist, is in N. Y.,
and he goes to N. Orleans, thence up the Arkansas as far as he can,
and home again next July. I talk of going South-west next summer.

Yours, StEHMAN HaLpEMaN.

On the 17th of December Rev. Dr. Wheeler, President
of the University of Vermont, came to offer Baird the
chair of Chemistry and Natural History at Burlington
at a salary of $800.00 a year.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 177

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

Wasurncton, Dec. 30, 1847.
Dear Sir,

I am much gratified to hear of your success in your
investigations, and the rather because I have promised great things
of you and set great value on my professional judgment.

The Smithsonian Regents (before I became a member of the
Board) had adopted a plan of operations which excluded all collections
for some years, but I hope to break it up at the meeting next fall,
if not before.

Baird’s visit during the previous summer to the Uni-
versity of Vermont, and the occurrence of a vacancy in
the Faculty there, led to his consideration as a Professor
to fill the vacant place, which was offered to him as pre-
viously mentioned. While holding it under consideration
the following letter was received:

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

WasHINGTON, Jany. 28, °48.
Dear Barrp,—

Before I left Burlington, I had conversations with Mr. Wheeler
and other persons connected with our University in respect to the
propriety of inviting you to fill the chair vacated by Mr. Benedict,
and so far as your qualifications or the interest of the University
were concerned, I had no hesitation in thinking the measure highly
desirable. I, however, anticipated the objections you would make,
viz: the niggardly salary, and the reluctance you would feel to come
under an implied obligation of making the University the permanent
field of your labors; and, as I could not hope that these objections
would be removed, I did not choose to take the responsibility of
mentioning the matter.

The financial argument is therefore against your acceptance,
and I must admit that the grounds for hoping that you could make
yourself useful in your vocation with such slender means as we can
put at your disposal, are by no means flattering. On the other hand,
so far as concerns the question of your own intellectual improvement,

12

178 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I think the inducements for the proposed change very strong. You
would be transferred to a novus orbis in the realm of Nature and
brought into contact with a social circle not superior, perhaps, to
that with which you are conversant at Carlisle, but so differently
constituted as to excite new sympathies and to bring new powers
into action. A residence cf a few years, therefore, in Burlington
would be attended with advantages which might probably counter-
balance the objections, and it is possible that when our Rail Roads
are completed we may find such favor in Boston as to secure a more
liberal endowment; in which case we should be liberally disposed
to you and to your department.
Yours very truly

Georce P. Marsu.

Baird’s reply is not available but, from subsequent
correspondence, was in the negative.

Under date of February 8, 1848, we have the note
in his Journal of the birth of a daughter, Lucy Hunter
Baird. ‘The boyish glee, which lay so close under his
usual serene or serious demeanor, comes to the surface
in a thumbnail silhouette in the Journal, showing two
dancing parents, each holding by one hand an infant
between them. He was very sleepy, having been up all
night; nevertheless he prepared a fish skeleton in the
evening.

From George P. Marsh to S. F. Baird.

WasuincTon, Feb. 14, 1848.
Dear Bair,

I should have been much gratified if you had arrived at a
different conclusion in respect to moving to Burlington, but I did not
think that I could conscientiously advise such a step, however pleasing
it would have been to me to have had you for a neighbor.

During this month Baird began the exploration of a
large cave on the bank of the creek northwest of the

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 179

town. It proved unexpectedly rich in bones of Pleistocene
animals. Some minute albino crustacea were found, and
a multitude of bats.

Several later visits were made and, with the help of
the students, every crevice was explored and large addi-
tions of fossil bones added to the first lot obtained.
Among them were those of the horse, the beaver, deer
and some carnivora.

In March Mrs. Churchill moved into a house next
door which involved quite an upheaval of Baird’s study
in making the change. For some time he, with the assist-
ance of some of his pupils, was energetically devoted to
the capture of salamanders, and records collecting one
hundred specimens in one afternoon in addition to frogs,
toads and snakes.

From George P. Marsh to S. F. Baird.

WasHINGTON April 18, 1848.
Dear Barrp,—

I give you joy of your Salamanders, first because they are nasty
creatures that nobody will steal, and secondly, because they are so
incombustible (if you doubt, read Benvenuto Cellini) that when
some envious rival naturalist sets your museum on fire, they will
escape unscathed. In them, therefore, you have an abiding treasure,
and I trust your salamandrian and protean heads (which we learn
from Horace, omne cum proteus, &c., was some years since driven out
to pasture in the Alleghenies and Adirondacks) will multiply until
they shall be as the sand of the seashore.

I will see the man with the hard name, who chiefly affecteth
malacology, and propound in your behalf a swap between old Europe
and young America. There is also a Thuringian who looks like an
American but is none as the poet sings:—

Tharingens Berge, zum Exampel, geben
Gewachs, sieht aus wie Wein,
Ist’s aber nicht;

180 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

yclept Wislizenus, who hath wandered in New Mexico and written
a book and is very full of prickly pears, burs, and cacti aiberhaupt.
Him also will I move to communicate with you. I wish you would
come hither and see these men, whom you would find not good
naturalists merely, but accomplished and agreeable persons.

Since the above was written I have seen Herr Lischke, who wil
write you in High Dutch, touching Umtausch, etc., also Capt. Haug,
of the Austrian Army, hath given me a slip as the address of a great
exchanger of exchanges, who dwells somewhere, and would fain
communicate.

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

WasHINGTON, June 14, 748.
Dear Bairp,—

Mr. Henry came to me this morning to consult me in regard to
the matter in which you wrote 2° by Gen. C. and will no doubt
advance you funds from time to time. He will begin moderately,
but I think there will be no difficulty in ultimately securing any
reasonable amount. I wish you would come to Washington before
the adjournment, and let me introduce you to Mr. H. provided that
you will for the time lay aside a little of your modesty, and swagger
enough to make a properimpression. . . . I did not see Gen. C,
being out when he called, and therefore congratulate Mrs. Churchill
instead on his well merited promotion. I am,

Very sincerely yours,
Georce P. Marsu.

Professor Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

WasHINGTON, July 8th, 1848.
My pear S1r,—

I received some time since a communication from Professor
Haldeman suggesting the propriety of allowing you a small sum of
money from the income of the Smithsonian Institution for the pur-
pose of procuring drawings to illustrate your scientific researches.
I have referred this subject to Dr. Morton and Mr. Haldeman as a
commission to report upon the merits of your investigations and am

20 Qn making illustrations for the Smithsonian publications.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 181

now prepared with the advice of the Executive Committee to advance
a small sum for the purpose aforementioned, it being understood
that the results of your investigations are to be presented for publi-
cation in the transactions of the Smithsonian Institution. Please
inform me of the probable amounts required.

I am, very respectfully,

Josern Henry.

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

WasHINGTON, July 11, 748.

I held a discourse with Mr. Hamilton certain days since,
and said to him what seemed to me good, touching you and your
relation to your College. Mr. H. was favorably disposed, seems to
appreciate the value of your services, and will, unless I misunder-
stand him, advocate the raising of your salary to an equality with
that of the other professors. I have not heard a word from Burlington
touching college matters since my correspondence with Mr. Wheeler,
and do not know whether any steps have been taken towards filling
the vacant professorship or not. I presume no appointment has
been made, because I do not learn that any meeting of the Board
has been called, but it is possible that encouragement of an appoint-
ment has been offered to some one. I shall write to Mr. Wheeler
by this mail and let you know the result.

On May 19, 1848, President Robert Emory, who had
been a constant friend of Baird’s, died at Baltimore.
June 6th Professor Merritt Caldwell, of the Faculty, died
at Portland, Maine. These deaths made a rearrangement
of the teaching force necessary, and the trustees met on
the 12th of July and, among other things, made Baird
Professor of Chemistry and Natural History, and raised
his salary to $1000.00 per annum.

The name of the Preparatory School was changed to
that of the Grammar School. Dr. Jesse E. Peck of
Vermont was selected as the successor to Emory in Dick-
inson College.

182 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

After Commencement Baird started on a collecting
tour to what he calls “the West,” which took him first
via Baltimore to Washington, where, July 18th, he met
Professor Henry of the Smithsonian for the first time.
They had three hours together, and Baird was authorized
to have the desired drawings made for his work, at the
expense of the Institution. The next day he visited the
incomplete Smithsonian building, and then returned to
Baltimore. Thence he travelled along the line of the
Baltimore and Ohio Canal, partly by stage and partly
by canal boat, as he notes in the Journal “a very tiresome
journey.” He collected from Cumberland to Meadville,
Pa., travelling over very bad roads and by uncomfortable
" conveyances, then by stage to Erie, where he took a
steamboat for Cleveland, Ohio, “fare $1.50 including
breakfast and dinner.” At Cleveland he visited Dr.
Jared P. Kirtland,®! one of the pioneer naturalists of the
State, a most genial and hospitable person, and others
interested in science.

A trip in a carriage with nets and preservatives, on
fishing bent, was arranged by Dr. Kirtland, and on the
15th they started southward. At Atwater Centre, where
Dr. Kirtland’s brother-in-law, Caleb Atwater, lived, the
Doctor was taken ill, and Baird left him there, proceeding
with the carriage and a driver to Poland, collecting vigor-
ously on the way. Leaving the conveyance with a nephew

of Kirtland’s he returned to Pittsburgh and by the weary

journey over the mountains reached home on the 25th.

1 Jared Potter Kirtland, born at Wallingford, Conn., Nov. 10,
1793; graduated at Yale in 1813, and as M.D., in 1815. Founder
of Cleveland Medical College, 1843-64. Deeply interested in the
Natural History of Ohio and the West, especially of the fishes.
Died at Cleveland, Ohio, Dec. 10, 1877.

*

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 183

The College opened in September. The Grammar
School was now definitely separated from it. Baird’s
duties included Chemistry, Natural Philosophy and
Zoology, twice a week each, before breakfast, for the
seniors; the juniors had four lectures a week in the after-
noon; a total of ten hours teaching weekly.

On the 22nd of September he went to the meeting
in Philadelphia of the American Association of Geologists
and Naturalists; a precursor of the Association for the
Advancement of Science. Here he met many old friends
and had long conferences with Agassiz, who was over-
flowing with projects for the elucidation of the American
fauna and flora. At midnight of the 24th he left for
Carlisle accompanied by John LeConte.

A few days later he had a visit from Professor Arnold
Guyot, who was studying the physical geography of the
Alleghenies.

Agassiz contemplated a monograph of American
fishes, and wished for Baird’s cooperation, which was
cordially given, and many fishes of Baird’s collecting
were sent him. But this was too great an undertaking
in addition to Agassiz’s other projects, and after some
years of delays and interruptions, the plan was allowed
to drop by mutual consent.

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

Buruincton, Oct. 10, 1848.
Dear Barrp,—
If Bartlett and Welford of New York, or more especially the Rev.
R. W. Griswold; late of Phila., but now, as I believe, of New York,
can’t tell you where to find the Periodicals you want, no man can.
I presume they are in the Library of Congress, and they must also
be to be found in the Boston Atheneum and the public libraries in

184 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Phila. Catalogues of public libraries I have none. Inquire also at
the Society Library in New York. You will have no trouble with
Danish, but the way of studying you propose is naught. Don’t
begin with analogies. If you do, bye and bye, you will find you can’t
tell what is what, and when you think you are speaking German you
will be makking Dansk. You can get dictionaries etc. through
Garrigue. Study the language per se, and the analogies will come
fast enough to embarrass you, without being sought.

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

Wasuincton, December 25, *48.
Dear Barrp,—

I send you by this mail, in four envelopes, 250 pages or so of a
book Garrigue wants translated. It is the explanatory text of the
Brockhaus Bilder-Atlas, and will make 1000 pages or more. He
proposed to me to undertake it, which I declined and, after proper
reservations touching my own superior qualifications, recommended
you as the next best person to do the work. He will pay well, I
think, $1.00 per page of printed matter or thereabouts. Will you
translate it, correcting, continuing and annotating to some small
extent? If yea, write G. forthwith, and fix your terms and time.

Charles Rudolph Garrigue of New York, publisher,
had secured the plates of Brockhaus’ “Bilder Atlas zum
Conversations Lexicon,” published in Leipzig. This was
an encyclopedia in which it was attempted to reduce the
amount of text by supplying an immense number of well
executed illustrations in place of descriptive matter.

This of course was long before the day of cheap photo-
engraving, and the two oblong quarto volumes of twelve
thousand steel engravings represented a large expendi-
ture of money. The Leipzig publisher was, therefore,
glad to recoup himself by selling the plates to be used in
illustrating a translation which would not compete with
the original German edition.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 185

Garrigue proposed to publish such a translation
brought up to date and it is this which Marsh refers to
in the above cited letter. In accepting the editorship,
Baird undertook not only that function but the personal
revision and translation of a great part of the text;
supervising and editing the remainder which was entrusted
to specialists for revision.

The correspondence with men devoted to the various
branches of exact science brought the editor into close
relations with most of those then existing in the United
States. He had, during his journeys and by correspond-
ence, already become well known to nearly all the active
zoologists of the day, and the work now undertaken,
which lasted nearly four years, was incidentally a means
of making him, after Agassiz, the most generally well
known man of science in America. The work was pub-
lished in 1852 under the title of ‘‘The Iconographic
Encyclopedia,” and the contract with the publisher was
signed March 15th, 1849. After this was undertaken
the entries in his Journal become much more concise,
and often the word “Bilder” alone occurs to indicate
the general tenor of his occupation, which became regular
almost to monotony; being practically taken up with the
encyclopedia and his college work.

He had meanwhile received the following letter from
Professor Henry:

From Joseph Henry to S. F. Baird.

Princeton, Oct. 2, 1848.
My pear Sir,—

Your communication of Sept. 28th has just reached me at Prince-
ton. Prof. Agassiz and Mr. Redfield have in preparation a memoir
of the fossil fish of North America, which they intend to present to

186 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

the Smithsonian for publication in the volumes of the Contributions.
In connection with this Prof. Agassiz spoke to me of the preparation
of a monograph of the fish of this country also to be presented to the
Smithsonian Institution. I agree to the proposition that the engrav-
‘ings on stone for both these memoirs should be prepared by the
artists now in the employment of Prof. Agassiz, provided that the
work can be done as cheaply as by other artists who might be em-
ployed. The professor also mentioned to me your desire of having
your illustrations prepared by the same artists. To this I have no
objection, and I shall be pleased to learn that you have made an
arrangement by which the Ichthyology of our country will be more
fully developed. You may be assured that the Smithsonian Institu-
tion will afford you every facility in the way of publication compatible
with its limited means and with the plan of organization which has
been adopted.

With my best wishes for your continued success in the prose-
cution of your interesting researches, I remain very truly,

Your obt. Serv.

JoserH Henry.

About this time, with his students and friends, Baird
was using his scanty leisure investigating the fossil con-
tents of caves not only near Carlisle, but wherever such
caves were reported and within reach.

These bones in later years afforded much of interest
to paleontologists.

October 28, 1848, he received the honorary degree of
M.D. from the Philadelphia College of Medicine.

March 28, 1849, he went to Washington and besides
meeting Agassiz and many other scientific friends, had
long conferences with Professor Henry, in which it is
probable he explained many of his plans for research.
As is customary in such cases he was requested to write
a letter explanatory of his proposals in order that they
might be officially on record.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 187

In May the Bairds had a visit from the Rev. Sewall
Sylvester Cutting, a professor in the University of Roches-
ter, a cousin of Mrs. Churchill and afterward influential
in matters connected with explorations of the Northwest
in which the Smithsonian was interested.

In June Baird addressed the following letter to
Professor Henry:

CaRLISLE, June 9, 1849.
Dear Sir:—

As the time of our annual vacation is close at hand, I embrace
the occasion to write and ask if it will be in accordance with your
views for me to make an expedition, partly at the expense of the
Smithsonian Institution, for the purpose of collecting specimens
for its future museum. Professor Agassiz and I, when in Washington
together, arranged a system of explorations, for the sake of more
speedily and systematically getting a complete view of the ichthyology
of our country. I undertook the streams of Western and Middle
Virginia, as also of southern Pennsylvania, but shall be unable to
carry out the plan on my own resources. It would not be desirable
to confine my attention to fishes exclusively; there is a vast field of
exploration in the caves of various places in my intended route,
whence treasures of the greatest possible interest to the Paleontolo-
gist and Naturalist might be exhumed. Reptiles, also, Mollusca,
and Crustacea as also anything else of importance, would have to
receive a share of attention. The coal mines of southern Penna.
would yield rich series of fossil coal plants. Reptiles, fishes and fossils,
would, however, be the principal objects.

The amount I would like to have advanced, if the expedition is
sanctioned, would be from 50 to 75 dollars, the former amount
would be sufficient to do very much. Much depends upon the cost
of alcohol and vessels. The strictest economy will, of course, be
exercised, and a return of expenditures made.

I have been making vast collections of specimens here this sum-
mer, especially illustrating the transformations of reptiles and fishes.
I count my specimens of the larvae of the salamanders, frogs, toads,
&c., in their different stages, by the quart, and gallon in many cases.

188 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I have succeeded in disentangling most of the knots in the natural
history of these animals, and can do what I am sure no one else can—
exhibit full series, and render a complete account of them, as far as
they occur in this neighborhood. I have also made a great number
of very minute skeletons, by the help of the tadpoles of a certain
species of Rana, some of them of most exquisite beauty. I have
done this in obedience to my own tendencies, strengthened by the
earnest advice of Professor Agassiz, who said that such collections
as these would be of unique and inestimable value.

To the preceding letter the following replies:

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION,
June 13, 1849.
My pear S1r,—

I hasten to inform you that (you) can draw on me for the amount
of 75 dolls. for the object mentioned in your letter of the gth inst.

I shall be at the meeting in Boston if nothing unusual happens
to prevent my going.

I am so much engaged in my multifarious duties tiie it will be
impossible for me to accept your polite invitation to Carlisle at the
time you mention.

I am much pleased to learn that you are still so much engaged
in your researches and collections. I will see that the accounts for
transportation and other expenses are promptly paid as soon as they
are sent in. I know you will excuse me for not acknowledging the
receipt of your former letter. Besides the general superintendence
of the affairs of the Institution the reception and rejection of memoirs,
etc., &c., I have undertaken to look into the affairs of the building
and to re-model the internal arrangements so as to render them a
little better adapted to the wants of the Institution.

In haste I remain Yours truly

JosepH Henry.

In pursuance of this arrangement, after College
Commencement, Baird, with two pupils, Kennerly and

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 189

Bibb, started July 13th for western Virginia, on a collect-
ing expedition. They visited Kennerly’s father in Clarke
County, then proceeded in a carriage from Harrisonburg
to Stanton and the Shenandoah Valley, dragging every
stream with a small seine for fishes. On the 22nd they
reached the White Sulphur Springs, Baird very ill with
dysentery, which had been coming on for several days.

He was critically ill, but medical attendance and the
faithful nursing of his companion carried him through the
crisis, and on the 1st of August he was able to be moved
and on the road to recovery. By the time they reached
Newtown, Kennerly was down with the disease and had
to be left. Baird and Bibb finally reached Carlisle on
the 7th of August. He was well enough by the 16th to
start for the meeting of the American Association at
Cambridge, where he stayed with Professor Agassiz, with
Haldeman, Gibbes of South Carolina, John Le Conte
and the Holbrooks. After the meeting he returned to
Carlisle August 25th, and went to work again on the
encyclopedia.

From J. D. Dana to Spencer F. Baird.

New Haven, Conn., August 27th, 1849.

‘ As to your application to Professor Henry. The fact
is that Henry has no idea of requiring, yet a while, a curator. He
intends to have nothing to do with the Exploring Expedition Collec-
tions or any other government property. I regret that he takes this
stand,—for collections are better than books to the naturalist; they
contain the whole that was ever put in words on the subject, and they
illustrate a thousand times more. He is more interested in the library
and publications,—both very important purposes,—but the plan is
one sided—and not of the wide comprehensive character I had
expected from Henry. I wish there was a chance to establish you
here at Yale, but that is out of the question. Your industry must be

190 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

great and your science too, to accomplish all you have done. I wish
you all success and would be glad to do more than wish.

From Louis Agassiz to Spencer F. Baird.

Oct. 9, 1849.
My pear S1r,—

I have received your box in perfect good state, and return my
best thanks for all the fine things sent to me, which are equally
instructive and acceptable. The Lepidostei are particularly welcome.
I trust I shall be able to prepare a good paper upon them now.

I have written to-day to Prof. Henry about the Conservatorship
of the Museum in such terms as to let him feel how important your
connection with that Institution might be for its advance in the
Nat. Hist. Department.

Girard says the Southern Cottus is again a new one. I have not
yet compared it myself.

I send two new plates for your revision and the names. Please
return them soon as Mr. Sonrel is anxious to have them printed while
the press man is not too busy and can take good care of them. What
is the number to’be struck off? I think Prof. Henry said 1,000 for
the volume and 250 for us. You need not return the proofs, but
only send your remarks. Mr. Garrigue will have already written
to you that it will give me great pleasure to revise any part of your
translation of the Cyclopedia you may wish to send to me, and I
will do it always in as short a time as it can possibly be done.

It has given me great pleasure to peruse your Batrachians. I
shall not fail to send a copy to Tschudi and though I do not know
where he is at present, I shall include it to a friend who must know
his whereabouts.

From Spencer F. Baird to Prof. Joseph Henry.

CaRLISLE, Nov. 3, 1849.
Dear Sir,—
Many thanks to you for your kind letter of Nov. Ist. and for the
information therein contained. You must have been kept pretty
busy this fall between your gigantic plans for the advancement of

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 1g!

meteorological science, and the affairs of the Smithsonian Institution
Building. I think we are now in a fair way to have many knotty
problems solved with regard to the mutual connection and causes
of many natural phenomena. There certainly is no way in which
the will of the founder of the Smithsonian Institution as to the increase
of knowledge can be more effectually carried out than in taking charge
of what no individual or even ordinary society could grasp. I consider
the day as not very distant when many of the most interesting ques-
tions in natural and physical science shall be solved by the agencies
set in motion by the Institution, yourself at the head. How easy to
call upon the trained meteorological correspondents for information
upon other subjects, the distribution and local or general appearance
of certain forms of animals, vegetables, or minerals; the occurrence
of various diseases over the entire country; the spread and rate of
progress of a pestilence as small pox, yellow fever, or cholera through
the land; the range of action of noxious insects, as the Hessian fly,
the cotton or tobacco worm, etc. with an infinity of others. I have
long dreamed of some central association or influence which might
call for such information, digest it, and then publish it in practical
form to the world, and I see that my dream is not far from realization.
Pennsylvania should not be behindhand with Massachusetts and
New York in their aids to science. She will, I hope, follow their
example when she realizes that an example has been set her by states
with whom she has endeavored to compete in plans for universal
education.

There is quite an interesting article on meteorology in the Bilder
Atlas which J have already translated, but have not had transcribed
for the printer. It may occupy some pages of the Iconographic
Encyclopedia. I would be much gratified if you would read it over
and note any errors which may have crept in or been retained. I
have finished the matter of about 700 pages of the whole American
edition, having rendered nearly 300 last month. If I can continue
at the same rate for several months longer I shall be through with it.
Translating scientific matters is with me a labor of love, and when
I finish the work I am at I shall miss a pleasant occupation. If you
do not check my presumption, I may come upon you for permission
to help you in your physical investigations by translating or digesting
matters of German science. I could do much more than I now accom-

192 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

plish but for the—to me—odious labor of preparing two lectures
weekly in the department of Chemical philosophy. I can make no
researches for want of the proper apparatus, and the endless repetition
of old and threadbare facts is, to say the least, tiresome.

Will you not send me a note on the matters in Miller’s Physics
in which proper credit has not been given to you for discoveries and
observations made. The text of the Natural Philosophy of the
Bilder Atlas is much like that of Miller, although rather fresher,
and I would wish to do you justice in your own country. I have
already made sundry corrections in the subject of electro-magnetism,
but some inaccuracies I may have overlooked. I shall endeavor
throughout the entire work to do full justice to American Savants,
when it has not already been done. If you have time, I would beg
for a memorandum of this kind, as the Natural Philosophy is now
being printed, and I would wish to make any necessary corrections
in time. I regretted exceedingly that your absence this fall prevented
me from taking advantage of your kind offer to read over the MSS
of the Physics.

I send an account of expenditures for freight of specimens,
liquor used and other items. Part of the whiskey bill is for the
amounts received prior to January first, 1849, but I thought it best
to send in the entire account. Dickinson College would pay about
half of it, but I think it best not to let the College have any claim
upon the specimens, although it was understood, at the time of my
depositing my collections, that sundry expenses were to be paid by
her for the use of the specimens in their free exhibition to the students.
The specimens received are by no means represented by the amount
of their cost. A large number of very rare or new and exceedingly
valuable forms of natural history are embraced in the series. Never
have I obtained half as much in the same time as since April first
of this year. I am overloaded with treasures, duplicates of great
value and uniques. In fact, I am greatly at a loss to know where
to stow all my goods, I wish they were all transferred to the cellars
of the Smithsonian Institution.

Should you consider it indelicate importunity in me—as such
I am afraid you will consider it—to ask whether you will recommend
the appointment of a Curator this winter. I feel more and more
desirous of escaping from my toils here, which I should do, were I

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 193

so fortunate as to be selected for the post. I am afraid with the
limited attendance of students this year that it will be impossible
for the Treasurer of the college to pay the full amount of salary
($1000). Next spring, too, my father-in-law, Gen. Churchill, breaks
up his establishment here, and leaves Carlisle as a residence, in
which event my own conveniences and facilities for investigation and
study will be greatly curtailed, by the necessary restrictions of a
boarding house. I can at any time make arrangements for a substi-
tute in the College to take charge of the uncompleted portion of the
year (collegiate). My plan would be if I were appointed for the first
of January, or even the first of July, 1850, to transport most or all
specimens to Washington in the spring, and after remaining there
for a while, to go North and explore the region on the north of New
York, the wildest portion of the United States, there to collect
specimens of all kinds and to make such observations of various
kinds as might be in my power. Professor Guyot intends visiting
the same region, and the explorations belonging to our mutual
department will be appropriately carried on together. I have many
connections in the Adirondack region, and have already visited it,
although several years have since elapsed. Before I started I could
put matters in train for calling in collections from various parts of
the country by the distribution of various circulars. Could I but
ask in the name of the Smithsonian Institution for objects of interest,
their acquisition would be much easier than it is now. If you could
not spare as much as $500.00 per annum for expenses, I could do a
great deal with half the sum. This sum, with $1000 for myself,
would not be a heavy drag upon the funds for a year or two. I may
have opportunities now for making collections which may not soon
or may never recur, and I would like to commence working the
great machinery which I trust I can set up for making a true and
genuine collection of objects of science. I am afraid I have wearied
your patience by what I have written, but hope you will forgive
my prolixity and importunity in regard to what is a somewhat vital
matter.

The policy of Professor Henry in not desiring the
Exploring Expedition’s collections transferred to the
proposed Smithsonian Museum was doubtless due to

13

194 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

his desire to keep the Institution strictly within its
private capacity as a trust from the donor of the endow-
ment, for which the United States Government merely
acts as trustee. In this way the invasion of political
influence might be blocked, a menace in those days far
more dangerous than at present.

In reply to a request that he would help on the
geological part of the Encyclopedia William Baird writes:

From William M. Baird to S. F. Baird.
Reapinc, November 13th, 1849.

I would help you with pleasure in this thing, and you
may send on your manuscript as soon as you please. I would do
it for you for nothing, but if you make anything out of the book,
and choose to pay me for my work, I shan’t object; though as to
“sharing in the amount received,” I will not agree to it, if by this
you mean to divide the amount equally; as, of course, your part
of the work would not only be much greater but worth a great deal
more than mine. But, respecting the profits, there will be time
enough to talk hereafter.

From Mrs. Spencer F. Baird to C. C. Jewett.

CaruisLeE, Penna. Nov. 21, 1849.
Dear Sir:—

Pardon me if I am intrusive, but I hope the circumstances will
be a sufficient apology. After the conversation we had in New
York, I feel less hesitation about writing, but now, even after having
obtained leave from Mr. Baird to do so, I am almost afraid to
venture.

As the time for the election draws near I am, naturally, becoming
anxious as to the result, and not having Mr. Marsh any longer in
Washington, to whom I could always write freely on any subject,
I have presumed to write to you, unofficially of course, to ask you
if you can tell me anything with respect to it. Of all things my

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 195

husband is afraid of appearing importunate, but as it is a matter
of some moment to us, and occupies much of our thoughts, my
feminine curiosity will not allow me to remain quiet.

About two weeks ago Mr. Baird wrote to Prof. Henry on this
subject, and some scientific matters, in reply to a letter which he
had just received from Prof. Henry; he supposed his letter would
have been answered before this, but not having heard, I am afraid
it is lost. Do you know whether Prof. Henry received Mr. Baird’s
letter? If you can let me know, you will oblige me very much. I
am aware this must be a busy time with you, and perhaps this is
troubling you too much, but I think you will appreciate my uneasi-
ness. And especially, I beg you will attribute this letter to me and
not to Mr. Baird.

Yours, with much respect,

Mary H. C. Barrp.

Mr. Jewett was the exceedingly capable librarian-to-
be, for the Smithsonian, and at that time in close contact
with Professor Henry’s plans and the preliminaries of
organization. He had already met Mrs. Baird and
formed with her a friendly intimacy.

From C. C. Jewett to Mrs. S. F. Baird.

WasHINGTON, 29 Nov. 1849.
My pear Mrs. Barrp,—

Since receiving your favor of the 21st inst. I have been watching
for an opportunity to converse with Professor Henry respecting the
appointment of Mr. Baird. I found it yesterday and will tell you
the result in a few words, which, so far as it goes, is favorable to
your wishes.

The only obstacle, so far as at present appears, to an immediate
nomination is the want of funds. Till March 1852 nearly the whole
income of the Institution is, by a financial scheme adopted by the
Regents, to be devoted to the erection of the building. Till then if
the public ask for the bread of intellectual life, they must receive

196 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

mostly stones; for but a small portion of the income can be appro-
priated for the real objects of the Institution. In accordance with
this arrangement the sum which will next year be allowed to the
department of collections, after deducting current expenses is $3650.00.
Of this $3000 is required to pay for books and engravings bought
of Mr. Marsh. Thus, only $650 will be left for the purpose of books
and for other operations of the library during the year! I trust,
however, this is not the whole of the story. Prof. Henry proposes
to ask the Regents to vary a little from their plan, so as to produce
the same result with reference to the building fund—but to prolong
the time from two years to three or four. We might thus draw from
the building fund $5000 or $6000 a year for two years and repay
it the two following years. In case this is done I consider it quite
certain that Mr. Baird will be appointed at the next meeting of the
Regents. I cannot tell what doubts and difficulties may arise and
I am telling tales out of school, to say what I have said. But I can
fully appreciate your desire to know all the probabilities of the case,
when the certainty cannot be known. We shall not be able to speak
with much confidence until about the time of the meeting of the
Regents the first week in January. If anything new occurs, I will
inform you.

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

SMITHSONIAN InstrruTion, November 1849.
My pear Sir,—

During my absence at the North my letters were forwarded to
me and among the number was one from you which by accident was
mislaid at Princeton and has just now come to light. I regret that
it has so long remained unanswered.

After leaving Cambridge to Professor Bache, I then went to
Toronto, U. C. to confer with Capt. Lefroy relative to the co-opera-
tion of the observers in the British provinces in our system of meteor-
ology, and also to get some instruction in the manipulation of the
self-registering photographic magnetic instrument. My visit was
highly gratifying. I received all the information I desired and the
assurance of a hearty co-operation in all the operations of the Smith-
sonian Inst.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 197

The state of New York has appropriated 3000 dols. for improving
its system of meteorology and has given the system principally in
charge to the Smith. Inst. Massachusetts will probably follow this
example; also the Surgeon General of the U. S. will probably order
the several new military posts to be furnished with instruments in
accordance with our plans. I have procured a standard barometer
from London and, after considerable discussion, have settled upon
forms of instruments and observations to be generally used. I have
engaged Green of New York, formerly of Baltimore, to make the
barometers and thermometers, and Pike & Son of the same city to
construct rain-gauges, snow-gauges and wind-vanes. The arrange-
ment of this matter has occupied much of my time since I saw
you last.

The affairs of the Institution appear to be in a favorable condi-
tion and I think it probable that the building will be finished before
the expiration of the time mentioned in the contract, provided the
contractor can procure the money for the purpose.

Mr. Marsh found some difficulty in arranging his business before
he started. We purchased, or agreed to purchase, 3000 dols. worth
of his library and he deposited a portion of the remainder with us.
Before he left he put in my hands a warm letter in your favor to be
used at the proper time. ,

I am much obliged to you for the information relative to the
German reports. The appendix to the work you mention should be
translated and published. I was not well pleased with the American
edition of Miller. The body of the work gave several principles
which were due to me, though no credit was given. The American
edition should have done better justice.

What progress are you making in the translation and publication
of your German Lexicon? I have seen one part, the execution is
beautiful. Cannot you furnish me in time for my report with an
account of what you have done in the way of Natural History with
the small appropriation given you for researches and collections in
this line. Give it to me in such a form that I can use it in or rather
append it to my report.

Shall we not see you in Washington this winter? I remain,

Truly yours, etc.,

Joseru Henry.

198 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From S. F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaruisLE, December 6th, 1849.

Your letter came this morning and the package this
evening. You need not apologize for the execution of the work;
it is done most beautifully. I will read over the parcel in a day
or two and write about it more fully. I am much obliged to you
for the emendations and improvements. By the way, “bahavia”
is the technical word for the contact of a mineral before the blow-
pipe.

I am glad you liked the minerals. I have two boxes of superb
Norwegian minerals received from my correspondent, Mr. Aall,
which I rather think I will lend you till I want them. What say
you? Iam daily expecting too a lot of fine ores of gold, silver, lead,
etc. I do not wish to hurry you about the geology, but would like
it as soon as convenient. It will come on in a few months and Profes-
sor Agassiz can attend to the revision immediately; still, I want
you to do nothing to inconvenience or injure yourself. Did I ‘tell
you of the superb lot of German fish and reptiles I received lately?

From S. F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaRLISLE, December 16th, 1849.

The manuscript has gone to Dana, but I have not yet
heard from him about it. How does the geology flourish? When
you have got through about half of the matter you have I want you
to send it to me with the text too of that portion without waiting
for the rest. The plates can all remain until the whole is finished.
The article on geognosy as distinguished from geology would make
.a good breaking off place.

I got my Rocky Mountain things yesterday. You never dreamed
of such a pair of elk horns with the skull and skin of the head. They
make two of Colonel Tuley’s. Their weight is over fifty pounds, at
which they are charged in the bill of freight. There were two nicely
stuffed antelopes male and female, and a beautifully prepared head
of the black tailed, or mule deer.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 199

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

Smirusonian InstiTuTION, Dec. 11, 1849.
My bear Sir,—

I have no doubt that you are very anxious to learn the state of
the Smithsonian affairs, particularly in reference to the probability
of your appointment at the next meeting of the Board, and I regret
with my present engagements I am unable to go into a full exposition
of all the facts bearing on the question. From present appearances
I do not think there is any prospect of your being appointed at the
approaching meeting, though if the state of the funds are no worse
than I think they are, something more may perhaps be allowed for
collections.

You know that in order to increase the principal of the Smith-
sonian fund the Regents resolved to defer the full operation of the
Institution until after March, 1852. They wished and still wish to
be able to state to the public that after completing the building and
getting the Institution under way, they have added 150,000 dols.
to the original fund. Every proposition which interferes with this
plan is received with coolness. The plan was originally suggested
by the probability that I was about to resign the office of Secretary
and it was afterwards modified so as not to bring in Professor Jewett
until the completion of the building. This part of the plan was
warmly opposed by Mr. Jewett and his friends, and I think, justly,
because he had been appointed to commence his duties three years
before the above-mentioned time. The plan was adopted and Profes-
sor Jewett was brought in three months before the time mentioned
and in consequence of this I asked at the last session of the Board
that an additional appropriation might be made for the active opera-
tion of the Institution. This, however, was reluctantly granted
and was finally considered favorably only on account of the advance
in the value of the stock which formed the principal part of the build-
ing fund. All the appropriations of the present year have been ex-
pended and, besides this, a portion of the library of Mr. Marsh, to
the value of 3,000 dolls. has been purchased. The purchase was made
in the first place with the idea that the money was not to be advanced
on it until the end of three years. Mr. Marsh, however, found it
impossible to make his arrangements for leaving the country without

200 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

receiving at least a part of the money and in order to prevent difficulty,
I advanced $1500.00 on my own account, and promised to propose
to the Board that the whole should be paid at the beginning of the
next year. From the above statement you will perceive that we shall
be much straitened next year unless the Board conclude to abandon
the financial scheme they have adopted.

I can assure you that it would give me much pleasure to nominate
you to the office of naturalist were there any prospect that the nomi-
nation would at present be for the best interests of the Institution,
or that it would be acted on by the Board. I have told you that you
are my choice and if nothing occurs to change my opinion of your
character, of which I see not the slightest prospect, I shall nominate
you to the Board in due time. You must recollect, however, (and
I know you do) that in all the appointments I must be governed by
what I consider to be the best for the Institution. I shall know no
friendship in the choice, and if you are elected it will be because,
all things considered, you are the best man; you will therefore owe
your election to your own reputation though I shall nominate you
with the understanding that you will assist in carrying out the plan
of the Institution set forth in the Programme.

From Spencer F. Baird to Joseph Leidy.

ree res CaRLisLE, Dec. 5, 1849.

I hope you do not think it necessary to make any excuse for
asking me to assist you in your researches in any way.” I am only
too happy to be associated even indirectly in those discoveries of
which (yourself the greatest) we are all so proud. Never hesitate in
the least about calling on me, as you love me. I regret vastly that
you did not speak of these things you wish, before this time. I went
out to the woods this afternoon with three of my most indefatigable
assistants, but could find nothing of the kind wanted, not even a
Julus. It was just so last year. I picked up a few scolopendra,
Passalus, Gryllus, various larvae, &c. which I send by Adams Express
to-day. . . . The Salamanders I send have had nothing to eat
for more than six months, and the snake is not much better off; there

2 Doctor Leidy was then engaged on his great work on a fauna
and flora in living animals.

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 201

should therefore be an astonishing vegetation in their intestines,
since nothing has passed along to break off the tender plants.

You cannot think with what pleasure I read your account of
Entophyta. It is a great discovery and we are a great people.

Perge modo, as you have begun. I shall look for the big paper
with much eagerness. send me some copies of the abstract; I can
well dispose of them to some pet German and English correspondent.
I am delighted that young America will now have an opportunity
of poking over the old bones which have long lain entombed in the
big room of the Philosophical Society. I have recently got some
fine things from the alluvium of the Susquehanna, horns of fossil
elk, teeth of bears, foxes, etc. I am in daily expectation of a large
lot. Would you like the stuffed skin of a Norwegian lynx, or an
Antilope americana for the Academy?

I wish I could come down to Philadelphia at Christmas. I
may, possibly, but think it doubtful.

Very truly yours

S. F Barrp.

After a visit to his publisher in New York Baird made
a flying visit to Washington for a conference with Pro-
fessor Henry, of whom he was a guest. By New Year’s
eve he was again at home.

It was by this time fairly well settled that when an
election by the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian
Institution took place, Baird would be selected as Assist-
ant Secretary in charge of the Museum which Congress
had prescribed as one of the functions of the Institution.

Henry’s idea that the collections should be made by
and be the sole property of the Smithsonian was doubtless
in order to avoid friction with government organizations
which had already made collections and would be unwill-
ing to part with them; and above all to avoid any trace
of political control in the conduct of the Smithsonian
trust. Thus since a Museum was prescribed by law in
its charter he was willing to expend a small portion of the

202 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

income available from the trust fund in collecting and pre-
serving material. This view was accepted by Baird loyally
and prevailed during the early years, while the Institution
was “getting on its feet” and establishing its reputation.
Later circumstances led to a modification of this policy,
which, however, must be understood in order that the
conditions under which Baird was to work at first may
be comprehended by the reader.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaRLISLE, Jan. 3, 1850.
Dear WILL,

On my return home last Monday evening I found the package
of Geological Mss. which I have just finished revising. It is written
very beautifully and required no correcting but for errors or inele-
gancies into which I myself had fallen. I shall be glad to have the
rest as soon as you can finish it, as it is important that Prof. Agassiz
should receive it for scientific correction as soon as possible.

I regretted very much that I was unable to come to Reading on
my recent trip. My time however was very limited, and I went
entirely on business concerning the Iconographic Encyclopedia, in
consideration of which Garrigue paid my expenses. Indeed I could
not have afforded the cost myself. I first went to New York to con-
sult personally with Garrigue: then to Phila. where I spent all the
time in making extracts from botanical books, at the Academy to
complete the article on Botany for the Iconographic; then to Wash-
ington to get some government maps of Oregon, California, Upper
Mississippi, &c. which Garrigue wants to have engraved for the Ic.
Coming back I stopped at Haldeman’s to see how he was getting on
with the translation and elaboration of the Invertebrata which I
have committed entirely to him. All these operations kept me very
busy, in addition to which I had a jaw and tooth ache with swelled
face nearly all the time, which rather bothered me.

I have got a copy of the Iconographic for you. The first 4 num-
bers I have here and send today or tomorrow by Adams’ express.
The rest you will get directly from Garrigue through the Reading

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD
From a Daguerreotype taken about 1850

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 203

agent. When he orders the numbers monthly make him ask for your
copy. See however whether he orders from Garrigue directly or from
some Philadelphia agent. In the latter case some especial arrange-
ment will have to be made. Of course you understand that the copy
costs you nothing: it is one of several copies which Garrigue gives me.

I forgot to say that Dana has returned the Mss. of Mineralogy
with faithful corrections. He insists among others in spelling Feldspar
with a d (not Felspar). You owe me a letter don’t you? Give my
love to grandmother, Mother, Harriet, Lyd, and all.

Yours affectionately

S. F. Barro

From Spencer F. Baird to James D. Dana.

CaRLISLE, Jan. 3, 1850.
Dear Dana,—

You ask me about my family. I wonder I have not
spoken or written of them before now, as I am rather given to loquac-
ity on this subject. My wife is a daughter of Gen. Churchill, In-
spector-General of the Army, and a first-rate one she is, too. Not
the least fear of snakes, salamanders, and such other Zoological
interestings; cats only are to her an aversion. Well educated and
acquainted with several tongues, she usually reads over all my letters,
crossing i’s and dotting t’s, sticking in here a period, and there a
comma, and converting my figure 7’s into “f’’s.23 In my absence,
she answers letters of correspondents, and in my presence reads them.
She transcribes my illegible Mss., correcting it withal, and does not
grudge the money I spend in books. In addition to all these literary
accomplishments, she regulates her family well (myself included)
and her daughter is the cleanest and most neatly dressed child in
town. So much for the Frau.

My daughter and only child, Lucy, is about 23 months old, talks
like a young steamboat; is passionately fond of Natural History,
admiring snakes above all things. Of these she usually has one or
more as playthings, which range from six inches to six feet in length
(living). She will stand for hours at a time diving after the fish or

3 T.e., the German crossed seven which Prof. Baird always used
in writing, for clearness.

204 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

salamanders which I keep in tubs in my room. A friend gave her a
sugar fish some time ago, which she immediately insisted should be
put in a bottle. Her chief admiration is of ducks, one of which
mounted on wheels (wooden) and the size of life is her plaything
from morning till night. She spends her time chiefly in dragging
about this duck and “writing” ducks and the like with her pencil.
Now beat the above, if you can. I wish you had some call to
the South, (via Carlisle) and would bring Mrs. D. with you that we
might compare notes. May not some such opportunity occur before
a great while. Very truly yours,
Spencer F. Barro.

From Jas. D. Dana to S. F. Baird.

Dee tan New Haven, Jany. 8, 1850.

d I was delighted to hear of your happy home; for I can
now think of you as something more than a naturalist, having other
sources of pleasure besides snakes and lizards. The picture you draw
shows that you appreciate the blessings of a good wife and have a
treasure of a wife to appreciate. I shall not attempt to retaliate, but
ask you and yours to come and see us in our own house and home—
for we have recently built us a home in a pleasant part of the city.
Will only say with regard to my better half that she claims to be
the only lady who has read through critically every page of my
volume on Zoophytes, 740 pages, quarto—!— and as for little Fanny,
now 33% years old, she was just now prattling about “tistals” and
often has much to say of the “tustacean.” * Master Eddie, hardly
two monthsold, is beginning to make frequent observations on Nature.

Allow me to present my kind regards to your lady and believe me

Very truly yours,
Jas. D. Dana.®

*4 Crystals and Crustaceans. Professor Dana was of course an
authority on both minerals and marine invertebrates.

* The result of the above correspondence was that the two ladies
were very much afraid of each other, and it was not until they met,
when they very speedily became good friends, that each discovered
that the other was not so profoundly learned that she need fear to
converse with her! (Note by Miss Lucy H. Baird.)

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 205

From Spencer F. Baird to Joseph Henry.

CaRLISLE, Jan. 26, 1850.
Dear Sir,—

The prospects of success in making collections for the
coming year are unusually bright. In the first place, I have heard
of a meadow some few miles from Carlisle which, on being ploughed
for the first time several years ago, exhibited a great number of fossil
bones, horns of deer, etc. many of them according to my informant
of the most singular appearance. None of these were preserved but,
as the ploughing extended only to the depth of six inches, it is certain
that a subsoil plough would turn up additional quantities. The
meadow was probably once a bog in which these animals of a past
race became mired; as is supposed to have been the case with the
Big Bone Lick of Kentucky, which I hope my new locality will rival,
if not in the size, at least in the quality of its remains. As soon as
the snow leaves the surface, I intend by permission of the proprietor
to have this three-acre meadow ploughed up, so as by the expenditure
of a few dollars (probably not over five) to obtain an abundant
harvest of fossil remains. My object is to make the Smithsonian
Museum eminent above all others American for the value of its
vertebrate fossil remains, a department in which everything remains
to be done, although of the very highest zoological and geological
interest. The collections I have already made under this head far
outweigh all others of a similar character in all other American
collections combined. A new bone cave, explored by some of my
students during Christmas week last, has furnished very valuable
matter. I hope, thus, ere long to have the material for an entirely
unique series of papers for the Smithsonian Contributions, to be
prepared by such person or persons as may be the most competent.

From Mrs. Lydia M. Baird to Spencer F. Baird.

Reapinae, Feby. 2nd, 1850.
My pear Son:—
I was just thinking that as I was to stay another week in Reading,
I would answer Mary’s very acceptable letter, when it occurred to
me that to-morrow would be your birthday, and I concluded to write

206 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

to you instead, knowing that she would consider it as the same thing.
I can scarcely believe that it is 27 years since you were given into my
arms, as sweet and lovely a baby as was ever seen, and that you are
now a man past the freshness of youth, fast settling down into the
habits of mature years. I need not say, my dear child, that I wish
you many happy returns of this day; this would be like an idle compli-
ment, coming from the lips of your mother, but I will say that I hope
many are in store for you, and that I trust that as each anniversary
comes round, it may find you better fitted to act your part in the
sphere in which your lot may be cast, both with credit to yourself,
and profit to others, and that above all you may acquire that only
knowledge, that “can make you wise unto salvation.”

I am thankful, my dear child, to our Heavenly Father that he has
made you what you are, that he has restrained you from much sin and
wickedness that too many of the young fall into, and I hope that you
also feel sensible for the numberless blessings for which you are indebted
to him, health and friends, a good wife, and sweet child are all his gifts,
besides innumerable incidents of his watchful Providence over you, and
signally shown in your restoration to health last summer, when from
all accounts your life must have been in great danger. :

Forgive me, dear son, for the grave style of this letter. I feel
unusually so, when I think how rapidly time is hastening away, and
how little improvement we are making of it.

I must not conclude this part of my letter without saying what
I think, my dear son, you are justly deserving of, and that is that
you have ever been to me a kind and dutiful child; in this respect
you do not have any thing to reproach yourself with, and I trust
never will.

Your affectionate mother,

L. M. Barrp.

From Spencer F. Baird to Joseph Leidy.

CaRLISLE, Feb. 16, 1850.
Dear Lervy,

Spring is fast approaching, and to use a mercantile phrase, you
must send on your orders soon if you want them filled. In
other words, let me know pretty soon what specimens you want me
to get, and how many quarts, pecks, or bushels of each.

LYDIA M. BAIRD WITH HER GRAND-DAUGHTER AND NAMESAKE
From a Photograph taken about 1866

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 207

In a conversation I had with Prof. Henry some time ago, I took
occasion to blow your trumpet a little, when I told him that you had
several papers requiring pretty heavy illustration, he requested me
to tell you that he would publish them in the Smithsonian Trans-
actions to any reasonable amount. He will give you two hundred
copies for yourself and publish a single paper without waiting for a
volume. I have persuaded Dr. Joseph Culbertson of Chambersburg
to present some of his Merycoidodon fossils to the Academy. Please
have them presented accordingly.

On the day this letter was written Baird had been to
Chambersburg to bid goodbye to Dr. Culbertson, who was
about to start for the far West. For collections to be
made by him the Smithsonian had made a small appro-
priation.

In March work on the Encyclopedia alternated with
college work and energetic search for fossil bones in
caves and elsewhere. A visit to Philadelphia to attend a
meeting of the trustees of Dickinson College was followed
by a few days in New York and return to Carlisle in the
early part of April.

Baird had suggested to Henry the preparation of
circulars giving simple instructions for collecting in various
branches of Natural History and had submitted a draft
of such a circular to be issued by the Smithsonian.

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

Wasuincton April 23, 1850.

My pear Sir:

Your letter of the 20th has just been received, and after making
a slight alteration in your circular, I return it to you with my full
approbation. I also send you a certificate of appointment as the
agent for the Smithsonian Institution.

I have deferred from time to time writing to you with the hope
of being able to give you some definite information as to our plans

208 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

for the present and the next year. I am sorry, however, to say that
they are not yet definitely settled and will principally depend on
the decision of the Regents as to the course to be pursued with refer-
ence to the building. You have been informed that a considerable
portion of the interior fell down, and that the Regents will be obliged
to fire-proof the Library and Museum. This change in the plan will
cost about 45,000 dolls. in addition to the original estimate. I fully
agree in the propriety of the expenditure under the present circum-
stances, for if we are to have collections of a valuable character they
should be deposited in a suitable building. The extra expenditure
however will diminish the annual income of the Institution, and
increase its natural tendency to assume a statical state, in which
miscellaneous collections of objects of nature and art are merely
exhibited as curiosities.

To counteract this tendency, it is important that we should
push on the active operations, and for this purpose it is absolutely
necessary that I should have more assistance. On this point I wish
to have some free conversation with you and if it be possible for you
to come to Washington for a few days it would be well for you to do
so. We should have a full understanding with each other before our
connection is finally settled, that there may be no cause of difficulty
in the future.

You know that I accepted my present position with the under-
standing that I should be allowed to carry out my plans of active
operations, and that in accordance with this understanding I refused
to accept a position much more in accordance with my taste as well
as my pecuniary interest. I now find myself however very much
restricted by the compromise of the Board and the diminution of
our income. I am therefore the more determined to guard myself
and what I deem the best interest of the Institution from farther
restrictions in the carrying out of my plans. By a reference to the
act of Congress establishing the Institution the Secretary is made
responsible for all its operations; he is to discharge the duty of
Librarian, Keeper of the Museum, &c., but with the consent of the
Board he may employ assistants. The object of giving him the power
of choosing his own assistants is undoubtedly that he may have
control of the operations—that he may not have forced upon him
incompetent individuals, or those who would not give him their

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 209

cordial support and co-operation. This being my view of the act of
Congress, I shall protest against any interference with my preroga-
tives, and refuse to employ any person whom I think will not render
me cordial assistance in carrying out the plans which I deem the best
for the interests of the Institution. The assistants are responsible
to the Secretary and the Secretary to the Regents; hence, all com-
munications intended for the Regents or the Public must pass through
his hands. These restrictions I am convinced are for the good of the
whole and nothing would tend sooner to destroy the usefulness of
the institution than the division of it into a number of separate
interests. The whole establishment must be a unit and the effort
of every one connected with it must be directed to the development
of every part of the plan. I shall therefore expect of you not only
assistance in the way of taking charge of the collections in Natural
History, but also in the publications—the correspondence and other
business. On the other hand, I will furnish you with every facility
in my power, compatible with the interests of the institution, for
the promotion of your own studies, and shall in all cases consider
your reputation as identified with that of the Institution.

I do not apprehend any difficulty between us, but just now, from
the difficulties I have had to contend with in regard to the building
etc., I am disposed to move with caution as to the future.

I think the Board will be disposed to allow me more assistance
as soon as I shall signify my desire for it; and if you have not changed
your mind I am disposed to have you brought in as soon as you can
come. Let me hear from you as soon as convenient, and believe me
as ever,

Your friend, etc.,
Joseru Henry.

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

Smitusonian Institution, April 24, 1850.

Prorr. S. F. Barrp,
Sir,—

In behalf of the Smithsonian Institution I authorize you to take
charge of making collections in Natural History, intended for the
Smithsonian Museum, and to request of officers of the Army and

14

210 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Navy of the U. States and of other persons such assistance as you
may think necessary for the accomplishment of the intended object.

Respectfully your obed’t. servt.
Joseru Henry, Secretary S. I.

In response to a request for a personal conference
Baird went on to Washington April 29th to see Professor
Henry, and returned to Carlisle May 2nd.

May 3rd, General and Mrs. Churchill and Samuel
Baird left Carlisle for the West, the general being ordered
on a tour of inspection of military posts ranging from
Maine to Minnesota and Fort Leavenworth. Doctor
T. M. Brewer” of Boston, and Mrs. Brewer came on a
short visit to the Bairds. On the 24th Baird gave his
last lecture of the session, and, as it turned out, his last
at Dickinson College.

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

Smitusonian Institution, May 28, 1850.

My pear Sir:—

I have just received your letter of the 25th. It would have been

better had the engravings of the plates of the fishes been postponed

until the manuscript was ready for publication, but this is not a
matter of much consequence.

I am much pleased with your proposition to prepare a manual

of directions for collecting specimens. I think it will serve as a

beginning of the more extended work which we contemplate prepar-

26 Thomas Mayo Brewer, M.D., born in Boston, Nov. 21, 1814,
graduated at Harvard in 1835 and died in Boston, Jan. 23, 1880.
He was eminent as an ornithologist and oologist, on which he pub-
lished valuable works and with Baird and Robert Ridgway, joint
author of their great work “A History of North American Birds”
in 1874. He was a lifelong friend and coadjutor of Professor Baird,

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 211

' ing. Professor Guyot is now in Washington engaged in preparing
a set of instructions for the first class of meteorological observers.
Mr. Rogers (Henry D.) has promised to give me a set of directions
for observing earthquake and volcanic phenomena. With these we
shall have a respectable beginning of the contemplated series of
instructions.

The course to be adopted with regard to the building is not yet
definitely settled. We are now attempting to make such a disposition
of our U.S. stock as will enable us to secure the present high premium,
and on the success of this will principally depend the future operation
with regard to the building.

I have spoken to a number of the Trustees with regard to bringing
you in and though nothing is certain in Washington which depends
on the vote of individuals, I have little doubt that at the next meeting
of the Board, which will take place within the course of next week,
the arrangement will be made. :

I cannot speak definitely with regard to the acceptance of a
memoir of the kind you mention; this will depend on the amount of
additions to knowledge it contains.

I remain your friend,

Josepu Henry.

On the 5th of July the Board of Regents of the Smith-
sonian Institution met at Washington and elected Spencer
F. Baird assistant secretary of the Institution. The news
was immediately telegraphed to him at Carlisle by Pro-
fessor C. C. Jewett, who followed his dispatch by the
following letter:

From C. C. Jewett to Spencer F. Baird.

Wasuincron July 5, 1850.
My pear Sir:
Before this reaches you, you will doubtless have learned, by the
telegraphic despatch which I have sent, that your appointment is a
“fixed fact.” Prof. Henry stated to the Board this morning that

212 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

another officer was needed to take charge of the cabinet and to act
as naturalist of the Institution. Whereupon it was Resolved (in
substance) that Prof. Henry be authorized to nominate an assistant
secretary to act as Keeper of the Cabinet and to perform such other
duties, etc. at a salary of $1500.

Prof. Henry then nominated yourself and the nomination was
confirmed without opposition. I beg leave to congratulate you—
and I take the liberty to congratulate ourselves upon this result
which seems to be in accordance with the wishes of all persons
concerned.

No time was fixed for the commencement of the term of
service, nor was anything said on the subject. It will be as you
requested when you were here, unless you have now some wish
to change it.

I have only to add, for I am in great haste, that if I can in any
way help you in your arrangements for establishing yourself here,
I will do so most cheerfully.

Very sincerely yours,

C. C. Jewett.

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

SMITHSONIAN INstTiTUTION, July 8, 1850.

My pear S1r:—I presume you have received the official announce-
ment of your appointment and that you will not hesitate to accept
the office. I can assure you that nothing on my part shall be wanting
to render your position as agreeable and as profitable to you as the
character of the position will permit. I think the office will afford
you an opportunity of prosecuting your favorite study to the best
advantage, while it will enable you to render important service to
the cause of knowledge in our country by the assistance and co-
operation you will render me in the line of our publications.

I would have written to you before this had not Prof. Jewett
offered to apprise you by telegraph of your appointment.

I am pleased to be able to inform you that all the difficulties
relative to the building have been amicably settled in a manner
very favorably to the institution, and that a system of accounts

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 213

has been adopted which will tend to keep everything under the eye
of myself and those connected with me.

The rooms in the towers of the main building will be finished in
the course of the next six or eight months and they will furnish
accommodations sufficient for a year or two for our expanding
operations.

I find on referring to your letter that you ask for a draft for 100
dolls. on account of collections; this you can make as soon as you
receive the note I am now writing.

Your salary I presume will commence with the date of your
acceptance which may be considered the 1st of July provided you
enter immediately on the duty of your office.

I propose leaving Washington shortly after the 1st of Aug. to
be present at the meeting at New Haven. Will you not be there
also?

I presume that besides making your scientific excursions you
will be able to settle all your business at Carlisle and to commence
operations in Washington about the 1st of Oct. I shall return myself
at or before that time.

I remain very truly your friend,

JoserH Henry.

This appointment, so fortunate for Baird and for
Science, opened the way to a field of the greatest useful-
ness. The salary was small for a resident of Washington,
even in those days, but a considerable advance on that
of the professorship he already held, and the latter was,
moreover, dependent on the prosperity and size of the
classes of the College, which fluctuated from year to year.

On the 12th of July he left for a visit to his relatives
at Reading and three days later went to Philadelphia,
where he was joined by Mrs. Baird and Lucy, who, with
Caleb Kennerly, were to make with him a summer journey
to the North, in part a collecting trip. Passing through
New York and Troy, he proceeded to Lake Champlain.

214 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Here and in the region round about a vigorous fishing
campaign was carried on. August 6th he left Mrs.
Baird and her daughter to return direct to Carlisle while
he proceeded on a collecting trip through southern Ontario
and Quebec. He returned to the United States August
15th and by way of Niagara Falls, Buffalo, Geneva and
Seneca Lakes to New York and thence to the Meeting
of the American Association at New Haven. He was
elected Permanent Secretary of the Association with a
salary of $300.00 and travelling expenses. This salary,
however, was dependent on the receipts of the Association
from dues, which were not always sufficient. On the 29th
of August, after settling some business of the Association
he returned to Carlisle.

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.
ConsTANTINoPLE, Aug. 23, 1850.

My DEAR OLD YOUNG FRIEND:—

I was fully resolved not to write to you until I could say, “here-
with I send a cask of fish,” but yours of July 7th which I have just
received is irresistible. However, I don’t anticipate much, for I
have been collecting the small fish of the Bosphorus for several weeks
and have now about 20 species, with ten or twelve individuals of a
kind, in spirits. They will be sent to Smyrna next week and be
shipped from there about the middle of September. The larger fish
are interesting, but I don’t know what to do with them. There are
many lizards and salamanders, but the lizards are almost impossible
to catch, and besides the people are afraid of them. Scorpions are
not yet in season. They will be plenty in October, I have a good
many snails and some bulimi I suppose, that hibernate in summer.
What ignorant wretches! It’s a real Hibernicism, isn’t it. I shall
pick you up all the rubbish I can, but I think I shall only send the
fishes next week and keep the rest to fill a box. The other day, I
found my fisherman had caught a dozen fish whose sting is poisonous,

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 215

and lest I should be hurt, he had carefully cut off the dangerous part!
Well I told him that was just what I wanted. So he has gone in
search of more. I could do a great deal better for you, but the expense
of every material and of every sort of work is so enormous, that the
revenue of the Smithsonian would not suffice for one naturalist at
Constantinople. I have seen nothing so rich in ichthyology as the
bay of Naples. It is wonderful what a variety of curious sea bred
creatures they eat there. I thought of you every time I went out.
I am rejoiced, with my whole heart, at the success of both your
translations. I hope to be at home at Washington again some day,
and shall be very happy to promote your views so far as I am able.
You will be a “great aid and comfort” to Jewett and will find him
a most efficient and able auxiliary. I learn from Garrigue that he
is entirely content with your work, and hope it will be a lucrative
affair for both of you. The text, I confess, disappoints me. It is
far from being full enough. Did you add anything? Well, I claim
apartofthecredit. Qui facit per alium etc. And didn’t I recommend
you to Garrigue?

I wish the Smithsonian would send out a few sets of meteorological
instruments to be used here and at other missionary stations. Our
missionaries are a truly noble set of men, and as remarkable for talent
as for devotion to their cause. There are many excellent observers
among them, and whatever they undertake will be faithfully and
thoroughly done. We mean to go to Egypt this winter and back by
way of Syria, if my poor wife is well enough. What particular thing
do you want me to look for in those countries? I wish I had two or
three barometers, I would carry one along and observe at every
resting place, and by leaving one at Alexandria and another at
Bayreuth, I suppose some interesting results might be arrived at.
We shall try to go to Petra (this is a little confidential), but I am
afraid Mrs. M. can’t cross the desert.

The natural history of the Bosphorus, though you would find
it interesting and full of life, is not striking to an ignoramus. There
being no forests, and scarcely any trees, there are few birds. Hawks
of various kinds abound. There are a few storks, two kinds of gulls
very abundant and very tame, and the “dme damnée” by thousands.
There are many fish principally small, and quite a variety of shellfish,
but in Coleoptera, as I learned from Mr. Souza the Spanish minister,

216 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

who is a good entomologist, and others, it is the richest place in the
world. I have saved a few remarkable ones and shall catch
more. . . .
Take care of yourself, my dear boy. You are destined
to great things, if you do not exhaust yourself too early by over-work.

Yours affectionately,

Georce P. Marsu.

Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

CaRLISLE, Sept. 1, 1850.
Dear WILL,

I embrace the first moment of leisure to sit down and give you
some account of my trip this summer. I found it impossible to write
while gone, as I was never long enough in one spot to permit anything
like a satisfactory expression of affairs. I arrived on Lake Champlain
Saturday afternoon, July 20, having been detained two days in New
York by Garrigue’s absence. By the way, I sent you no text of the
Iconography at that time because there was none to send. Some has
come in since, of which more anon. A week, beginning July 22, was
spent in visiting different points on Lake Champlain which offered
inducements to the fisher. Having exhausted all the accessible
localities, I and my party started off on Monday, July 29, in a wagon |
for the back country. We struck on to the head branches of the
Hudson, then went south about 100 miles to Caldwell on the head of
Lake George, and back along this lake, stopping at old Fort Ticon-
deroga on our way. This took us until the end of the week. I forgot
to say that Sam arrived the previous week with Gen. and Mrs.
Churchill.

Having thus disposed of Lakes George and Champlain, we
started off again on Tuesday evening Aug. 6, in the steamboat and
went to St. Johns, thence to Montreal where we arrived the next day.
The same evening we again took the boat and went up the St. Law-
rence reaching Ogdensburg next afternoon. At 7 P M we left for
Sacket’s Harbor and staid until Saturday Morning, and on Saturday
afternoon were in Oswego, where we remained till 4 P M on Monday.
I need not say that at all these points we got whatever fish were

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 217

accessible. Up to this time we had pleasant weather, but going out
of Oswego the Lake was very rough, and most passengers were sea-
sick. I however, was not among the number. Woke up on Tuesday
morning off Lewiston, where we landed, and at 9, took the British
boat to Toronto. My business in Toronto was to visit the Magnetic
Observatory and to see the superintendent, Capt. Lefroy, on Smith-
sonian matters. The observatory is very complete in its arrange-
ments, as the motions of the magnets all daguerreotype themselves,
and the direction and velocity of the wind, the amount of rain and
other phenomena are self-registered in other ways. I met the Gov-
ernor General, Lord Elgin, and his Lady at Capt. Lefroy’s. We left
Toronto on Thursday morning and reached Niagara Falls that same
evening. Staid at Niagara till Saturday morning when we went to
Buffalo, and the same evening to Geneva. After spending Sunday
at Geneva we left for New York via Erie R. R. and got into the city
at 9 P M having left Geneva at 514 AM. Distance 350 miles.

On Tuesday afternoon I left for New Haven being under orders
from Prof. Henry for that place. Having walked extensively into
Oysters, Peaches and Lobster while in N. York (the latter at Lawrence
Gitz’ instigation) I had a very severe attack of Cholera Morbus
while in the cars, Dana was at the Depot and took me home where
I kept in bed for a day, but got up pretty well on Thursday. They
treated me very judiciously, put hot bottles to my feet, clapped on
mustard poultice to abdomen and gave me brandy, laudanum and
camphor. I met many acquaintances and made others, and had a
very pleasant time. In the course of the meeting I was made perma-
nent secretary, this involving attendance at all the meetings, the
publication of the proceedings, general correspondence &c. There
is a nominal salary of 300 dollars which will probably not be paid
as they have not funds enough to publish their proceedings, much
less pay this. After remaining in New Haven till Monday, I went
to New York and reached home on Thursday morning.

I found it altogether impossible to bring Mary to Reading,
owing to the slight difficulty of her having left Westport while I was
on the Lake and reaching Carlisle two or three weeks before I did.
The cause of her quick return was her fear that Lucy had the Whoop-
ing cough. She coughed much like it, and was very violently possessed
of all the symptoms, although over it rather sooner than usual,

218 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I procured a great many interesting fish, many of them new or
very rare. Trout and White Fish I saw in any quantity, some of
the former weighing from 20 to 40 lbs. The greatest treasures of the
summer, however, were embraced in 7 boxes of specimens collected
by Mr. Culbertson on the Upper Missouri. Among these were Skins,
Skeletons, and skulls of Elk, Buffalo, Grizzly Bear, Wolves, Antelope,
Deer, Beaver, Badger, Wolverene, &c. Best of all were some fossil
teeth, skulls and bones of vertebrate animals from the Mauvaise
Terres of the Platte. These were embedded in a calcareous marl
and belonged to genera allied to Tapir, Anoplotherium, Palaeotherium
& other extinct forms. Most are entirely new, all are completely
petrified, the cavities of the long bones being filled with quartz.
There are turtle shells over an inch thick, and I have three nearly
perfect, one weighing about 150 lbs. These things of course belong
to the Smithsonian. The freight alone amounts to $68.00 and the
whole cost of getting will probably amount to $200.00.

Have you been doing anything in the way of practising German
translating? You perhaps had better try an article and even if the
first efforts be not satisfactory, you will finally succeed. The trans-
lation must of course give all the facts accurately, and be in good
readable English. The first part is entitled Volkerkunde der Gegen-
stand and consists of notices of the manners and customs of all
modern nations with their various distinctive peculiarities. This
will make about 170 pages of English text.

Next comes “ Military Sciences,” 180 pp. English.

Next “Naval Sciences and Ship Building,” 120 pp.
Next “Architecture,” 300 pp.
Next “Mythology and Religions,” 120 pp.

Now which will you try? I think perhaps the first would be easiest,
but the question may arise as to your doing it in time. It may be
wanted in three or four months. Military Sciences you would find
very difficult, owing to the numerous technicalities. The same applies
to Naval Sciences and Architecture; the Mythology would be less
troublesome. On the whole I don’t know but that you had better
try the first mentioned.

How would you like to undertake making an index to the first
volume of Iconographic, taking in all up to Botany? There will have

THE YOUNG PROFESSOR 219

to be an analysis at the beginning of the vol. and a copious index,
the fuller the better, at the end. This should be begun right off.
Let me hear soon from you on these matters. Mary joins in love to
Harner: Yours affectionately,

S. F. Barrp.

P.S. I hope to be in funds enough to pay Irvine his interest,
by the time it is due.

From Joseph Henry to Spencer F. Baird.

New York, Sep. 9th, 1850.
My pear Sir:—

I have been oscillating continually since we parted between this
place, Princeton, and Phil’.

Your letter of the 29th ult. was received by me at Princeton
just as I was on the point of getting into the hack for Phil‘. I ex-
pected to return the same day, but was unavoidably detained until
the end of the week, several days after the time mentioned as that
of the decision of the Bank as to your note. As I heard nothing
farther from you on the subject, I concluded that you found no
difficulty in procuring an endorser.

I have delayed writing to you a few days until I could give you
some definite information as to my movements.

I concluded last Saturday to start immediately for Washington,
but am now called to Albany on some business of my own as well as
that of the Institution. I shall return this week and immediately
start for Washington and if no accident prevent, I shall be there on
the 16th.

My family will not return to Washington until the middle of
Oct. or perhaps the Ist of Nov.

You have seen in the papers the account of the death of Prof.
Troost. This will perhaps give us some trouble relative to the publi-
cation of his paper particularly with reference to getting possession
of the specimens for the use of the engraver. I remain,

Truly your friend,

JosepH Henry.

220 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

The serious task of packing up Baird’s enormous
collections at Carlisle was entered upon as soon as he
returned. By the 2nd of October two carloads of packages
and boxes were ready and he started with them for
Washington. By the 5th they were safely stowed away
in one of the Smithsonian basement rooms. Baird entered
at once upon his duties.

On the 2nd of November he left Washington for
Carlisle, where the household effects were loaded on a
car for Washington. General and Mrs. Churchill with
Lucy and her nurse travelled by carriage. The following
day Professor and Mrs. Baird bade farewell to Carlisle
and reached Washington on the 9th of November. Here,
after some search for lodgings they established themselves
in the boarding house of Mrs. Wise.

Vv
THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION

A S many of the readers of this biography may have

but an indefinite idea of the origin and status

of the Institution, a brief explanation of them
will make clearer the conditions under which Baird’s life
work was done.

James Smithson, illegitimate son of the Duke of
Northumberland and Elizabeth Hungerford, niece of the
Duke of Somerset, after providing for sundry creditors
and dependents, in default of heirs to his nephew, Henry
James Hungerford, bequeathed to the United States of
America in 1826 the whole of his property, amounting
to about half a million dollars, to found ‘‘at Washington,
under the name of the Smithsonian Institution, an Estab-
lishment for the increase and diffusion of knowledge
among men.”

In 1835 this property, by the death without heirs of
the beneficiaries, became due to the United States and
was paid into the Treasury in December, 1838.

This fund was afterward invested by the then Secre-
tary of the Treasury almost wholly in state bonds,
payment on which was a few years later defaulted, so
that most of the principal of this trust fund was absolutely
lost. Congress, however, remedied this misfortune by
directing the Secretary of the Treasury to pay to the
authorities of the Institution the income which should
have been received from the original investment, out of
the funds permanently payable on account of the debts

of the United States.
221

222 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Long debates in Congress as to how it should be
utilized! followed the reception of the fund. Propositions
now seemingly grotesque, as well as others more rational,
were offered in the shape of bills to establish the Institu-
tion; long discussions followed, and it was not until
August, 1846, that an act was passed in which the desired
end was finally accomplished. In substance the act
created a Board of Regents, serving gratuitously; part
of them ex officio, part of them elected from among the
members of the House of Representatives and Senate,
and part private persons selected by Congress. A Secre-
tary to the Board, to be elected by them, was to be
executive officer in control of the work of the Institution
and discharge the duties of Librarian and of Keeper of
the Museum and with the consent of the Board employ
assistants. Furthermore the act provides that “all
objects of art and of foreign and curious research, and
all objects of natural history, plants, geological and
mineralogical specimens belonging or hereafter to belong
to the United States . . . in whosoever custody they
may be”’ should be delivered to the Institution. A library
was also provided for and the Regents were authorized to
erect a suitable building for the purposes referred to in
the act.

It will be noted that the Institution therefore is a
private trust, for which the United States Government
is trustee; and which in its turn, having proved its etfi-
ciency and probity, has been made trustee for the United
States in charge of various scientific bureaus of the
Government, such as the National Museum, the Astro-

1See: The Smithsonian Institution, Documents relative to its
origin and history, edited by William Jones Rhees, Washington,
Government Printing Office, 1901, 2 Vols. 8°.

PROFESSOR JOSEPH HENRY
First Secretary of The Smithsonian Institution
From a Photograph taken in 1874 by T. W. Smillie

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 223

physical Observatory, the Zoological Park, the Bureau
of American Ethnology, and the International exchange
of public documents and scientific publications. These
bureaus are supported by public money derived from
taxation and appropriated annually by Congress at its
discretion. The Smithsonian Institution is supported by
the interest of its own funds which are partly in the
United States Treasury and, in the case of some private
donations contributed since the original organization,
partly in the form of investments by the Board of Regents,
whose discretion, guided by the special knowledge of the
Secretary, is final in the matter of disbursements. The
whole board meets only two or three times a year; an
executive committee of members resident in Washington,
supervises accounts and can in any emergency be con-
vened by request of the Secretary, who otherwise decides
all matters relating to the policy and action of the Insti-
tution. The successful carrying out of the intentions of
the testator, limited only by the Congressional act creating
the Institution, obviously depended upon the wisdom and
foresight of the Secretary.

Providentially for Science and the future of the
organization the right man was found in Professor Joseph
Henry of Princeton University. Known among scientists
as the foremost physicist of America, and to the people
of the United States as the man whose experiments made
possible the magnetic telegraph, his fitness for the post
was universally recognized. What no one perhaps could
at that time foresee was the statesmanlike ability and
tact with which he steered the Institution safely amid
the rocks and shoals which beset it in the early years of
its history. His incorruptible probity and high ideals won
the respect and admiration of Congress; his known unself-

224 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

ishness gained him a respectful hearing from men of
affairs; and the plans which he recommended were
acquiesced in for the most part without objection. A
man of stately presence which commanded respect with-
out seeming to demand it; of simplicity and prudence,
of hospitality generous without pretension, and of a
fatherly warmth of heart to the deserving, he drew from
others not only the deference due to his position, but the
deep affection of all those who intimately knew him.

It is hardly possible in these days of reform in the
civil service and the general recognition of morality as
essential to good government, to realize the difficulties
of Henry’s position.

Among scientists then as now were men of marked
peculiarities. Indeed to devote himself to Science then,
when it could hardly be expected to afford one the where-
withal to support life, to say nothing of a reasonable
income, a student must have been possessed’ of an irre-
sistible bent in that direction. In the popular mind
such students were regarded as akin to lunatics.

Medicine and teaching were the only practicable
byways to a scientific career. What wonder then that
among those unfavored with the training for a profes-
sional career there should be a certain proportion on
whom the struggle had left its scars?

Among those taken into the service of the Smithsonian
were necessarily some of these. Peace had to be kept
not only among them but between them and the public
only too ready to criticise.

Opinions on politics and on the burning question of
human slavery must be withheld from utterance. The
pleadings of politicians for places for unfit persons must
be gently denied. The members of the staff must deny

THE SMITHSONIAN INSTITUTION 225

themselves the public expression of views on religious
subjects calculated to excite antagonism from people
more given to the formulation than to the practice of
religion.

The Board of Regents, and especially Robert Dale
Owen, were strongly prepossessed with the idea of erecting,
and did erect, a monumental building, in many respects
unfitted for the purposes of the Institution. In this way
the income of the fund was for some years largely diverted
from scientific uses.

What remained was scanty for the plans of the
Secretary, who had to exercise the most unbounded
patience. Economy was the order of the day in all he
or his subordinates undertook. To be sure, money went
further in those days, but its elasticity was stretched by
him to the utmost. He foresaw that the support of a
vast library or of a great museum was beyond the possi-
bilities of the Smithsonian income and did his best to
restrain them within due limits. He became expert in
unloading the burden of expensive projects on other
supporters. His rule in regard to publications was that
the Institution should publish nothing that other agencies
would undertake; but a paper of importance to Science
which no one would print at their own risk on account
of its small appeal to readers; that would be seriously
considered and printed if found worthy. In the matter
of the museum prescribed by Congress in the charter,
his feeling was that as soon as the scientific data were
extracted from a collection it should be distributed among
other museums so far as possible. This not only relieved
the Smithsonian of the storage and expenses of preserva-
tion, but allayed any envious feelings on the part of those

conducting other museums.
15

226 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

He had no antagonism to a great National Museum,
but he rightly thought it should not be made a burden
upon the limited Smithsonian income.? He saw the neces-
sity of a complete reference library, but firmly opposed
expenditures for it which the funds could not meet without
crippling other functions of the organization. From this
came later the break between him and Professor Jewett,
the librarian of the Institution, to whose energy and
ability the fine scientific library of early days was due.

He realized that the specialist who thought his special-
ity the most important thing in the world was (for his
own work) quite right, but he refused him more than his
proper share in the distribution, when the whole field of
Science was to be considered. Such was the environment
into which Baird came and the chief to whom he gave
affection and unswerving loyalty.

2 See: Genesis of the U. S. National Museum by G. Brown
Goode, Ann. Rep. U. S. Nat. Mus. for 1891, Washington, Govt.
Printing Office, 1893, pp. 343-346, etc.

VI
LIFE IN WASHINGTON

N arrival at Washington the Bairds went into a
O boarding house kept by a Mrs. Wise, but the

absence of the part of his Journal between his
arrival there and February, 1851, leaves no records of
details, except the note of serious illness in his family.

In December, 1854, they went to housekeeping in a
dwelling at number 332 New York Avenue, N. W. This
was in a part of the city then considered good, and where
many distinguished people resided. The character of the
location has changed and is now largely given up to
business.

In 1870 the number was changed to number 918 New
York Avenue. It was a plain brick box of a house, of
three stories above the basement, the front door ap-
proached by a rather high flight of iron steps with a small
platform at the top.

Every available wall inside was lined with shelves for
books and pamphlet cases, but there was a homelike
atmosphere about it which was most enjoyable. This
house has made way for business improvements.

In 1876 Professor Baird built for himself a large, com-
modious house on Highland Terrace, number 1445 Massa-
chusetts Avenue, N. W., which was his home until he died.

The Washington to which the Bairds came, leaving
out the public buildings and the transient political popu-
lation, was a rather shabby Southern village scattered

over a grandiose plan, of which Tom Moore, the poet,
227

228 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

made fun. The unpaved streets were too wide to be
improved from the tax receipts of an only moderately
well-to-do population. The City Directory was a thin
pamphlet. There was a slave pen, and here and there
rows of houses (some still standing) with low attics where
the slaves were locked in, after a certain hour in the
evening.

The abundant trees of the present had not been
planted, though there were a few elms on “The Avenue.”
The summer sun heated the rough brick sidewalks to
the baking point, and this warmth was given off liberally
until midnight or later. Folks gathered in chairs on the
sidewalks in the evenings; or visited between the groups
seated on the verandahs of better-class houses.

The less frequented streets afforded an abundant
crop of grass, which was utilized by wandering domestic
animals.

It was all primitive, village-like, and yet not without
charm. The suburb of Georgetown to the west across
Rock Creek—older than Washington and more aristo-
cratic, with narrow and closely built up streets and old-
fashioned mansions with lawns and gardens—was con-
nected with the capital city by a line of rumbling
omnibuses.

The Smithsonian building was on the Mall in south-
west Washington, known as the “Island,” because sepa-
rated by the shallow and odoriferous James Creek canal
from the main part of the town. The Mall had been laid
out by A. J. Downing, with fine taste, and was full of
shrubbery, grass and trees, but was little cared for, so
that in it birds and small beasts found haven.

The building was on the south side, facing north; not
then quite completed. It was approached by paths and

MARY HELEN CHURCHILL BAIRD
From a Photograph by T. W. Smillie taken about 1882

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 229

driveways sparsely sprinkled with river gravel and ankle
deep in mud on rainy days. The Washington Monument
to the west was a mere stump, and the Capitol, to the
east, far from being the stately building of the present.
It was not a pleasant undertaking then to reach the
Smithsonian building on slushy winter days.

There were numerous free negroes in the city, even
then, and Northern folks employed many of them as
domestics. Kindly, careless, provoking, but often excel-
lent cooks, they identified themselves with the family
they served and, when efficient, seldom changed. Promi-
nence in public on the part of the blacks was not approved
of by the average white citizen, but their love of color,
glitter and music found vent at their funerals. Burial
associations clad themselves in stupefying uniforms, and
every member who did not attend in his or her place at
such a function, unless unavoidably detained, was subject
to a fine.

Mrs. Baird, who was a model housekeeper and blessed
with very faithful maids, was fond of telling this story.
Once, when visitors were due at dinner, the maids could
not be excused to attend a funeral. A few weeks later a
similar exigency required their presence. A third time,
not long after, they were again denied, and Mrs. Baird,
sympathizing with their disappointment, said, “Never
mind, Mary; when the circus comes to town next week
I will buy you both tickets.”

On which, instead of being cheered, the disconsolate
Mary burst into tears, saying, ““Oh, Mis’ Baird, you never
want us to have any amusement!”

The house was open to all visiting men of science, and
they were many. Mrs. Baird’s army connections formed
another element always welcome, and few officers got

230 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

away, if new to the ways of the family, without receiving
instructions for making collections or promising to enrich
the Smithsonian Museum. Later when budding scientists
were roosting in the Smithsonian towers by night and
digging away at specimens by day, Professor and Mrs.
Baird maintained a kindly supervision over the youngsters.
Sunday evenings they almost always gathered in that
homelike parlor, often to meet men already distinguished
in science or war, to hear of the latest discoveries in
the Far West, or learn the latest European theories on
disputed scientific questions. Miss Lucy notes in her
reminiscences:

“Many young naturalists who were studying in the
Museum as well as assisting in its work lodged in the
Smithsonian towers. By the kindness of Professor Henry
many of the unused rooms, too high up for business
purposes, and situated conveniently for access to their
work were assigned to such young students as lodgings.
They supplied their own furniture and linen and the rooms
were looked after for a small fee by some of the colored
employes of the Institution, especially one aged darky
whose pride it was that he had been the body servant of
an ex-President of the United States.

“They usually took their meals at boarding houses in
the neighborhood, though at one time the wife of Mac.
Peak the janitor, who lived in the basement, took some
of them to board. They formed an interesting and some-
what unique household.”

Among the friends who were special intimates at this
period Miss Lucy in her notes mentions Professor William
W. Turner, an Englishman by birth and eminent as a
philologist. He died in 1859, and President Felton of
Harvard, in an obituary notice in the Smithsonian Report

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 231

for that year, speaks of him as one of the pioneers in
comparative philology. Beside an extensive knowledge of
modern European languages he had an unusual acquaint-
ance with those of the Orient, both ancient and modern.
Becoming interested in the North American Indian
tongues, he gained a wide knowledge of them. Miss Lucy
says: ‘‘He was perhaps the most intimate personal friend
of our household from 1850 till the time of his death,”
among those who were not working in the Natural
Sciences, ‘‘.and indeed there was no friend of whom my
parents were more fond.” His sisters, Miss Susan and
especially Miss Jane, who was for many years associated
with the Smithsonian Library, are affectionately remem-
bered by the surviving habitués of the Institution of that
day.

Another special friend of the house in 1857-8 was
Robert Kennicott, of Illinois, a youth of twenty-two,
but already an enthusiastic naturalist and always bubbling
over with fun and wonderful plans for the future. He, with
Dr. William Stimpson, August Schénborn the artist, and
some other resident students, formed under Stimpson’s
leadership a club for mutual housekeeping. Stimpson
was the only one who had any money; he was under
salary working up the collections of the North Pacific
Exploring Expedition of Ringgold and Rodgers, and
Schénborn was making exquisite silver point drawings
of the crabs. Stimpson hired a cottage, the club was
formed under the name of the Megatherium Club, and
the members lodged and took their meals there under
the auspices of a colored “Aunty.” To reduce the cost
of living they kept hens, and when, as occasionally
happened, there was a surplus of eggs, the young fellows
concocted a bowl of egg nog and indulged in vocal music

232 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

in the evening. In those days a young student of science
was a doubtful character in the minds of many good
people, was suspected of designs on religion and, unless
he attended church regularly, of unknown but dreadful
tendencies to dissipation. Rumors spread, and multiplied
as they spread, of awful doings in the Megatherium Club.
Well-meaning neighbors carried the tales to the Baird
household. Miss Lucy, despite her youth, assumed, like
her mother, a maternal attitude toward these young
gentlemen whom she knew so well, and took occasion to
inform them of the reports, doubtless with a gentle
intimation that the reputation of the Smithsonian coterie
was in danger. At a later meeting of the club it was
decided to sacrifice their refreshments to the general
good.

The next morning early, Kennicott appeared at the
Baird home with a basket of live hens. Miss Lucy,
responding to the call, was told that the birds were a
present to her from the club. Very naturally she enquired
why she should be the recipient. Kennicott explained
that the hens laid eggs, that without eggs there could
be no egg nog, and that from a fear lest the good resolution
of the club should weaken, and in view of her warning,
it had been voted to give the hens away, and she had been
selected as the most suitable person to receive them.

With the outbreak of war in 1861 great changes took
place in Washington, socially as well as politically. The
native Washington set, mostly sympathizing with the
South, largely withdrew themselves from the few social
functions available. The uncertainties of the. conflict
tended to restrict festivities of any kind, and the shrinkage
of its income due to depreciation of the currency had a
marked effect on the activities of the Smithsonian. Some

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 233

of the students, like Cooper and Hayden, entered the
Medical Corps of the army. Others found their resources
painfully dwindling. There is a tale told of the time
when for a few days the Confederate General Early
threatened Washington’s communications. Landladies
raised the price of board, and two students, combining
their scanty means, bought a large ham as a means of
escape from threatened starvation. Early was soon
driven away, but their cash had been invested and the
two prudent investors had to live on ham for a week.

As counterbalancing to some extent these difficulties
Miss Lucy records that some of the most eminent and
useful associates in her father’s work came to Washington
about that time. Among these may be mentioned Dr.
J. S. Newberry,! the geologist and paleobotanist, who
was closely associated with the Sanitary Commission,
and Dr. Henry Bryant. The latter, whose name will
always be associated with the Boston Society of Natural
History, and who was, according to Miss Lucy, her
father’s most intimate friend among the ornithologists
of that day, was for a long time in charge of one of the

1 John Strong Newberry, M.D., born in Windsor, Conn., Dec.
22, 1822; died at New Haven, Dec. 7, 1892. A graduate of Western
Reserve College, Ohio, in 1846, and of the Cleveland Medical School
in 1848, he completed his medical studies in Paris, where he became
acquainted with many of the distinguished scientists of that day.
He went into practice on his return, but was soon appointed Assistant
Surgeon and naturalist to Lieut. Williamson’s exploring expedition
in the Far West, and afterward joined similar expeditions under Ives
and Macomb. He rendered admirable service on the Sanitary Com-
mission during the Civil War and in 1866 was appointed to the Pro-
fessorship of Geology and Paleontology in Columbia University, New
York. He was distinguished as a paleontologist and was elected a
member of the National Academy of Sciences.

234 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

leading army hospitals. Dr. Elliott Coues,? a Washington
boy, was just beginning an enthusiastic ornithological
career, and F. B. Meek,* the eminent paleontologist, was
there busy with his fossils, his deafness excluding him from
society or the army.

Even the perils of the time were not without occasional
gleams of the comic, as when Professor Henry was accused
by a patriotic citizen of permitting signals from the
Smithsonian towers to the enemy across the Potomac.
This turned out to be the lanterns of students climbing
the long flights of steps to their bedrooms high up in the
towers.

In January, 1865, a workman seeking a chimney for
a stovepipe in an upper room by mistake inserted it in
a hollow panel in the wall leading up to the wooden
timbers of the roof. When a fire was kindled burning
bits of paper were carried up, and on January 24th a
conflagration resulted, which destroyed the upper story
of the building, together with most of the records and
files of correspondence of the Institution, apparatus for
physical research, and much else.

Professor Henry had invariably replied to all his
correspondents with extreme courtesy, no matter how
absurd the proposition advanced or question asked.
When the inventor of a scheme for perpetual motion sent

2 Elliott Coues, M.D., born in Portsmouth, N. H., Sept. 9, 1842;
died Dec. 25, 1899. One of the most brilliant American students of
birds and mammals; serving in the earlier years as army surgeon and
explorer; later notable for his editions of Lewis and Clarke’s travels
and those of other early explorers.

3 Fielding Bradford Meek, born at Madison, Indiana, Dec. 10,
1817; died at Washington, Dec. 21, 1876. Largely self-taught, he
became one of our most distinguished paleontologists and contributed
especially to our knowledge of the fossils of Illinois and Missouri.

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 235

his manuscript, he was politely informed of its receipt
and that it would be carefully “filed with the archives
of the Institution.”” This was usually sufficient for the
vanity of the inventor. But later on some one, irritated
at the non-appearance in print of his lucubrations, would
write an angry letter inquiring the reasons therefor, and
would be politely informed that all the valuable archives
of the Institution had perished in the flames. The
Professor once declared that the relief of mind thus
afforded was almost worth the cost of the fire. Fortu-
nately the fire-proof floors of the upper story kept the
flames from the ground floor and basement, and the
invaluable library and collections, though somewhat
injured by smoke, water or hasty removal, were for the
most part saved.

During the period of the war, in his intercourse with
committees of Congress on matters affecting the Institu-
tion, Professor Baird won a reputation for simple straight-
forwardness and scientific worth which gave him great
influence with the best men at the Capitol, and made
him many powerful friends.

This enabled him, when those gloomy days were over,
to facilitate research in connection with Governmental
surveys and other expeditions. In this way a vast deal
was accomplished for Science and the way toward the
establishment of a National Museum was measurably
cleared.

In reference to his early work at the Smithsonian
Miss Lucy notes:

““On his appointment as Assistant Secretary he brought
his collections to Washington and turned them in toward
the formation of the Museum which was the dream of his
youth and the achievement of his later years. An impor-

236 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

tant part of the work which he was called on to undertake
was the Smithsonian International Exchanges which he
went into with his usual energy.

“In the earlier years when the employes of the Smith-
sonian were few, it was necessary for him not only to
carry on the arranging and supervision of this work, but
to do a large part of the manual labor with his own hands.
When the actual putting up of the packages for foreign
countries was in order he usually impressed into the ser-
vice any of his friends who might be in the neighborhood
and at leisure; and it is rather amusing to note in his
journal who some of the people were whom he set to
work at this task. I imagine that very few people are
now living who remember the enormous labor and anxious
care which laid the foundations of the National Museum,
including as it did his own collections, those of the Wilkes
Exploring Expedition and the collections of the former
National Institute.

“My father was interested primarily, of course, in
seeing that among the explorers sent out by any Govern-

4 This function of the Institution, suggested by Professor Henry
and organized by Baird, was the result of an arrangement with foreign
governments by which boxes of pamphlets and books sent by scientific
men or institutions as a gift to colleagues or societies of both sides
of the Atlantic, under the auspices of the Smithsonian or its approved
agents, were passed through Custom Houses without being opened
and on arriving at their destination were distributed by the recipients
to the people or organizations for whom they were intended. This
work was done without charge by the Smithsonian and for some
years the transatlantic steamship companies carried the freight at a
much reduced rate. In later years the distribution of Government
documents on a large scale was added to the function of the Exchanges
and it is now regularly appropriated for by Congress as a separate
bureau under the direction of the Institution.

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 237

ment Survey or Expedition, there should be as many
competent collectors as possible, and he gave his earnest
supervision to the preparation of collecting outfits, and
also to preparing instructions for the collectors. Some
of these were themselves scientific men, appointed to
the special task of making collections. Others were men,
equally fitted by previous study, but going with the expe-
ditions in some other capacity, though with the under-
standing that collections were to be made by them.
Others were entirely new to the business, but undertook,
with the co-operation of the heads of the Survey, to do
all that they could incidentally in the way of collecting.
I have a large number of accounts, with vouchers attached,
of the expenditures made with the sums allotted by the
Surveys to this purpose. No bride ever devoted more
thought and attention to her trousseau than did my
father to the fitting out of each of these explorers, and
he watched the progress of each missionary with anxious
personal interest. The reward of his labors came in the
enormous collections sent in, sometimes more than could
easily be handled with the force then available in the
Museum. The route of each expedition was studied by
my father, and it used to be a source of amusement
among his friends to note the exact geographical knowl-
edge which he gained by investigation and correspondence.
It seemed sometimes as if he knew as much of the ground
as if he had traversed it himself.

“Another source from which the collections were
derived was the various officers of the Army who became
interested in the matter. With these, too, he kept up
an active correspondence, furnishing them with such
apparatus as they needed. Many of the army surgeons
were especially interested, and in more than one case

238 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

were enthusiastic naturalists who had studied medicine
as a profession, and who went as surgeons to distant
positions for the sake of utilizing the opportunities
offered there of working up comparatively unknown
regions. When the collector was himself a naturalist, he
would usually as occasion offered, return to the Smith-
sonian to assist in arranging and describing the specimens
collected. Sometimes they would be sent to specialists
outside the city of Washington, but in the majority of
instances they were dealt with in Washington. In those
branches of natural history where my father was a special-
ist, he took, during this earlier part of his career, a large
amount of this work, as his natural history publications
fully show.

“In the letters which I have had copied, and in the
extracts from his journal, will be found allusions to the
naval expeditions from which he sought and obtained
co-operation. Travellers, too, like George P. Marsh in
the East and others, sent him what they could collect.
Among other names which I find in his journal of those
promising to assist, and to whom he gave the apparatus
requisite for preserving collections, is that of John Howard
Payne, the author of ‘Home, Sweet Home.’ No source
of possible addition to the Museum was left untouched.
Correspondents sprang up in Central and South America,
some of whom continued to send contributions for many
years.

“With each and all of these individuals he maintained
a personal correspondence; and, whenever it was possible
for him to render any personal services to these gentle-
men, he was anxious and ready to do it as if his indebted-
ness to them had been on his own account and not for the
sake of his beloved Museum. For any dweller in the

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 239

wilder regions of the North or West or the Spanish-
American countries, he was always ready to execute com-
missions, some of which required considerable expenditure
of time and care. Papers and books were forwarded,
sometimes at the request and expense of the distant
collector; and quite frequently superfluous magazines and
papers, which had come to my father personally, were
passed on to them. This mailing of pamphlets was
largely done by my mother when in sufficiently good
health.

“Of course, his own opportunities of collecting were
crowded out by this larger work of superintending and
engineering the amassing of material by every means,
but his summer vacations were, at any rate in the earlier
part of his connection with the Smithsonian, made to
aid in the matter as far as possible, although personally
as I have said, he had but little opportunity. His large
correspondence, even where not originating in any matter
bearing on collections, would often be turned in that
direction. No one ever wrote him a courteous letter
asking for advice or aid in any way who did not receive
a courteous and prompt response, even in the days before
he had a stenographer, and when letters had to be written
almost entirely by his own hand. Even where the corre-
spondence closed with the original letter and reply to it
this was the case; but wherever it was possible to direct
the enquiring mind to the investigation of a locality
promising any result in the way of Indian remains or
natural history collections, a hint was given which, in
many cases, brought a return. Even if the writer himself
were not a probable auxiliary, there would be a question
if a convenient opportunity occurred, as to whether he
had any neighbors interested in these matters who would

240 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

be willing to look about them and collect. Not only was
every contribution courteously acknowledged, both in
private and in public, and such apparatus as the collector
did not possess furnished him, but books (especially, of
course, Smithsonian reports and publications of the
Smithsonian) would be sent. All this was not a matter
covering a year or two, but beginning with my father’s
first connection with the Smithsonian and lasting during
the entire thirty-seven years of his association with it.
No man ever labored more sedulously to amass a private
fortune, or to further his personal ends, than did my
father to carry out his unselfish purposes for the Museum.

‘Any one who remembers my father’s magnetic per-
sonal qualities, which led him to kindle in others his
own enthusiasm, will feel how much this did in forwarding
the work he had at heart. He inspired those whom he
met with so much confidence in himself and in the im-
portance of the work which he urged, he had so clear an
idea of what he was aiming at and could make it so clear
to others, he was so well able to find good and efficient
methods and to bring to bear upon the object desired
all external aids, that it is hardly possible, it seems to me,
for any one who does not remember him, to fully realize
how much his own personality had to do with the accom-
plishment of the work which he did himself, and that
which was done by others under his direction.

“During his summer vacations, up to the time when
the Fish Commission work absorbed his leisure almost
entirely, he always took with him more or less scientific
work, taking specimens to be studied to whatever point
he had selected for his summer resting place—if this
could be called rest—and, of course, keeping up his large
correspondence. I remember very well how in the ab-

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 241

sence of trays on which he could arrange a series of birds
or mammals, or perhaps, the skulls or some portion of
the skeletons of these small creatures, he would take
down the pictures from the wall in the room assigned to
him in the house where he was boarding or visiting (if
on a visit long enough to give him leisure to go on with
his work), and turning them face down, arrange on the
back of the frames the objects of his study in the order
in which he wished to study them.

“My father’s interest in natural history and ornithol-
ogy, with the allied matters of the National Museum,
and later, of the Fish Commission, took precedence of
other scientific studies. Indeed, he could hardly be said
to have pursued studies in any other line after he left
Carlisle. During his early life he read and studied in
many branches and when a professor in Dickinson College
had charge of classes in physics, and in various directions
which were foreign to his later work. These earlier pur-
suits, however, gave him an extensive ground-work on
topics in which he never considered himself an expert,
and in which he was, of course, never a specialist. He,
however, always continued to feel an interest in every-
thing pertaining to these subjects, and it is safe to say
that there was no branch of science as it then was of
which he had not a good general knowledge, sufficient
to appreciate intelligently the progress of specialists;
indeed, I have heard a very eminent specialist in lines
utterly foreign to my father’s work express his amaze-
ment at the extent of his knowledge in such branches
outside of his own especial line of work. He kept up
with everything which was published in general science,
not to the extent of reading extensively on all these
subjects, but enough to know what was being done. I

16

242 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

remember on one occasion a mineralogist, who had been
much interested in the subject of artificial building stones,
was at our house together with another gentleman, not
a scientific man, but who to some extent followed scien-
tific progress. This latter gentleman asked a question
about some very recent discovery, to which the specialist
replied that he was not sufficiently acquainted with the
subject to give the desired information. My father
turned the question away, as far as it was addressed to
himself, with some evasive answer. After the guests had
departed, my mother said, ‘Why didn’t you tell Mr.
So-and-So what he wanted to know? You knew all about
that,’ and my father replied, ‘Yes, I know I did, but I
thought that , being a specialist, would be morti-
fied if I gave the answer to the question when he was
unprepared to do so.’ This, perhaps, is an illustration,
not only of the way in which my father kept up with
matters which did not come in his own department, but
also of his thoughtfulness and generous courtesy and con-
sideration. His work on the Iconographic Encyclopedia
had also tended to lead his mind in directions which
would cover a wide field.

“In 1869, being in the neighborhood of Philadelphia,
he went down to Long Branch on a visit to his sister, who
had a cottage there. In the train he found Mr. George
W. Childs, who was also on his way to Long Branch.
After some little conversation, Mr. Childs asked him to
contribute a scientific column, or, to speak more exactly,
about half a column, each week to the Philadelphia
‘Ledger,’ giving items of scientific interest. My father,
who was modest as to his literary abilities, as in every-
thing else, felt so sure of his inability to write popular
paragraphs agreeably that he was inclined at first to

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 243

decline this offer, although, to a man of limited means,
the remuneration proposed by Mr. Childs was a tempta-
tion. Mr. Childs, however, begged him to consider the
matter and those of his scientific friends, to whom he
confided the matter, urged him so strongly that he decided
to attempt it. It proved so easy to him and so successful,
and fitted in so well with his constant reading of the
scientific periodicals, foreign as well as domestic, which
treated of a vast variety of subjects, that he began to
look around for some additional work of this kind. It
was probably through my mother’s cousin, the late Dr.
S. S. Cutting, that he was brought into communication
with Harper & Brothers of New York. The result of
this was the beginning of an editorial department of
science in Harper’s Magazine, and a similar column in
the ‘Weekly,’ with the understanding that an article
might occasionally be published in the ‘Bazar.’ All this
matter he did not undertake to prepare himself; indeed,
he was too thorough in his conception of the value of
scientific work to be willing to do this. A number of
eminent specialists were employed as collaborators, my
father furnishing many articles himself and editing those
of his aids. Among the contributors were Professor L. F.
Barker, of the University of Pennsylvania, Professor
Otis T. Mason, of Washington, and Doctor Cleveland
Abbe. Many notable cases of applied science abroad
were first published by him in America among which a
prominent instance is that of the machine for weaving
nets; a French invention, the American rights of which
laid the foundation of the prosperity of the American
Net and Twine Company which hastened to purchase
them.

“Tn the literary revision of this work, my mother took

244 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

an active interest. She had what might be considered
an expert knowledge of the English language, and her
critical eye was most useful in reading the proofs of the
articles, and seeing that their ideas were clearly and lucidly
expressed. My father used jocularly to tell her that he
regarded her as the ‘Average Intellect,’ and that when
everything was clear to her, he took it for granted that
it would be clear to the public at large. In addition to
the work mentioned above, he finally entered into a
similar arrangement with the New York Tribune, to
which he furnished a scientific column.

“In a short time after he began his relationship with
Harper & Brothers, they decided to publish an annual
volume, ‘The Annual Record of Science and Industry,’
covering for the year the range of subjects which had
been treated in the columns of their periodicals. I believe
that this was not a mere reprint; but that in many cases,
articles were re-written, and in some instances, entirely
new matter was introduced. It is possible also that some
articles thought suitable for the more ephemeral publi-
cations, were not thought of importance enough to appear
in book form. This Annual Record was published every
year from 1871 to 1877, when it was discontinued.

“The years in which this work was carried on, and
after the Fish Commission work was begun, were a period
of tremendous industry; his work in the Museum and
that of the Smithsonian being in themselves sufficient to
occupy the time of one man. After a time the Harpers
decided that the interest in scientific matter was not
sufficient to warrant them to go to the great expense
incurred by the elaborate way in which it had been
attempted, and although the record in its various forms
was interesting and of great importance to a number of

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 245

people, it was hardly popular enough in character for
their publication. My father also in 1878, had become
Secretary of the Smithsonian and did not feel that it
was desirable for him to continue work of this sort,
especially as the Fish Commission work was growing and
required all the time and attention which he could spare
from his other official duties. All these causes combined
to cause a cessation of his editorial labors. I cannot,
' however, conclude this subject without speaking of the
pleasure which my father had in his relationships with
the various firms for whom he did this work, and the
consideration, kindness and generosity with which he
was treated, both as to the salary paid and also the out-
side courtesies extended to him. During this period,
besides receiving the various publications to which he
himself was contributing, the Harpers sent him each
month a package of books, comprising all that they
had published during that time. I have no recollection of
my father’s having anything but the pleasantest personal
experiences with Messrs. Harper & Brothers, Mr. White-
law Reid and his fellow editors of the New York Tribune,
as well as Geo. W. Childs himself, to whom he owed the
introduction to this class of work. It brought him for a
number of years an income which enabled him, with his
simple tastes, to lay by what he had the pleasure of feel-
ing, in the last years of his life, was a sum which would
leave his invalid wife and his daughter enough to support
them in comfortable circumstances.”

One of the qualifications which assisted in making
Professor Baird a first class ““Museum man” was his
inventiveness. The training he had had as a boy when
he was called upon by his relatives to make or repair
household articles, set glass, improvise a bath tub where

246 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

bath tubs were unknown (except the uncomfortable
British dish-pan variety), and a hundred other things,
had trained his native ability to a point where it had
made him expert. He designed the format of publica-
tions and printed documents of the Smithsonian, so that
two of the octavos were of exactly the same area, laid
flat, as one quarto; saving a vast deal of trouble in packing
for transportation. His plan of having cases, drawers
and trays multiples of the smaller units, with interchange-
able parts, is now adopted by every well conducted
museum, but was novel when he started it. The first
National Museum building is built on a system of units
coinciding with the standard half-unit case of the Museum,
so that in any alcove, or between any pair of windows,
one or more half cases will exactly fit. The economy of
space thus gained is of serious importance. His person-
ally designed pamphlet cases and file cases have never
been bettered, and are to this day sold by a Philadelphia
firm under their own name.

In numberless ways conducing to efficiency and econ-
omy this talent was exercised. In what is recognized as
“artistic taste” he was less insistent. That an article
should fulfil its purpose with efficiency and economy and
without obtrusive characteristics, was enough for him.
After all, is not this the basis of all true art? In a museum
where the fixtures are for the purpose of preserving and
exhibiting collections, the cases should not attract atten-
tion from their contents, nor a frame from the picture
it surrounds.

Professor Henry was, by necessity, a stern economist
in his administration of the Smithsonian funds, and
Baird was well trained by him. In Baird’s pupil and
successor in the post of Assistant Secretary, Professor

LIFE IN WASHINGTON 247

Goode, there was a love of elegance which the easier
conditions of later years made it possible to gratify in
suitable measure. But in museums a sober dignity is
the first essential and the professional decorator a wastrel
and a pest. Upon the contents of the museum let every
aid to beauty and taste in arrangement or setting forth
be employed to enhance the public interest in that for
which the museum exists, but keep the walls free from
frescos and the furniture from the carver. All that they
should offer is an unobtrusive background. In his rela-
tions with his subordinates Baird was admirable. Orders
were given quietly and with consideration. His way
with the young student was a mixture of fatherly over-
sight, kindly criticism and careful training. They came
to him as to a father confessor, and the half humorous
philosophy he installed in his advice was not only healing
but wise. He was never profane; no one would have
ventured on a risky story in his presence. I have heard
that once or twice in thirty-seven years he was known
to be angry, but it was regarded as an astounding phe-
nomenon by all who knew him.

VIT
1850 TO 1865

retary his Journals are even more brief in their

references to each day’s work than before. This
was natural, as he was intensely busy, with practically no
assistance at first, and for several months hampered by
illness of his wife and daughter.

The correspondence relating to his early activities in
promoting the scientific side of Government exploration,
so far as it was official was destroyed in the Smithsonian
fire of 1865. This included nearly all Baird’s own letters.
The material available to the biographer is thus confined
almost entirely to such letters to Professor Baird as he
regarded as personal, and which at the time of the fire
were in his private files; the curt annotations in his Journal;
and the evidence of his publications.

The scope of this biography does not include a detailed
history of the various expeditions sent out by the Govern-
ment between 1850 and 1861. This would extend far
beyond the limits assigned for the present volume, and
require a study of documents and official records for which
the present biographer has neither the time nor the
strength. It is a work well worthy the attention of an
historian. Probably no other Government, in the same
number of years, has added so much to geographical and
scientific knowledge. That the scientific were added to
the immediately practical details and simultaneously pub-

lished, is almost entirely due to the influence exerted by
248

A FTER Professor Baird’s installation as Assistant Sec-

1850 TO 1865 249

Baird. This is especially the case in the Explorations
for a Railway route to the Pacific Coast, whose monu-
mental series of quarto Reports is almost wholly the
work of Baird and his collaborators.

So far as we know, every one connected with the
direction of these explorations is dead, and no personal
reminiscences can be hoped for unless some private
diaries remain. But apart from private papers and
printed documents, the government archives, especially
of the War Department, should afford much material
for an historian. Among these notable explorations
were the Ringgold and Rodgers expedition to the North
Pacific, of which, on account of the Civil War, no extended
report has ever been published; Dr. Elisha Kent Kane’s
second Grinnell expedition to the Arctic regions; the
Pacific Railroad surveys; the survey of the Mexican
Boundary; the Astronomical Expedition to Chile; the
Exploration of the Colorado River by Ives and Dr.
Newberry; of Utah by Stansbury; the expedition to the
Amazon by Herndon; those explorations connected with
surveys for an Isthmian Canal; and many others of less
public notoriety. Later than most of these came Kenni-
cott’s work in the Hudson Bay Territory; that of the
Western Union Telegraph Company’s expeditions in
search of a route for an overland telegraph line between
America and Siberia, through British Columbia and
Alaska to the mouth of the Amur river of Eastern
Siberia; the subsequent explorations in Alaska by the
navy and the Revenue Marine; and numerous smaller
expeditions.

Of several of these material may be gleaned in the
excerpts from letters received by Baird, which follow in
the course of this narrative. Much more remains of this

250 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

correspondence which it has not been practicable to print
here, on account of necessary limitations of space. But
the portions given, beside illustrating the traits of writers,
then or since more or less eminent, will indicate the general
character of the work carried on by Baird, the appeals
made to him by correspondents, and something of the
status of science at the time. A few of Baird’s own
letters help materially.

The following letter to Joseph Leidy! relates to the
memoir on the microscopic fauna in living animals which
was on the way to be published in the Smithsonian Con-
tributions to Knowledge; and to papers on fossil verte-
brates, especially from the West, a line in which Dr.
Leidy afterward became so eminent:

Spencer F. Baird to Joseph Leidy.

Smrrusonian InstituTIOoN, WasuincTon City, Nov. 18, 1850.

Dear Lewy,

A rule was sometime since established by the Institution,
that no plates should be authorized before the accompanying mss.
was completed. This was in view of the fact of there being some
twenty or twenty-five plates now completed, without a single line
of text being ready. This, of course, involves a considerable loss in
the unproductive investment of capital. Can you give any opinion
as to the time when you will be ready to print. Where do you have
the plates executed, how many do you require and when, and how
soon after completion must they be paid for.

I am glad to hear that you still persevere in your industrious

1 Joseph Leidy, M.D., born in Philadelphia, Sept. 9, 1823; died
April 30, 1891. One of the most distinguished naturalists of America,
contributing largely to scientific literature on many branches of
science.

1850 TO 1865 251

habits, and shall look with impatience for the publication of your
academical papers. What are the genera from the Bad Lands like?
I received last summer a collection of perhaps twenty species of
mammalia and reptiles, principally the former, from there, on behalf
of the Smithsonian. These are, many of them, in excellent preserva-
tion, some nearly, even quite, perfect sets of teeth, etc. What do you
say to taking up these and preparing an extended memoir for the
Smithsonian? How long would it take you to do this? Could you
not go right to work and anticipate Owen and Norwood? unless,
indeed, they put your material into your hands, as they should do.
It will take them a long time to prepare a correct history of these
things, as I do not suppose that they have up to this time paid as
much attention to the subject as you have, and it is a pity to lose
the time they would require.

With regard to the exploration of that country, not much could
be done in a single season. Evans has spent two seasons there,
and Thaddeus Culbertson one. Between these, you could only
glean here and there. I think, too, it will not be long before a Govern-
ment expedition will be sent to explore that whole region. Write
soon in reply to this scrawl and believe me,

Truly yours,
S. F. Barrp.

Spencer F. Baird to Joseph Leidy.

Smitusonian Institution, WasuHincTon, Feb. 19, 1851.

Dear Lerpy,

By becoming personally responsible, I have obtained permission
to send you for examination the megatheroid bones from Skiddaway
Island, Georgia, belonging to the National Institute. Do you want
all, or only the portions belonging to the head? This same permission
allows me to send you any other fossil bones in that collection,
although I am not aware of the existence of any others.

Yours truly,
S. F. Barrp.

252 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Miss Susan Fenimore Cooper? to Spencer F. Baird.
Cooperstown, N. Y., Dec. 12, 1850.

I owe you many thanks, Sir, for the very interesting documents
you so kindly sent a short time since; the memoir on the Indians I
had just been wishing for, when it arrived so opportunely, and you
are quite right in supposing that I am particularly interested in all
that concerns the red race of our own regions. Let me add also,
Sir, that your own papers which came with the memoir of Mr. Squier
were very gratefully received and not entirely thrown away upon me,
although I am not sufficiently well informed on those subjects to do
them full justice.

As regards your inquiries after our Otsego Bass, or rather after
the “good-natured doctor” or “gentleman of scientific pursuits,”
who is qualified to prepare them for the Smithsonian Institution, I
regret to say that, while the first are common enough, the last are
rare birds in our neighborhood. Our doctors may be very good-
natured, but they confine themselves I believe entirely to their
professional occupations. A year or two since, we might perhaps
have complied more easily with your request, for at that time there
were at least one or two noted fishermen in the village;-and one of
our neighbors on the banks of the lake was sufficiently interested
in matters of a scientific nature, I think, to have complied willingly
with your application; but among the chances and changes of Ameri-
can life, our two anglers have gone to other parts of the country,
and the other gentleman referred to is now in Europe. Still we do
not entirely despair of sending you some specimens of the Bass;
my Father thinks it possible that a gentleman who has recently
purchased a place in our neighborhood, a physician from the West
Indies, may perhaps have the will and ability to prepare the fish
for you; at any rate he intends making the application in your behalf,
and should it prove successful, you shall be informed of the result.
The Bass are quite common still, though less numerous than in past

*Susan Fenimore Cooper, daughter of the novelist, born at
Scarsdale, New York, in 1813; died Dec. 31, 1894. She was the
author of several books in which the natural features of the region
in which she resided were made a pleasing element.

1850 TO 1865 253

years; an attempt was made not long since to protect them for a
few seasons, but our own people were as usual impatient of the tem-
porary restraint and the law was soon repealed. If they were pro-
tected they would no doubt increase again very rapidly, for their
young fry are very abundant; they are called “shiners” by the
fishermen on account of their silvery appearance, and are caught
in great numbers for bait, they are taken in small nets, and I have
seen pails full of them reserved for such uses. Probably thousands,
and tens of thousands, are destroyed in this way every year. We
were not aware that these “shiners,”” our common bait, were the
young of the bass until Doctor De Kay paid us a visit and he assured
us of the fact, after a careful examination; probably the people
generally are not aware that this is the case. The Pickerel is a great
enemy of the Bass; it was formerly unknown in our lake, but brought
here from Canaderaga Lake, a smaller sheet of water eight or ten
miles to the westward. It is singular that two sheets of water so
near each other, and fed by neighboring streams should have such
different fish; the waters of Canaderaga are not so limpid as our own,
nor is the lake as deep as ours. I believe that fish in different parts
of the same stream vary very much. Of the Bass taken in our lake
only a portion are sold in the neighborhood; a number are sent to
the eating houses and hotels of Utica, Schenectady, Albany and even
New York. They are certainly an excellent fish, remarkably firm,
and sweet.

Our salmon trout is also thought superior to that of many other
lakes; those who are knowing in such matters consider them as a
very rich and delicate fish. They vary, however, much more than
the bass.

Very respectfully,

Susan FEeNimMoRE Cooper.

From Dr. J. P. Kirtland to Spencer F. Baird.

CLEVELAND, Jany. I1, 1851.
Dear Sir:—
I believe I have already alluded in some previous letter
to the rapid changes that are taking place with the Mollusca in Ohio.
Localities that 10 years since abounded with the finest specimens of

254 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Uniones now are entirely barren, and some species have become nearly
or quite extinct in the Cuyahoga River. Both fluviatile and terrestial
univalves have also decreased with equal rapidity. The delicate
Helix Sayti is no longer found in Northern Ohio so far as my observa-
tion extends, and many other species that were once very common
are now to be met with only accidentally.

In a recent communication from J. Bartlett of Columbus, he
has furnished me with many interesting facts that go to show that a
similar change is taking place in other sections of our state. He and
myself made extensive collections in the valley of the Scioto sixteen
years since. Various species then existed there in profusion and the
specimens were more perfect and beautiful than I could elsewhere
obtain. He is now going over our old ground and he informs me that
they have become as barren as ours at the North. In another genera-
tion many of our finest species will cease to be known except in books
and cabinets.

The causes seem to be, 1st; The corruptions accumulating in
canal and smaller streams from barnyards, roads, manufacturing
establishments &c. 2d; The destruction by swine. Our woods are
constantly ransacked by these animals and at low stages of water
and when the water in our canals is let out they are searching every
sand bar for testaceous animals.

Very truly yours,

J. P. Kirrranp.

From Thomas M. Brewer to Spencer F. Baird.

Boston, Feb. 7, 1851.
My vear Barrp;

; And now a few words as to the bird from Labrador. In
New York, Mr. Lawrence had prepared me for thinking it a new
species, but upon my arrival at Philadelphia, I mentioned to Dr.
Wilson and Mr. Cassin the brief description of a species resembling
the Saxicola Oenanthe described in Beechey’s voyage; We took the
volume, compared the bird by measurement with that description
and Mr. Cassin expressed himself perfectly satisfied it was the same
thing. He said nothing about any generic differences nor did there
appear in his mind any doubt upon the subject. Of course, if I had

1850 TO 1865 255

entertained any doubts myself upon the subject, I would have waived
them to the better judgment of one so much more competent to
decide. It may yet be that it belongs to a different genus from the
oenanthe, but be the bird designated as oenanthoides. In that case
what becomes of the right of priority? Must we retain the specific
name oenanthoides? If not, I propose to call it after our friend
Cassin. No one is more entitled by his ornithological research to be
so complimented, and he has not, that I am aware, been noticed in
that way as he deserves.

I have been engaged this winter in getting together as complete
a set of drawings of varieties of eggs and of new species as possible
and in preparing to commence the text to accompany the drawings.
After all, the drawings constitute the great basis and corner-stone
of the work. They are an essential element as well as the whole
novelty—or nearly the whole. A portion of the account of nesting,
description of eggs etc. is new, but a large part must also be taken
from others. I mean between this and next winter to get ready
all my notes to all the birds of prey, and then with that and all the
drawings, a complete idea of the scope and character of the entire
work may be had.

Yours very truly,

T. M. Brewer.

From Spencer F. Baird to George P. Marsh, Constantinople.

WasuincTon, February gth, 1851.
My pear Mr. Marsu:—

Don’t accuse me of intentional neglect in not answering your
two letters (Aug. 23 and Oct. 19) at an earlier date. Hoping from day
to day to hear of the keg, and next to report its arrival, I delayed
writing until I got out of all patience. In this unhappy frame of
mind, I wrote to Iasigi & Goddard, and lo! the keg came on by return
of Express. This was late last night, and as to-day is Sunday, I must
defer the aperture (will this word do?) until to-morrow; after which
operation I will report further. A thousand thanks, however, for
your kindness and consideration, whether the fishes be in good or
bad odor.

256 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

We are now fairly settled down at the Smithsonian, and have
got the hang of the thing pretty well. Gen. and Mrs. Churchill
board along with Mary, Lucy and myself at Mrs. Wise’s. There is
some murmur of conversation respecting the erection of mansions
upon the Smithsonian grounds, which I hope may be realized. If
these be built next Spring, we shall probably take a small house as
boarding does not suit exactly.

I find my post suits me exactly in all particulars, excepting that
I could wish the salary ($1500.00) were somewhat higher. An increase
will, I hope, be ordered before long. I have enough to do, but you
know I never feared work. In addition to my Natural History
operations I have entire superintendence of the publishing depart-
ment, revising memoirs, fighting printers and engravers, correcting
proof, distributing copies, &c. I also have charge of the department
of exchanges, domestic and foreign. The second volume is nearly
ready for distribution. We have a number of papers on hand for
printing. The report for 1849 was only printed a few months ago.
I sent you a copy which I hope was received. To be certain of your
getting it, I send another. That for 1850 will be printed in about
two months more. The Board of Regents have had five or six meet-
ings; all well attended. Mr. Justice Taney was elected Chancellor.
There is now a proposition before Congress to receive $150,000.00
and invest with the original $500,000.00, but its success is not certain.

Very little has been done to the building since last summer.
Owing to a break in the canal, no stone could be procured. It is
expected that the towers will all be finished by next summer. It
will then be a question whether to occupy a long or a short period of
time in finishing the rest of the building.

We have had numerous lectures this winter. . . . This
week we have Dr. Goadby on “The Structure of Insects,” illustrated
by specimens shown with the Oxy-hydrogen microscope. He is an
excellent anatomist and will, no doubt, give great satisfaction.

What do you think of this, the last notion we have for the diffu-
sion of knowledge? It consists of undertaking the business of inter-
national exchange as regards Scientific institutions in Europe and
America. As you well know, our list of foreign exchanges exceeds
that of all Societies in this country put together. With an agent,
(Dr. Fligel) in Leipzig, one in Paris, and one in London, it is an

1850 TO 1865 257

easy matter for us to distribute all our publications to any point,
and it will involve little additional cost and trouble to do this for
ali the other Societies, all of these to whom it has been presented,
have jumped at the plan with the greatest eagerness. In the same
way we shall receive from abroad all transactions intended for this
country in our packages, and distribute from Washington. I flatter
myself that I can superintend a large business of this kind with
accuracy and despatch.

I have already mentioned my having enough to do. You will
believe me when I mention some more items of business. The Ameri-
can Association at the New Haven meeting made me Permanent,
quasi-perpetual, Secretary; the duties to consist mainly in making
up and publishing the semi-annual transactions. This has taken
much of my time. The forthcoming volume, now in press, will
occupy some 600 8vo. pp. I am also obliged to attend the meetings,
which take place, the Spring one, in Cincinnati, (May) and the
Summer, Albany (Aug.). The Association perpetrated an excellent
joke in voting me $300.00 per annum for my services. The reality
of the thing is that there are not funds enough to pay for half of the
volume, much less 300 dollars additional.

Item—I have undertaken the reptiles of the Exploring Expedition,
to be completed in 2 years at 500 dollars per annum. The work and
pay I shall however turn over to my assistant, Charles Girard, for-
merly with Agassiz, who is more competent. for the labor than I am.
It will however require a good deal of my time, at the most favorable
view.

Item—The Iconographic. You would not expect me to do much
translating, nor do I. I put out the different articles all round,
revising some, and correcting the proof of others. Garrigue expects
to have all out by September next. He is in excellent spirits, having
gone pretty well into the 2d. edition.

I say nothing of such trifles as making out Zoological reports
for Army officers, writing 8 or 10 letters every day, attending to
dozens of diurnal and nocturnal visitors, etc. These are thrown into
the bargain.

And now to the Natural History part of my epistle. I am
making every effort, in addition to the reptiles and fishes, to procure
the best collection in comparative Osteology in the country. Please

17

258 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

therefore to let no practicable opportunity slip of getting skulls,
and if possible without too much trouble, skeletons of mammals.
Skulls, at any rate, procure wherever you may be. Thus you may
meet with Camels, Jackals, Hyenas, Wild Sheep and Goats, Ibex,
Antelopes, Felidae of all kinds, Bears, and all else. We want wolves,
foxes, and dogs to settle the question of unity of the human race.
Get skulls of any and all well marked varieties of dogs, especially
if peculiar to the country in which they may occur. I will not par-
ticularize more, as everything is wanted, domestic or ferine. Don’t
trouble yourself about birds, unless you can get them as well as not.
Any insect you can procure will be acceptable to American Ento-
mologists. Among reptiles, try hard for Salamanders. You may
find new species, or if not, then some very rare ones. I have nearly
all those of Northern and Middle Europe, and want the Mediterranean
ones. Fresh-water fishes are most important, and least known. I
would like skins of the smaller and medium mammalia; the more
diminutive of these may be put in spirits.

I have had much pleasure in making the acquaintance of Dr.
Wizlizenus. He appears to be a man of true science, and one who is
well worth knowing. Mrs. W. is blooming as a rose. I never saw
her look half so well and so says Mary; but she does not come up to
our dear Mrs. Marsh. Please give her my warmest love, filial and
fraternal. How much we all wish to see her, and earnestly we all
hope for her restoration. to health.

I have written to Iasigi and Goddard to know when they send
out a vessel to Smyrna. I will forward the keg of alcohol by the first
opportunity. Do write soon and furnish one of your good long
instructive and funny letters.

Most affectionately yours,

S. F. Barrp.

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

Puitapa. 12, March, 1851.
Dear Bairp,

Stephens and I are very busy getting up a lot of the
greatest nonsense you ever saw “‘Comic natural history of the Human
race”’—I will send you the second No. which will soon be out—it will

1850 TO 1865 259

contain an article which I have just finished—now that the Exploring
Expedition has fallen through we must turn our attention to some-
thing else—

I am unconditionally discharged from that business, and the
only civil letter Wilkes ever wrote to me conveyed that information,—

—I shall publish nothing relative to Peale’s book for at least a
year— . . . I am about commencing a paper in which I intend
to get together everything ornithological by Americans, probably
commencing with Bartram, a few of whose descriptions are good and
entitle him to priority of name—next Ord whose principal paper of a
nomenclatorial character is in an appendix to an edition of Guthrie’s
Geography in which he names a large number of birds for the first
time, but unfortunately describes very few;—he refers however to
several sufficient descriptions amongst which is Lewis & Clarke’s
description of a new swan which he, Ord, names Cygnus Columbianus
and which is very probably Sharpless’ C. americanus & has priority—
next Wilson—Audubon—Rafinesque—Giraud—and Peale—if Wilson
will bear my expenses and lend me books I shall come to Washing-
ton and examine the collection as well as I can.

I am entirely composed about the Expedition business—quite
recovered my equanimity, as you will probably think when you see
the foolish paper I have written for Stephens Comic—all the papers
in that great work which are written by me will have the initial C.
to the end of them.

I am now sure enough over head and ears in literary and scien-
tific engagements—Webber (old Hicks the guide) and I are about
undertaking wonderful things—you will see—

Please inform me the address of Mrs. Townsend.

Ever yours,

Joun Cassin

Tell me soon about the ms. Fissirostres and Tenuirostres.

This paper which I propose writing about Bartram and others
will be rather long—it might do for your Smithsonian Contributions—
I have commenced it—

Any more California birds? Beesley who accompanied poor Gam-
bel has returned within a day or two-I have not seen him—Heerman
is expected home shortly—Charles Ashmead is also expected soon.

260 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Baird began the year by outfitting J. H. Clark, in
1851, for scientific service with the Mexican Boundary
Survey. He arranged to work up the Reptiles of the
Wilkes’ Exploring Expedition, Girard to do the work
under Baird’s supervision and get the pay. He went to
Philadelphia and New York in connection with the print-
ing of the American Association’s Report and negotiated
Smithsonian exchanges for duplicate reptiles of a collection
purchased by Dr. Wilson and presented to the Academy.

On his return he was busy over Stansbury’s collections
from Utah, and planning collections to be made in Turkey
by George P. Marsh.

On the 28th of April he started for Cincinnati via
Carlisle, to attend the meeting of the American Associa-
tion, where he arrived May sth. His post was that of
Permanent Secretary, but in the absence of the Treasurer,
Dr. Elwyn, he was appointed to fill that position also.
Having finished the Association work May toth, he went
on to Cleveland, Buffalo and by way of Albany to New
York. On the 2oth he reached Washington.

Early in June Mrs. Baird and Lucy returned to
Carlisle on a visit to relatives. A large part of Baird’s
time was taken up at this period by reading proof of the
Encyclopedia, the American Association Report, and
Smithsonian publications; and by making up the foreign
exchanges of books and papers. June 2Ist he went to
attend commencement at Dickinson College, Carlisle.

From George P. Marsh to Spencer F. Baird.

Meteo Carro, May 3, 1851.

I arrived here a week since after an absence of three months in
Upper Egypt and Nubia, and found your welcome letter of Feb. 9.
I regret I had not heard from you earlier, or I could have found you

1850 TO 1865 261

several of the skulls you wish, had I known they were particularly
desirable. As it was, I did the best I could, but my dragoman mis-
took my orders and got but little spirit at Cairo. In Upper Egypt
I could get only arrack and every thing I put into that liquor spoiled.
I had an asp, two cerastes, two large (crocodile-egg-eating) and many
small lizards of various species, many species of fish; two pelican’s
heads, and the parasitic animals that inhabit them, also the neck
and curious respiratory apparatus; some other birds and other
curious things, but they are gone, and I have only three large and a
few small lizards, of different species, a few beetles, shell fish, and other
fish of the Nile, the head and neck of a small ostrich, the heads of
two cerastes and an asp, scorpions quantum suf., bats, frogs and toads,
in small variety. These will be packed to-day, and sent off in the
course of next week. On Monday we start for the wilderness, but
I cannot carry much spirit on camels, though I hope to secure you
the heads of some gazelles and wild goats. We saw many crocodiles,
but though I offered large prices could get neither eggs nor young.
It is a dangerous diversion to look for the nest of this “bird,” and
the people don’t like to undertake it. The crocodile is a very fero-
cious animal, we heard many well-authenticated accounts of the
destruction of human life by them. The quadrupeds of the valley
of the Nile are few. The gazelle (I have seen but three wild) the fox,
the hyaena, the jerboa and the ichneumon nearly make out the list,
but the birds are incredibly numerous. The waders greatly predomi-
nate, and it is pleasant to see the harmony in which these poor crea-
tures live with each other and even with the crocodile. I saw one
of these beasts completely surrounded by a flock of white, blue and
gray herons, spoon bills and geese, twenty of them at least within
reach of his tail. The crocodile bird (Herodotus trochilus) is very
common, but I saw it near the crocodile but once, and then it
wasn’t picking his teeth. As for the Ibis, if in fact it was black as
Herodotus says, it is no longer to be found here, but most persons
take a very common bird of snowy plumage to be the Ibis. But
insomuch as the lotus and papyrus are gone or nearly so, why not
the Ibis? I am ashamed to have traversed so much of Egypt and
Nubia and understood so little. How I envy you your knowledge of
the many tongues in which Mother Nature speaketh to her children.
In fact I hold ignorance of geology, physical geography and natural

262 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

history to be a crime, and if I am hung for it, I shall still say the
sentence was just. I say to you in strict confidence that I expect
to come back next winter and go as high as Khartum in 16 degrees,
and if possible even further. Therefore, send me not only spirits,
but vessels. Casks are not: good in this dry and cooperless land.
Strong glass with wide mouths and good corks, bladders or some other
mode of making them tight, I should prefer, but I think good tins
proved beforehand would answer well. The trouble or expense of
collection J don’t mind, but the materials of preservation can’t be
got here. Let me have everything forthwith, not next winter, but
now. You'll get this in June. Don’t wait till cold weather, but send
your traps to lasigi & Goddard in a month at most to be sent by first
ship to Smyrna, otherwise they will come too late. I will look out
sharp for salamanders and if I find a new one, you shall name it
Salamandrileus Bairdii or the like. Don’t make the name good
Latin. The naturalists won’t be able to construe it if you do. Don’t
let your husband work himself to death, Mary. Take away his
tools and let him journey. Wasn’t that a good word I made in my
last letter? “Snakery”? Put it into all the scientific glossaries and
things. I like your plan of exchange, but am sorry your time should
be taken up with clerk-work. The personnel of the Smithsonian
ought to be increased. It is by no means large enough. What is
Jewett doing? I have not heard from him for a long time. I have
many things to say to you, my son, but on Monday I go in pursuit
of the children of Israel as Pharaoh did, and have no time. Go on
as you have begun, but don’t undertake too much, nor waste these
golden hours of your precious youth on matters of mere routine. Let
the dead bury their dead, but do thou fulfil thy vocation. Mary
knoweth that she is dear unto me even as thou, and I thank her for
her kind expressions of interest in her ancient friend. And now I
bid ye both heartily farewell.
Your true well-wisher,

GeorcE P. Marsu.
P.S. I send a box of shells and diving snails with a dried croco-

dile’s egg. The palm fruit in the same box is for Doctor Wislizenus.
The snails are from the Desert.

1850 TO 1865 263

From Spencer F. Baird to Geo. P. Marsh, U. S. Minister Resident,
Constantinople.

WasHINGTON, June 5, 1851.
My pear Mr. Marsu:—

I have but this instant received your welcome letter of May 3d,
and I hasten to answer it, and the one from the 2d. cataract of the
Nile at one heat. I am a thousand times obliged to you for writing
so often, especially-when you have so much else to attend to. And
the inclosed letter from dear Mrs. Marsh was (shall I say it?) read
twice before taking up yours at all. Mary will be delighted with
her letter, and yours, when they are sent, which d. v., shall be to-
morrow. I am that most unfortunate of mortals, a bachelor pro tem,
keeping a suite of rooms all alone. Mary and Lucy (Baird) have gone
to Carlisle for the summer. I accompanied them to Baltimore last
Tuesday, and then returned solitary and alone. They are in rather
better health now than during the winter, and I hope that their
mountain climate of Carlisle will do them much good. I shall visit
them during Commencement week at Dickinson, June 26, and then
again about the beginning of August, on which latter occasion I hope
to carry them off to the seashore, nay perhaps to the Green Hills of
Vermont. I cannot tell why I should feel toward Vermont as I do,
whether that it is my wife’s country and yours, or what, but on a
recent run down the North River a few weeks ago (of which more
anon) I sat on the upper deck of the boat all day, thinking in a perfect
ecstasy of homesickness of Lake Champlain, with its border of
Mountains, of Burlington, of the steamboats, and indeed of every-
thing connected in my mind with that region. It seems to me that
I ought to go there this summer, probably I will: I may take Mary
to Clarendon Springs, or Highgate.

As permanent Secretary of the American Association for the
Advancement of Science, I attended the meeting held in Cincinnati,
May 5th, in company with Profs. Henry, Bache, Coffin, Coakley,
Capt. Wilkes, Sears C. Walker, and other scientific notabilities of
this neighborhood. We had a capital meeting; and were treated like
princes, invited to revel in wine cellars, by the Longworths, Buchanans
and others, tea’d, dined, and otherwise eaten and drunken. I had
my hands full of business, and could not participate in any of these

264 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

amusements. The number of members present was very large, and
some of the communications quite valuable. The Cincinnatians
gave gratuitous entertainment to all who were willing to stay at
private houses, and collected money enough to pay all expenses of
the meeting, and to publish the volume of proceedings. Not a single
item was at the cost of the Association’s Treasury, save my traveling
expenses, which I charged, as had been agreed upon. Coming back,
I stopped a day with my good old friend, Dr. J. P. Kirtland of Cleve-
land, where I got an undescribed species of bird. Thence to Buffalo
by steamboat, with next a touch at Niagara, and off again to Albany.
Here the next meeting of the Association, in August, takes place.

Wonderful now are the facilities of traveling to the West. The
regular period of transit from New York to Cincinnati, via Albany
and Buffalo, is forty-eight hours, the two nights being spent in com-
fortable staterooms of boats on North River and Lake Erie. And
now by the Erie Railroad, finished through to Dunkirk, this period
is diminished some eight hours, making 40 the time. The distance
by the first route is about 910 miles, by the second 873!! In one
year passengers will go from Philadelphia to Cincinnati in about
28 hours!

And now to resume the personal part of my discourse. I am now
hard at work preparing for the emission of the 2d. vol. of Smithsonian
Contributions to Knowledge, which goes off accompanied by hosts
of companions from all parts of the country. Our proposed operations
in the way of scientific international exchange, are enthusiastically
welcomed by other societies; and we have received from various
sources numerous documents and other things which will be sure
cards. Our friend J. C. McGuire of Washington, is to send some
400 Patent Reports of 1847, 48. We have also Jewett’s Library
Report, just out. Best of all we have copies of Schoolcraft’s Indian
book, for about 130 of the principal European Societies. This lot
will no doubt bring back many valuable returns; as it is, you would
be astonished to see the quantities of Foreign Transactions coming
in almost daily. We have received over one hundred distinct parcels
during the present year, embracing fully one thousand titles. The
last lot is a complete series of the Memoirs of the Bavarian Academy
in 17 quarto and heaven knows how many octavo volumes. This
has not yet come to hand, but is in New York. We shall probably

1850 TO 1865 265

send a copy of Contributions to the Stiftesbokasafn at Reykjavik,
Iceland, at the instance of Daniel W. Fisk now at Copenhagen. Is
this right?

Don’t fear for my health, I never was so stout, and perhaps well,
in my life. Although I work hard (from 5 A.M., till I fall asleep
spontaneously P.M.) yet I take so much exercise as to keep me up.
I have to visit all the printers, binders, lithographers, etc., in the city
almost every day, walking from one extreme of the city to the other.
As a good sign, I always have a ravenous appetite. And besides I
talk a great deal about going out fishing, and doing other foolish
things; and at any rate I hope to have a good run next summer. As
to the nature of my business, I sometimes feel as if I were wasting
time attending to these details; but then again I become reconciled
in a measure, on knowing, as I do, that if I do not attend to them no
one will, and I flatter myself that the publications of the Smithsonian
Institution could not go on without me. Mr. Jewett has his hands
full of the Library and catalogue matters. . . . It isa fact that
I have scarcely done a single hour’s work of original investigation
since my arrival; of aboriginal I will not speak, on account of that
modesty which should characterize juveniles. Still, I trust a better
day is coming, when I can do something, and no one would be more
happy to see that time than Prof. Henry. No one could be kinder
or more considerate than he, and I flatter myself that he considers
his Asst. Secretary a prize in a small way.

Are not you getting tired of this prosy letter, written when I
should have been in bed an hour ago, but for your epistle. To come
to an end, however, I will carefully follow all your directions about
vessels, etc. and will indicate on a separate slip some additional
desiderata.

I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing Master Wizlizenus,
though I understand from Mister W. that he is a wonderful individual,
in fact something remarkable. Of the accuracy of this impression,
coming from such a source, there can, of course, be no question.
Mrs. W. is not yet allowed to see company, but is doing well. And
now with inexpressible love to dear Mrs. M., and plenty of the same
to yourself, goodbye,

From your affectionate

S. F. Barrp.

266 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From John H. Clark to Spencer F. Baird.

FronTeErA, July 4, 1851.
Dear Proressor:

I am at a Rancho, hired by the Commissioner, 8 miles above
El Paso. This Rancho is on the Rio Grande and used as an observa-
tory and storehouse. Col. Graham will remain here until the Com-
mission is reorganized which will be done as soon as a conference can
be had with the Commissioner and Mr. Whipple who are near the
Gila at a place called the Copper Mines about 200 miles from El
Paso. The initial point has been fixed and the line run as far as the
Copper Mines, but the Col. says this point has not been established
according to the treaty and must be erased.

I had no chance to write you from San Antonio but put up all
the specimens I had collected, which the Col. directed and which
I hope have reached you before this. We reached El Paso on the
25th June, having made the trip in 45 days; of all the barren water-
less regions on the face of the earth I want to see no worse than I
experienced on this route. There are stretches of from 50 to 100
miles without living water, without grass, and without wood enough
to boil a pot of coffee.

There is nothing in abundance save the lizards which make up
in number and variety for the scarcity of everything else in objects
of Natural History. I flatter myself that I have made a good col-
lection as far as the lizards are concerned. Excepting the rattle-
snake, there are very few snakes in the mountains and on the ele-
vated plains over which we passed. There is nothing remarkable
in it, however, when we come to consider the barrenness of the
country.

I haven’t been able to procure a single wolf’s skull. I saw but '
two on the whole route and they were at a great distance and ran
out of sight as soon as they saw us. I have got, however, the skull
of a peccary which was shot by some soldiers in advance of the train.
Antelopes were frequently seen after crossing the Pecos but not a
single one was killed; J saw a black tail deer eight days from White’s
Ranch near El Paso. We crossed the Rio Mimbres above Cooke’s
route; this river at that time and place was nothing but a succession
of water holes some of which were literally filled with two kinds of
fish, a black sucker and trout. All the patience and art I could bring

1850 TO 1865 267

to bear would induce neither of these fishes to take hold of the hook;
but I found one little hole which I could seine and caught one good
specimen of a trout with several of the suckers. It is but six miles
from here to the Mimbres far above the point where we crossed it.
Mr. Wright and myself intend going there if the Indians don’t
become so hostile as to render it dangerous. The Apaches are en-
camped on this river and they or the Navajoes drove off Col. Craig’s
Cavalada on the 11th inst. They have also driven off some of the
Col.’s mules which he left at White’s Ranch. Col. Craig has gone
after them but as his soldiers are afoot it is not probable that he will
overtake them. Notwithstanding these acts of depravation more or
less of these Apaches are in here every week begging and trading.
They are objects of pity and contempt rather than fear.

I have yet to procure the first wolf’s skull; bears are very plenty
and several have been killed since I have been here; for the skull
of one of them, I walked seven miles and to my great disappointment,
found that it had been broken to pieces, for the brain, by the hunter.
There are two kinds of squirrels here, living under the rocks, one
small, the other rather larger than the common gray squirrel which
it resembles very much, except that it has hairless cheek pouches.
The smaller one is rather rare and I have not yet been able to procure
it. The mountains, which I suppose are a spur of the back-bone
ridge, are thinly covered with a stunted growth of cedar, pine, and
oak. . . . The common Buck are scarce after leaving the los
Moros.

The box which I put up here and which will be carried back by
Capt. French is directed to Prof. Girard, Smith. Inst. by Col.
Graham’s orders. I made no objection, as I suppose it will come to
you anyhow. You will find that I have sent you one of the cans
which was the only means of sending you what I had collected; for
if I had put up my specimens in a keg, besides taking the most of the
alcohol, it would have been apt to have fallen to pieces in this exceed-
ingly dry country which fate one of the kegs has already met. I
have no occasion to use more than two of these cans at a time; I can
therefore spare several yet.

There has been little or no rain here for two years. The
difference between the temperature of the days and that of the nights
is between 30° and 40°; no sooner is the sun gone than it is at once

268 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

pleasant. I should like to have a satisfactory explanation of this
phenomenon. There is no doubt but that the cool nights contribute

to the healthfulness of the country. Joun H. Carx

From Louis Agassiz to Spencer F. Baird.

CampripcE, 4th August, 1851.
My DEAR FRIEND,

How very difficult it is to do right, or at least what you think
to be right even with the firm determination to doit. Iam struggling
with the desire of being punctual in my correspondence with my
friends and all I can do is from time to time to send them a few lines.
What you have written to me respecting your activity in the Smith-
sonian Institution has greatly interested me, and I have no doubt
you will do a great deal of good in that way. I thank you very much
for your specimens, which arrived safely last week. Pray do not
forget to bring on the Leuciscus Pygmaeus of DeKay, for it is one of
the very things I have been longing for and which I have failed
hithertofore to obtain. I shall not leave Cambridge before the
meeting. I intend returning home immediately after; will you not
come back with me and take a good share of the long-promised
specimens from Florida and other places with you. My sister-in-law
who has just returned from a long visit at the Lee’s on Lake Cham-
plain and often seen your friends there, wants me to insist of your
coming at that time, as she intends making us then a visit and would
be glad to have one who knows all those people to recall pleasant
recollections.

I am working very hard at the Exploring Expedition fishes,
and allow my papers to suffer under it, as I must make my living
first; but I am progressing to my satisfaction notwithstanding. I
hope to have the corals at least ready for the press by the beginning
of Sept. I have just revised my report upon the coral reefs. I
trust it will be an acceptable contribution to our knowledge of that
subject. I have received some time ago the slip of my paper read in
Cincinnati, it was all right. I have a long letter to write to Prof.
Henry before Albany, and can find no time for it. My kindest

regards to Mrs. Baird. j ‘
8 Your sincere friend,

L. Acassiz.

1850 TO 1865 269

From Spencer F. Baird to George P. Marsh.

WasuHIncTon, Oct. 3, 1851.
My pear Mr. Marso:—

You cannot think with what anxiety Mary and I have perused
the papers to learn of your welfare, after seeing the announcement
of the illness of both yourself and Mrs. Marsh, nor with what grati-
tude we saw by the last advices that you had returned to Constan-
tinople much i nproved in health. I hope it may continue so a long
long time.

I have just returned, after a two months’ absence; first to Albany
to attend the meeting of the American Association; next to Otsego
Lake, to fish and to see Miss Cooper, authoress of that charming
book, ‘Rural Hours”; next to Mt. Washington to overlook Creation;
then to Cambridge, to rummage among Prof. Agassiz’s collections
and carry off duplicates and, finally, to Washington again, via N.
York, Phila. and Reading. Mary and Lucy had gone to Carlisle
the beginning of June, and stayed there during the summer, joining
me in Reading and returning to Washington when I did. Right
glad I was to get back once more to steady work, and plenty I found
to do. We shall have a third volume of Smithsonian Contributions
out by next spring and there will be nuts for me to crack in super-
intending its safe passage. Have you yet received the box of books
sent you by Iasigi & Goddard for distribution? The seine with the
kegs, etc. shipped at an earlier date.

Yesterday brought the keg announced in your letter of May 3.
All the specimens in perfect order and all very acceptable. What
fruits and other pickled vegetables are there? You said nothing
about them. Are the grasshoppers veritable locusts. Are all the
fish from the Nile, and the reptiles from its banks? I look yet for
a letter detailing your adventures.

From S. F. Baird to Joseph Leidy.

WasHINGTON, Oct. 16, 1851.
Dear Leiwy:—
The bearer of the present dispatch is C. B. R. Kennerly, Esq.,
of Virginia, one of the University of Pennsylvania students of medi-
cine. His friends call him Caleb, for short, which, however he is

270 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

not. He is the most notorious snake, salamander, bug, cave-bone,
wolf, panther and tadpole catcher in the community, your humble
servant perhaps excepted; having been his Lieutenant for years,
and companion in his various misfortunes by lake, river and moun-
tain. He caught most of those Julus and Passalus I sent you, besides
doing many other things too numerous to mention. Use him well
for my sake as well as his own.
Yours truly,

S. F. Barrp.

From John Wilson to Spencer F. Baird.

Caruisxz, Nov. 18, 1851.
Dear Pror.

You are anxious to hear about the bones. A week ago
MoCauley and I made a pilgrimage to the cave in which that bone®
was found last summer. It is distant from S. about 12 miles. We
understood the cave to be a very small one, and made no preparations
for very extensive explorations. After losing the way twice, we
finally succeeded in getting two miles beyond the place, and then
drove back to the veritable hole. The owner of the farm was absent,
and (we) found his father, a man of about 70, and an elderly maiden
sister in charge of matters. They are people of great simplicity
and were surprised that we had come all the way from 5S. to see the
cave. I went into the house and had quite a chat with the old folks,
but could not succeed in showing the old folks the use of hunting
up old bones. They declared they could not see any use in the thing—
there was nothing to be made at it—although I talked as learnedly as
possible. I succeeded at least in making them believe we were some-
body. The cave is a vast opening nearly as large as Keefer’s.
It differs from that, however, in being almost free from stalactitic
formations. The cave is formed by the openings between limestone
rocks in a small hill. The main cavern is about three quarters of a
mile in length, and there are numberless lateral openings of consider-
able size. We were unable to find in what part of it the famous

3 A fossil bone about which the professor had expressed especial
curiosity.

1850 TO 1865 271

bone had been found, and in our various diggings in various parts
of it, we did not find anything of importance. I picked up a few small
bones which I have preserved. The floor is generally soft like that
of the Carlisle cave, and if we had had a little more time at command,
we might have found something, but night came on us and we had
to part. We promised to call again and try it, and the old gentleman
said his son would then go with us, and show us where zhe bone was
found &c.
Yours truly,

Joun Witson.

In 1852 Baird arranged to have specimens for the
Smithsonian transported on Government vessels when
practicable. Prof. E. Emmons of the North Carolina
Geological Survey offered to send his collections to the
Institution for determination and report. When the
Board of Regents met in January, Baird explained to
them his plan for free international exchange of scientific
papers, which was approved by them and Professor
Henry and has since grown into the Bureau of Inter-
national Exchanges, one of the greatest benefits to science
ever planned. In January a fire occurred in Garrigue’s
printing office, destroying the plates of the second volume
of the Encyclopedia, and some Smithsonian material.

At the request of Captain (later Major General)
George B. McClellan he undertook to see a volume on
Bayonet Exercises through the press.

March 8th he went to Philadelphia to attend to
various items of business and see his grandmother Biddle,
then more than 86 years old. He finished the Report on
Zoology for Stansbury’s expedition to Salt Lake. His
salary was raised by the Regents to $2000.00 per annum.
The International exchanges amounted to nearly 500
packages for 362 institutions and individuals, nearly all

272 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

put up by his own hands. During the summer he travelled
considerably. Owing to an epidemic of cholera, the
Cincinnati meeting of the American Association (with
many other meetings) was not held, leaving him relatively
free. He made a long journey through New England and
visited Professor Agassiz. During his travels, as usual,
he made large collections especially of fishes. At Concord
he called on R. W. Emerson and met H. D. Thoreau. On
his return to Washington in November, Dr. William
Stimpson, who was to accompany the Ringgold and
Rodgers North Pacific Exploring Expedition, reported for
duty at the Smithsonian. The latter part of the year he
was busy with the study of American snakes and
batrachia.

S. F. Baird to George P. Marsh at Constantinople.

WasHINGTON, Jan. 20, 1852.
My pear Mr. Marso:—

Do not measure my affection by the length of the epistles I
write, but inversely. If I had a dozen hands, I would keep one going
all the time in writing news to you, but I haven’t, and so I must be
content with one every month. My business here is such an unvary-
ing round of the same thing that I never have anything novel to
communicate, and I never could tell of the affairs of other people.
We are getting along very well at the Institution, the Regents well
satisfied and I think quite proud of us. The departure of Mr. Hillard
was supplied by Mr. Meacham of Middlebury, Vt., whom I have
not yet seen as he has attended no meetings. The Board has been
in session for several weeks, and will probably meet half a dozen
times before finishing. I hope they will raise my salary to 2000 or
more. I am not very conceited, but I think that any one who rises
betimes, to the business of any body, and falls asleep at night over
its work averaging 12 hours a day constant employment in winter
and 15 in summer deserves more and earns more than from mere

1850 TO 1865 273

six hours duty from nine to three. And the worst of it is that I
cannot work less time. The amount is too great, and my interest
in my labors too earnest to allow me to feel free after usual office
hours. In fact, I am much worse off pecuniarily than at Carlisle.
There I could make 1000 or 1500 dollars extra at translating, with a
salary of 1000, on half of which I could live. I now fall behindhand
on 1500.

Mary in her letter has told you all the news, personal and local,
which I need not repeat, especially as I know nothing of such matters
myself. The lectures here are going off finely. Prof. W. B. Rogers,
of Virginia, has just finished a course on “Phases of the Atmosphere,”
which has been well received. The Sillimans, Prof. Felton, and others
come on next. Our second volume of Smithsonian Contributions
you have seen. The third and fourth will be published next Spring.
The fourth will be occupied entirely by a Grammar and Dictionary

of the Dahcota language, about 400 pages. So you see we are not
idle.

From §. F. Baird to Dr. William Darlington, Chester, Pa.

Wasuincton, March 20, 1852.

My pear Doctor:—

Your darling project of a complete Arboretum et fruticetum
boreali-Americanum, is in a fair way of being carried out. The idea
long ago occurred to Prof. Henry, Mr. Downing ¢ and myself of having
in our Smithsonian grounds such a collection of plants, all carefully
arranged and labelled, so that he who rides or walks may read. We
already have a large number of trees set out and more will follow.
I am glad you had Paschall & Morris send a catalogue to Mr. Down-
ing of foreign species, which I hope to see also. Should you ever
succeed in effecting the great object it will not be forgotten that to
you is due in great part the result of so long urging it upon all inter-
ested.

* Andrew Jackson Downing, celebrated landscape gardener, to
whose memory an urn stands in the Smithsonian grounds.
18

274 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From S. F. Baird to George P. Marsh, Constantinople.

Wasuincton, May 2, 1852.

My pear Mr. anp Mrs. Marsu:—

Your most welcome letter of March 3rd and 14th arrived a day
or two ago, and has been read and re-read a dozen times. I had only
to regret its extreme brevity, as a man in Constantinople who has
nothing to do, might write more than four pages at a time, don’t
you think so? Still I fear I may not do much better, as I now write
at night and shall probably finish this letter while asleep.

I know you will rejoice to learn that the Board of Regents at
their meeting yesterday raised salaries of us assistants five hundred
each; Jewett now has 2500 and I 2000. I hope next year they will
bring mine up to his mark and then I shall be satisfied. As to the
occupation with clerical business, I fear we will never be able to get
out of this. So much there is to be done, and so little money to
do it with, that I fear we must ever be hewers of wood and
drawers of water.

We are getting on well at the Smithsonian, although no com-
mencement has yet been made upon the interior of the main building.
The tower rooms will all be done in a few days; after which some plan
of fireproofing will probably be accepted, and the whole rapidly
hurried to completion. The active operations are progressing finely.
Mr. Jewett’s stereotyping promises well, and he is commencing to
work in earnest at the catalogue. I have ushered two new volumes
of Contributions nearly through the press besides some octavos.
My grand plan of international exchange is working like a charm.
The German periodicals and the letters of societies are filled with
encomia upon the “Grossartigkeit” and all that sort of thing of the
Institution. I have accumulated a vast amount of matter to send
off this spring, with our books, such as abstracts of Census, maps
of Railroads and Canals, Congressional documents, Schoolcraft’s
book, etc. Last year you remember I made up 240 cubic feet, or
8,000 pounds of books for Europe. This year the amount will
probably be doubled. All the communication between Scientific
bodies throughout Europe and America comes through us; and all
concerned are loud in praise of the efficiency and despatch of the

1850 TO 1865 275

system. Our scale of operations is on a vastly larger scale than
Vattemare’s. :

Our returns from Europe even this year are already enormous.
In the first quarter they considerably exceeded those for 1851. And
the exchanges for Vol. 2 have but just commenced. I wish I had
you here to talk over the matter. I send a printed list of our corre-
spondents. You will rejoice to see “Islands Stiftisbokasofn” among
them.§

Natural History prospers likewise. No end to the accession of
rich treasures; fish, flesh and fowl. Oh, for time enough to develop
them. By all means send me lots of Salamandrosus. I want him
exceedingly. You must have several species of salamanders, some in
water, some on land, under logs, etc. (N. B. See printed directions
enclosed.) I won’t give much for a live ostrich, but will give a bottle
of first rate Scuppernong wine from N. Carolina, when you come back,
for his skeleton. It would be a prize, indeed. But I must have a
camel’s head, at least, if not his whole skeleton. And what of Hyenas,
Jackals, and the like, of which travelers speak? Are such fabulous?
I fear me so; I want some dog skulls, too; these I know abound. The
fresh water fish you sent from old Nilus, were nice—and still nicerer,
I have a book which tells me about them, Rippel, on Nilotic fish.
Send me any different species.of unios or fresh water mussels, in alco-
hol, too. Shall I send more? or has the Sultan yet introduced the
Maine liquor law?

Yes—I am glad you like the idea of writing the book. Collect
plenty of specimens, and you shall have a grand Nat. Hist. Appenprx.
You can make a travel as is a travel. Have you seen or read Huc’s
Travels in Tartary. The most interesting one about, until yours. He
too traveled on Camels, but on the bactrian critter, with two humps,
and carrying 700 to 1000 Lbs. Climate awful—cold, sleet, &c., wild
oxen frozen up while crossing rivers. ‘These are the animals for our
Western plains, if the Syrian species will not do, of which I have many
doubts. The Camel article to which you refer, I have not seen. I
regret you did not send it to me: I would have made it into an article
for the Patent Office Report, adding facts concerning the Northern
species. I have written for Patent Rep. a long article on the ruminat-
ing animals of North America.

5 Mr. Marsh was interested in the Icelandic language.

276 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I am getting very sleepy,—don’t you perceive it—and must stop
and say goodbye. When are you coming home? We miss you day
and night. I shan’t be sorry when some new President turns you out
of office.

From Spencer F. Baird to John H. Clark, Frontera, Texas.

Wasuincton, May 14, 1852.
My pear Apam:—®

Your letter of April 8th came two days ago, but as I knew that the
last invoice of reptiles and fishes, collected under Col. Graham’s
administration was somewhere between this and New York, I con-
cluded to wait a while. This afternoon the Col. came over with the
case, which Mr. Girard and I quickly opened in his presence, and as you
may well suppose, with as little delay as possible. The liquor had
leaked out of the kettle, but thanks to the admirable manner in which
the specimens were put up, everything was in perfect order, as perfect
as the other two lots, which is saying a great deal. I am afraid Girard
will go into a fever with the excitement of seeing the many new things
and I am not much behind him in this. A very few species were sent
by you before, or at least we had them from some source, the great
majority, however, are entirely new. One of these days, when the
results of the expedition are published, people will be astonished to
find how much one man can do under difficulties. It all depends on
training, don’t it? No American Naturalist has ever added so many
species of reptiles and fishes to our fauna in a period even of years, as
you have. But I can’t find the lizard with bat-like wings. Is it the
one with the groove along the sides, from the “‘Coppermines.”” This
is a new species of the genus Elgaria, and belongs to the Pacific Fauna.
What a pile of new snakes you have collected. I should not be sur-
prised if the entire number of species caught by you should amount to
40, and most of them new. The fish are of high interest, entirely dif-
ferent from the earlier lot. Among them I see Major Emory’s Gila
Trout, or rather a second species of the same genus. It is not really a
trout, but probably has habits of one.

6This was Clark’s college nickname, referring to his facility
with mathematics and to Adam Clark the eminent mathematician.

1850 TO 1865 277

The little quadrupeds promise nicely. The one with white stripe
on tail and long hind leg is the Dipodomys, a Californian form. The
coyote with cheek pouches is a Pseudostoma. I wish you would (get)
specimens of all the species of mammals in skins, as well as in alcohol,
this fades the color. In sending in skins of mammals and birds, espe-
cially small ones, it will be well to inclose each in a cylinder, or paper
cone, to be pasted up or other-wise secured against the intrusion of
insects.

I hope that this year will see the arrival of as large collections
from you as the last. Don’t suppose that you could ever get enough
specimens of a species. Collect every confounded individual of the
reptiles, except perhaps rattlesnakes or other most common serpents
of which get, say, 15 or 20. But for lizards and smaller serpents, get
500 of each, if youcan. Also crawfish, crustaceans generally, crickets,
katydids, fish, etc.

Mr. Wright sends me some highly interesting notes on the birds
observed by him last winter and it is a thousand pities he got no speci-
mens, as several were no doubt new. Don’t neglect the birds, but col-
lect all you can. And by all means get nests and eggs. But it is of no
use for me to write to you about special desiderata, as you already
know these so well. The whole may be summed up in a few words.
Collect everything you can find, especially the very coMMONEST
species.

I think I had better send back your copper kettles filled with
alcohol. I don’t suppose you can have much material left.

Lucy was much interested in the pet squirrel, especially with the
suppositious incidents, which I added by way of embellishment. She
talks a great deal about you. Mrs. Baird begs to be especially remem-
bered to you and will look for your promised letter.

I have no particular news to tell that I can think of. Mr. Hamil-
ton, of Carlisle, was here to-day, and I astonished him with the speci-
mens. Dr. Peck’ comes to Washington as Pastor, after his time at
Carlisle, next July. They propose to raise a scholarship fund, by
selling them for four years at 25.00!

Very truly and affectionately yours,
SPENCER F, Barrp.

7Former President of Dickinson College and later Bishop of
the M. E. Church.

278 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F. Baird to Capt. D.G. Farragut,* Norfolk, Virginia.

Wasuincton, May 24, 1852.

Dear Captain :—

Dr. Brewer was taken sick the day he expected to start, and did
not go. He will be along at Norfolk some time this week. Much
obliged for the preparations and prospects in regard to Fish. I doubt
not of finding many nice things among your collections. Get the
marine devils by all means. The fact in regard to the poisonous
nature of star-fish is very interesting if true. Please make further
inquiry and verify it.

Sincerely yours,

S. F. Barrp.

The delinquent members of the American Association
caused the Treasurer and Permanent Secretary much
trouble and some pecuniary loss. The following letter
from the former explains the situation:

From Dr. A. L. Elwyn to Spencer F. Baird.

Puita. June to, 1852.
My pear Proressor:—

I sent to you, two days ago, a list of those who had not paid.

I find my situation a very uncomfortable one, exposing me to
much inconvenience and some insult, but I bear it as well as I can.
The idea seems to have got into men’s heads that they were never to
be called on for any payment. Many have intimated this.

I ask what means of support has the Association but by these annual
payments.

H. seemed to think only those who attended were to be
called on. I put it to him, how could it be expected, that one hun-

8 David Glascow Farragut, Admiral U.S.N., the hero of Mobile
Bay; born near Knoxville, Tennessee, July 5, 1801, died Aug. 14,
1870.

ae oe 2 Z .
Ses a ary Jbl Eo

Men a eGf> f MA, Of.

1850 TO 1865 279

dred, more or less, were to stand the expense of printing, and present
to all who did not attend, a copy; this view of the matter does not
seem to have entered their thoughts.

One Silas Totten, of Williamsburg, Virginia, has written this
evening a most menacing message and says that he shall send my
letter to the Permanent Secretary or President. A remark I made
that it was strange so many persons declared themselves not mem-
bers, only when called on to pay, he takes as a personal offense. The
thought came into my head, while writing in a hurry, without con-
sidering that the unfortunate man, might consider that I alluded to
him. If he sends you the note, have it printed, and sent as a circular
to delinquents.

From Thomas M. Brewer to Spencer F. Baird.

Hineuam, June 13, 1852.
My pear Barrp:—

I have been meaning to write to you for several days.
I left Washington you know on Monday, via Richmond, and was in
Old Point Tuesday night. . . . I besieged every darkey I saw in
quest of eggs. I could obtain none of any value. After much trying
I at last succeeded in chartering a vessel to take me to a small sandy
island where the sea birds were said to breed, but I could not be gone
long at a time, as my wife was with me and I was not willing to leave
her alone among strangers, and ill. I spent a few hours on the island
and only obtained seven kinds; Willetts, Black-headed Gulls, Roseate
Tern, Seaside finch, nest and eggs, Bachman’s finch, nest and eggs,
my only new acquisition, Oyster catcher and Wilson’s plover, each
one. Besides these, I found at Old Point Catbirds, Red Wing Black-
birds, martins and Fringilla Socialis. . . . In Norfolk where
I spent Wednesday the 3rd inst. I saw your friend, Capt. Farragut.
He has made arrangements to procure for you all the fish of the neigh-
borhood which can hardly fail to give you much that is interesting.
He has had tin canisters made for deposit at the several fishing places
which are to be sent to you when full. The Capt. was so much
engaged by the court-martial that I saw but little of him.
Yours sincerely,

T. M. Brewer.

280 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

PHILADELPHIA, 28 Aug.: 1852.
Dear PROFESSOR

I have just received a letter from our good friend Brewer in which
he signifies that you might be reached through his address.

All that I have to say is that about three weeks since—that is to
say not very long after you left here—I rec’d. a very polite letter from
Capt. Wilkes in which he informed me that my proposition had been
accepted by the Hon. Comm. and requesting me to immediately
assume the duties, &c &c.

So much for the kind offices of you and Dr. Brewer—

Heermann has arrived from California with a collection of about
1200 Bird skins—I have not seen them all, but expect to tomorrow—
I have a portion of them, brought in his trunk, amongst which are a
Humming bird, T. Alexandrit, Bourcier, new to our Fauna—a Wren
T. mexicanus—and an undescribed Finch—also a Squirrel which Le
Conte says is new—not very strongly marked however, being like the
common Gray Squirrel, but I think quite distinct—also the greatest
kind of a lot of nests and eggs—I have rec’d. a letter from McCall—
has 2 Hawks, which he thinks new, and various other birds.

I do not intend to go to Washington until you return.

Ever yours,

Joun Cassin.

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

Puitapa. 22 Oct: 1852.
Dear PROFESSOR:

I am glad to have something to write to you about,—Heermann
wants to go on the Japan expedition—he does—and further has heard
report that somebody is wanted—

He will do very well, if he can get appointed, but as I have said to
him, that is perhaps less difficult than to be placed on a respectable
footing amongst the officers—do you know anything about it?—
suppose he was appointed, with whom is he to mess on board ship?

1850 TO 1865 281

Woodhouse thinks that his nominal grade would have to be
Master’s mate—

Heermann is a good fellow—I have become well acquainted with
him—personally I should rather dislike to see him go on this expedi-
tion for I want him to go to Texas next spring—but as he is anxious
himself, I wish to further his views in every way in my power—do
write to me immediately and say whether it is important for him to
come to Washington—a better one than he cannot be had.

I shall be in Washington early in November—busy getting up
the plates for my Ist No. Illustrations (2nd edition)—you will be
astonished at their surpassing beauty—I have fallen on a genius in
drawing.

Ever yours,

Joun Cassin.

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

Purtapa. 29 Oct: 1852.
Dear PRoFEssor:

I rec’d. yours day before yesterday and immediately informed
Heermann who said that he would write to you—he appears to be
very anxious to go on the expedition and would I think be a suffi-
ciently suitable individual—he would be of great service to me so far
as relates to the birds of N. W. America, and I should very probably
be able to avail myself of his collections & observations to a greater
extent than any other person likely to go—I am in favour of him,
myself, I am.—Besides he is an able collector, very—

It might also be of great service to the expedition that he can
speak French very volubly—as well as he can English—especially if
the expedition has much to do with the Russian fleets or authorities—

Ever yours,

Joun Cassin.

282 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Dr. Elisha Kent Kane® to Spencer F. Baird.

(November, 1852.)
My pear Proressor:—

I thank you much for your aid in securing Mr. Thomas, as also
for your volunteered initiation into the dredge and other marine
mysteries.

Would you kindly deliver the enclosed to Mr. T. and tell him if a
pecuniary advance would be of any service to him, I will do my best to
accommodate him. The fact is that I wish in every way to show my
care for the happiness and comfort of our little party. Pent up in a
small compass—and subjected, as we will be, to a rigid system of dis-
cipline as a means of accomplishing much hard work, I want to bring
about a spirit of cheerfulness and contentment in our little mess.

They say, among my naval friends, that subordination can only
be preserved by a uniform distance and reserve. This idea is repug-
nant to the kindly feelings of one’s nature—‘‘non semper arcum,”
&c., &c. and I intend to try hard to be exacting on duty and bearable
when off of it.

Would you say to Mr. Thomas that unless he is prepared to make
‘the best of things” and laugh at little annoyances, he had better not
go with me. “Bear and forbear” must be the rule of our little mess,
and each one must be prepared for work of a mixed and incongruous
description.

With this parting growl I really think that Mr. T. will find the

arctics a very comfortable region. ‘ ;
y 8 - Your friend in haste,

E. K. Kane.

From S. F. Baird to Capt. Geo. B. McClellan, Corpus Christi, Texas.

WasuinctTon, Nov. 6th, 1852.
My pear Captrain:—
It was with the greatest pleasure that I received your letter of
August 12, 1852, forwarded by Capt. Marcy a week ago from New
York. Accompanying it was a note from him stating that he had

Elisha Kent Kane, M.D., U.S.N., the distinguished arctic explorer,
born in Philadelphia Feb. 20, 1820, died at Havana, Feb. 16, 1857.

1850 TO 1865 283

hoped to bring it in person, but sickness detained him in New York.
The specimens themselves arrived about the same time, and I must
confess to a little astonishment at the amount and value of the col-
lection. I am so much accustomed to have promises made with little
or no result that, although feeling assured that you would keep yours,
I was entirely unprepared for what you have done. Everything
arrived in most capital order, and although the delay in receiving
some jars ordered has prevented my arranging the specimens for a
careful examination, I still see great promise of scientific novelty.
The fishes are especially interesting, and the whole collection enables
me to fill up a great gap in the Zoological geography of the country.
It will afford me the greatest pleasure to furnish an appendix to the
Captain’s report on these, to be illustrated by figures of new species.
When I see him, I can learn more fully his views on this subject.

Inside of the box, and outside of the cans, came a skin of Bassaris
astuta, or Civet Cat. Where was this found? Its locality must be
further North than any other yet given. The Rio Grande has been
its limit previously.

I was much indebted to you also for the account of the route in
your letter. It is just what I wanted for my report on scientific explo-
rations to the Regents of the Smithsonian. I have received a similar
one from Capt. Sitgreaves of his Zuni trip.

The Bayonet exercise takes well, and is considered quite a stand-
ard of printing. Col. Freeman told me that he had sent you one. If
you have not received it, let me know. I copyrighted it, as you
desired. Lippincott has not yet published an edition, but wants to
ascertain the demand. The entire cost of the 2000 copies was about
$800.00. Write soon and often and thereby increase the obligation

under which labors, Yours sincerely.
P

S. F. Barrp.

I wrote to Dr. Shumard at the suggestion of his brother, offering
my services in having his collections elaborated for publication, but
have received no reply. When Capt. Marcy comes on, I will endeavor
to inoculate him with the Nat. Hist. virus, and if I have as good
fortune as with you, shall be well satisfied. He can do much for us,
and I trust will feel so much inspirited by the results of his last trip,
as to continue the operation ever after.

284 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

In speaking of your collections before, I forgot to say that your
wishes in regard to the Academy shall be faithfully attended to.

A thousand thanks for your kind promise to make additional col-
lections in Texas. I need not say that I want everything. Corpus
Christi, if you are there, is a most important point. You are so suc-
cessful in alcoholic collections, that I hope you will continue these.
Gather ail kinds of fishes and reptiles, of the former, especially the
small fry. Skins and skulls of all kinds of quadrupeds, big and little.
Any bird skins or eggs, shells, crabs, and the like. Look out for fossil
bones. Do you know Capt. Van Vliet, at Ft. Brown? He is a capital
fellow and has been a very kind friend of mine.

From David G. Farragut to S. F. Baird.

Norroik, Dec. 31, 1852.

Dear PROFESSOR :—

I am somewhat afraid that you will say of me that “the mountain
in labor has brought forth a mouse.” My intentions were certainly
good to send you a collection of the Fish from this Quarter of the
Country; You may reply as the Parson did “that Hell is paved with
good intentions.” But to the fact. I sent a keg (which I hope you
have rec’d. by our little Steamer) down to the Fishery on the Bay, and
I was sent down to Old Point to prove Guns, but I collected all the
little sea-devils I could find, and not having Alcohol I put them into
common Whiskey, and sent them up from time to time to the apothe-
cary to be put in Alcohol with the others. I returned from the Point
only a month since, and have awaited a convenient opportunity to
send you the Fish. But, alas, when I called for the Fish, I was told
that those little things which he supposed were of not much conse-
quence, were so offensive that they had been compelled to throw them
away. So you see how is lost the pride of my collection. I do not
know what the Keg contains. I had one fish and still have it in a
separate jar, they call it a Toad-fish; but I think I saw one in the Keg.
They tell me it is a rare fish here. It is ugly enough to be rare. I was
very much in hopes that you or Girard would have been down last
summer and spent a few days at Old Point. Iam certain that you
could have made a profitable visit of it, to say nothing of the agree-
able; which considering that Mrs. F. and myself were there, would be

1850 TO 1865 285

a considerable item and if we could have added Mrs. Baird to the
party, the Tripartite alliance would have been complete. We could
Shoot and Fish scientifically. Mrs. B. and F. could look to the prep-
aration of the Mollusks, which are very fine in that Quarter and
little Lucy and Loyall could run and frolic on the sea beach.

I am to renew my experiments in March or April, and will be
there until June and July, firing Guns, &c. I will then make another
attempt to pick up the lost items; I fear that will be too early and
unfashionable for you to visit a watering place. Should the Keg not
reach you, it is certainly at the Navy Yard in Washington, where it
was directed to be left with the request to be sent up to you. Please
to make my kind regards to Mrs. B. also to the Gen’l. and his lady, in
all of which I know Mrs. F. would cordially join me if she were here,
but I will take upon myself to say that she joins me in wishing you all
a Happy New Year, and many returns of the Blessing—and please
extend it to Professor Henry and his family.

Very truly yours,

D. G. Farracut.

In 1853 Mrs. Baird’s ailments continued to increase
and were a source of great anxiety to her family; the
Professor was busy with his studies of Batrachia. In
June he joined Dr. J. P. Kirtland in Cleveland and the
two naturalists undertook a journey to western Wisconsin
for collecting purposes.

At Racine they were received by Dr. P. R. Hoy,” a
kindred spirit, who has left the following account of their
doings:

On the 24th day of June, 1853, Professor S. F. Baird and J. P.
Kirtland came to Racine, Wisconsin, armed and equipped for col-
lecting and preserving specimens of Natural History.

Philo Romayne Hoy, M.D. Born in Richland Co., Ohio, Nov.
3, 1816, died at Racine, Wisconsin, Dec. 9, 1892. An enthusiastic
field naturalist and the first to explore the deeper waters of the upper
Great Lakes.

286 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I was surprised to see such a youthful looking person as Professor
Baird was, in view of the high position he then occupied.

We spent the first week collecting in the vicinity of Racine; sel-
dom going into the country farther than ten miles, so that we could
return each night. Baird and I waded in all suitable streams and
small lakes, “scooping”? with a Baird net, thus securing many of the
inhabitants of the water. Near Racine, we found many rare reptiles,
among which there was one garier snake, that proved new to Science.
Baird named it for Racine, Eutaenia radix.

On the second day of July we started on a long excursion. We
had a good pair of horses, a suitable wagon, and a driver who proved
good-natured and pleasant under all circumstances. We drove
through the counties of Racine, Walworth, Rock, Dane, Jefferson,
Waukeshaw and Milwaukee. We were absent sixteen days. The
weather was perfect, the streams were at their lowest ebb; and as the
water was generally warm, we rather enjoyed being Grallatores for the
time.

At Madison, Governor Fairchild stopped his flour mill, situated
at the foot of Lake Mendota, in order that the water could subside so
that we could fish in the stream below the mill; a favor we appreciated
the more as the kindness came from the Governor of Wisconsin. We
caught rare fish in that prolific stream. At Artlan, in Jefferson
county, we spent one day, we fished in all the streams in the vicinity.
Here we took some time looking over the celebrated Earth Works, I
found here. While thus employed, Baird dryly remarked, “it is
always more satisfying to study these fortifications, and other similar
works, attributed to the Moundbuilders, in illustrated books, for the
Pictures are distinct, and always more perfect than the originals.

On our return Baird and Kirtland declared our trip to be the
most enjoyable of any they ever had, one never to be duplicated.
Could we have had a phonograph that would have recorded all that
was said in that wagon, it would be delightful to hear the precise
conversation repeated at pleasure.

After the journey was over Baird repaired to the
meeting of the American Association which was held at
Cleveland.

His correspondence with individuals interested in

1850 TO 1865 287

Natural Science continued to enlarge. The following
letter from Professor Alexander Winchell ™ (later one of
the most eminent geologists of the United States) gives
an idea of the handicap under which students of that time
often labored. Observe “that blessed word Mesopo-
tamia!”

From Alexander Winchell to S. F. Baird.

Mesopotamia FemMate Seminary, Eutaw,
GREENE Co., Ata.
6 Jan. 1853.
Dear Sir:—

My specimens are at last ready to be dispatched. I assure you
that I have found the preservation, numbering, cataloguing and
packing of so large a number and variety as I have attempted, has
made no small demand upon my time and exertions. In order to con-
vey an idea of the extent of the field which I have been over and the
amount I have (imperfectly) done, allow me to present a rough sum-
mary of the subjects and the number of species of ae forwarded,
the whole mass of objects about 650 species.

I exceedingly regret that I could not secure more of the Verte-
brata. You have spoken of commissioning a pack of boys to catch
fish for me, &c. I have often done it but never received anything but
promises which are always free when there is no expectation of ful-
filling them. I assure you the boys of this country are far above fish-
ing for other people. The negroes can be occasionally employed to do
such things in their way, but then I have no means to pay them and
it’s little they do without pay. I am myself 3 or 4 miles from the
river or any creek, and my business has kept me absolutely from
devoting the time to excursions for fish. I assure you I regret it
exceedingly,—and you could not yourself take more pleasure in hunt-

1 Alexander Winchell, born in Dutchess Co., New York, Dec. 31,
1824; died at Ann Arbor, Mich., Feb. 19, 1891. A student of marked
ability whose qualities, recognized early in his career by Baird, car-
ried him to an enviable eminence as a geologist and teacher. He was
long Professor of Geology at Michigan University.

288 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

ing up the zoology of this state than I would. The reason I have done
more with plants than any other department was because they did
not demand any great drafts upon my time at once—as half a day or
an entire day or more which would be required to ichthyologize.

My birds I am aware are sufficiently defective and perhaps I
ought to have thrown out some of the poorest specimens. But they
may suffice for some purposes. I had as unpleasant a job as could be
desired in skinning the Buzzard sent, and I sincerely promised myself
at the time not to repeat the job for any consideration. You have
among these birds every one I have skinned.

As to insects, I am sorry to inform you that I had about two
hundred different species preserved as well as I could preserve them
with my poor facilities, and, all of a sudden, the ants—the omnivorous
and omnipresent ants,—found them and swallowed the entirety. I
send you some specimens since collected. This is certainly an insect-
fostering country. I have no doubt I could collect many species now
unknown to science.

In regard to the collection of Plants sent to the Smithsonian Insti-
tution I wish to add some observations to you personally. In the first
place I have not packed more than a quarter of the specimens I have
in hand, for the reason that you told me to send only one sample of
each species unless rare. I had thought you would like a large number
of duplicates to exchange and I accordingly collected them. The
balance of my collections, therefore, are at your disposal if you think
them worth anything.

In regard to the manner in which I have done the business of pre-
serving, &c., I am too painfully sensible of all the imperfections not to
beg you to judge leniently, and in view of all the difficulties I have had
to encounter. For you must remember that all my attention to
Natural Science is only collateral, and by piece-meal, as I can find
time. The duties of my school have demanded a greater share of my
attention than one can well imagine who has not had charge of a
female seminary in the South. And then, of the time which I could
devote to Nat. Science, not the whole could be given to the collection
of specimens. And moreover after the specimens were collected, many
circumstances were liable to interpose to prevent their suitable preser-
vation. Perhaps it was not possible for me immediately to put them
to press—perhaps after in press, I could not attend to changing the
papers as often as I ought—perhaps I received them from persons in a

1850 TO 1865 289

damaged condition or perhaps the specimen when discovered was
imperfect but the only one found. Sometimes, too, in this climate the
atmosphere is so humid and warm that it is impossible for a week at a
time to dry plants suitably and without moulding. From so many
causes there have resulted a great many imperfect specimens. But as
I could not tell what might be of most interest, I have all along acted
upon the principle that an imperfect specimen is better than no speci-
men. And even if the specimen is of no value, it serves, at least, to
give you the name of the plant and even that is announced by you as
desirable. The want of good bibulous paper has greatly impeded my
operations. . . . I expect the collection to be examined, and a
correct list of the names corresponding to the numbers, sent to me.

In regard to the making of collections generally, I wish to add
that I labor under the inconveniencies arising from the want of almost
every implement and facility necessary for success. I am strongly
urged by a friend—a member of the Royal Museum of Natural His-
tory of Paris, to divert my collections to the Museums of that Insti-
tution. He tells me that the Smithsonian Institution won’t thank
me—that they leave a man to entirely equip and fit himself out, and
then very coolly accept the specimens he labors to collect. He enum-
erates the advantages of collecting for the Parisian Institution. They
send, he says, blotting paper by the ream for plants—sets of scalpels
for dissection, &c.—quantities of cork and thousands of pins for
insects—and, more than all, the requisite books for prosecuting these
labors intelligently and satisfactorily;—they don’t make a man a
mere collecting machine. And besides, he says they send the “francs ”’
when they receive anything worth them. These are all important
items and I confess my friend has done what he could to secure my
future collections for the magnificent museums of Paris. Patriotism
alone says, no.

Do not understand me, however, as entering any prospective or
retrospective complaint. I have no claim on the Smithsonian, Institu-
tion. I had no reputation with it to secure me the grant of imple-
ments and means beforehand, and my present collections have not
been received—and I am also too well aware that when received they
will poorly bear the severe scrutiny to which they will be subjected.

Allow me to add, however, that I trust I shall be able to continue
the studies and collections of which what I have sent is but a poor and
imperfect beginning. I am now conscious that I am able to do my

19

290 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

work much better than when I began, and I do promise that if I send
any more collections to the S. I. they shall be more worthy. I have
stated that I am importuned to donate my future collections to the
Royal Museum of Paris. If I am rightly informed, I might expect to
be supplied by the Directors of that Institution with some important
facilities. But I do not desire to divert to a foreign depository the
collections that belong naturally to my own country. It cannot be
denied, however, that Prof. Henry in the Sixth annual report of the
Regents speaks rather disparagingly of Collections, and his tone
seems to prognosticate a day when they will not even be received as
gifts. This reminds me that my own collections which I am about to
send, may be, after all my labor, but a cumbersome and unwelcome
donation—a not very comforting apprehension, I assure you. I hope
if my collections are worth anything, they will be worth copies of
some of the publications of the S. I. under the head of “Contribu-
tions to Knowledge”—such I mean as relate to Natural History.
I have indeed received such as are distributed to Meteorological
Observers,—but the most desirable to me I have not seen.

How I long to see you and the collections you have!—and to be
once in the atmosphere of the Smithsonian Institution, and around
which cluster and crowd so many associations and hopes and aspira-
tions! If I could once step within its threshold, it seems to me my
eager eyes and ears and understanding would drink in a world of
wonders and knowledge—and that scientific atmosphere! How
refreshingly would it be inhaled. . . . Forgive my enthusiasm;—
even if it exaggerates—I cannot repress it. . . . I feel an almost
irresistible longing and drawing towards the centre of so much interest
as Washington, where I can occasionally see an appreciative friend to
science—nay, even a Cultivator of science—and more, can have the
precious privilege of access to books and satiating the desire to know,
not something unknown to the world, but simply what so many other
men of science already know, while I here am compelled to dole out
days and years in anxious and painful ignorance—I feel it—my occu-
pation is not sufficiently scientific, and I must,—by my constitution
I shall be compelled to enter another sphere. You will laugh—no, you
have too much of a kindred nature to do that,—you will then sym-
pathize—Well, thank you for sympathy. How I should like to be
attached to an Exploring Expedition! :

But I have wearied your patience over and over again. I beg you

1850 TO 1865 291

to forgive me considering who and where I am. But with all don’t
think I imagine myself more unfavorably situated than most men of
science at my time of life—ours is a common experience to some
extent—we all deprecate the “worse” and long for the “better.”
I have but given vent to my feelings as I only occasionally have an
opportunity to do.

Hoping that this almost endless letter may not be the means of
terminating our correspondence, I remain,

Very truly and respectfully yours,

A. WINCHELL.

From S. F. Baird to Alexander Winchell, Eutaw, Ala.

Wasuincton, March 19, 1853.
My Dear Sir:—

Ever since my last note acknowledging the receipt of your large
box, I have been endeavoring to find time to respond in detail to your
letter, and to report more at length upon the collection. A visit to the
Institution, especially at this time, would, however, soon convince
you of the difficulty of such an undertaking, in view of the overwhelm-
ing amount of business to be accomplished, the hordes of devouring
visitors (time-eaters) &c. I have however resolutely pressed some
things back and others forwards, and thus have a little notch which
I cannot fill up more pleasantly than in a little chat with one whose
disposition, sentiments, and strivings are so much akin to my own.
As the most systematic way of proceeding, I shall therefore begin at
the commencement of your letter, and follow it through to the end.

I consider the entire despatch from you as one of the most impor-
tant contributions the Institution has ever received. We frequently
get single suites of specimens in particular departments of Nat. Hist.
of greater extent than yours, but very seldom such a variety, serving
as a type of all the natural productions of a country; and still more
rarely notes of memoranda, approaching in any degree to the minute-
ness and comprehensiveness of yours. I do not know how far Ala-
bama may have her own fossils in her own cabinets, but I feel well
assured that there is nothing so complete in the Northern states.
Mr. T. A. Conrad will probably soon take them up in connection with
some others we have received from other regions, and in his report on

292 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

the whole you shall have all possible credit for your labors, as you will
indeed for all the other series. Any species additional to those which
you have not sent will be very desirable.

So far from being disappointed in your vertebrates, I was agree-
ably surprised to find so much more than I had looked for. I am well
aware of the practical difficulties in the way of getting such things and
often wondered at the success with which my friends have met.
Fishes, I know, are particularly hard to get. The species you sent are,
however, so far as I can ascertain, both new. In the reptiles, I was
particularly interested to find several kinds which I had never seen
but from localities remote from Alabama, thus adding much to our
knowledge of their geography. There is one snake which I am con-
fident will prove new. I will hereafter add a detailed list of these, as
well as the other vertebrates. The birds are good enough for all
scientific purposes, although I have seen better skins. There is not
one, however, which could be rejected on account of its execution.
The Buzzard was very welcome as I have long wanted one from the
south-west.

The plants constitute almost the first contribution of the kind
which we have received from the South. They are,—therefore, very
acceptable, as constituting so large a proportion of the species. They
appear in very good condition, notwithstanding your apologies for
their being the contrary. The single series without duplicates answers
our purpose very well now, as we are not prepared to make exchanges
of plants as yet, and the duplicates would not be needed. As soon as
our large Museum rooms are finished, I hope to do better. The
truncheons of native woods are very important additions.

I cannot say as to how far your friend was correct in his remarks
in reference to the Jardin des Plantes, and the recognition they make
of the efforts of their correspondents, but I am well assured of his
error in regard to the practice of this Institution. It at all times
affords us the heartiest pleasure to do all in our power to assist the
enterprising mind, and every contributor becomes entitled to all the
separate works published which bear upon his special labors. As to
yourself, you may depend upon receiving all the Natural History
memoirs from time to time, as occasion offers to send them. Unfort-
unately we do not have the franking privilege for our own publica-
tions, and although we manage to have lighter articles franked, yet
the Natural History quartos from their size and weight cannot be so

1850 TO 1865 293

sent. Expressing too is almost out of the question. What is to be
done? can you suggest any method? As to the bibulous paper and the
other materials, they, too, shall be sent by any opportunity. How
much paper shall I send? Shall it be forwarded to care of Campbell
& Co., Mobile, and can you get it from there. The same opportunity
can carry you the memoirs.

You do not mistake me in supposing that you have all my sym-
pathy for the narrow bonds in which you are confined. I can well
appreciate the craving of a man of science in the toils. But be of good
cheer! such cannot always exist. The time must come when circum-
stances will change and you be able to win a name and place among
your peers. You are now undergoing your training, your apprentice-
ship, to come out all the brighter and more capable one day hereafter.

' Do not fear for the effect of your long letter. I like long letters,
although I cannot always return in kind. In fact this is about the
longest of more than 400 within this year. But if you will write the
heavy artillery, I will pepper you with musketry as long as you have
a mind for the contest. Call on me freely at any time. I shall rejoice
to serve you in any way, and shall always measure my welcome of
your epistles directly as their length.

Never fear the non-acceptability of anything you may send. It
is true Prof. Henry is opposed to indiscriminate collections; so’m I;
but our idea is a complete North American at least. Besides what we
don’t want, we can readily pass over to other institutions that do,

Adieu. Spencer F. Barrp.

From J. D. Easter™ to Spencer F. Baird

GorttTinGcEN, 16th Jan., 1853.
Dear PRoFEssor,
For one who wishes, like me, to come and perfect himself
in a special branch, the German universities are capital. We have
nothing of the sort in America. Our professors are, you know, too

John Day Easter, Ph.D., D.D., born at Baltimore, Aug. 24,
1830; class of 1848 at Dickinson College; studied at Yale, and Heidel-
berg, Analytical Chemist; Professor of Chemistry, University of
Georgia; later clergyman of the Protestant Episcopal Church. In
1905 living in retirement at Redlands, Cal.

294 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

much pressed to find time for study, and a Prof. must have enough
pupils to give him a support. Some of the Profs. here are not
employed more than an hour of the day, and some have not more than
two or three pupils. I cannot say too much of my own Prof. Wohler.
He is a model of an instructor. If I could have begun the study of
Chemistry under such a man, I should have a different story to tell.
You know his abilities, how often his name occurs in the history of
chemistry. His whole talents are at the command of his pupils. He
is at the laboratory in the morning as soon as it is light enough to see,
and during most of the day you may see him going from one to another
with advice and direction. I think he even gives too much assistance,
though he constantly repeats to us that the object of our studies is to
enable us to pursue independent investigation. He keeps in a book
the memorandum of each student’s work and his special aims. All his
thoughts seem to be upon our advancement. To have a man of his
ability and patience and kindness by one’s side is enough to encourage
one to work. I have had a few hours instruction from the Baron von
Waltershausen in mineralogy, but I have had little time to attend to
it. I have been spending from six to ten hours a day in the labora-

tory.

Spencer F. Baird from Lieut. D. N. Couch, U. S. A.®

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS, Feb. 15, 1853.
My bear S1r:—

The “Mail” is just in from New Orleans and with it came your
note forwarding Bishop Hughes’ letter to the Catholic clergy &c., &c.
Although I have been here fourteen days I have done but little. Some
25 or thirty birds badly put up, a few snakes, quadrupeds, and insects
is all I can show—and yet I have worked; the weather, however, must
bear part of the blame, having had many rainy days.

I would go down to the Brazos for the purpose of collecting fish,
but I am assured by Capt. Van Vliet that he will make a full col-
lection, (en passant)—I cannot rewrite my letter notwithstanding the

Darius Nash Couch, later Major General, U.S.A., born July 22,
1822, in Putnam Co., New York; died Feb. 12, 1897. A distinguished
officer, and explorer of the Western country.

1850 TO 1865 295

blots). He has been very kind to me, while here, in furthering my
plans—and as he wishes to send specimens of fish—I will not interfere.

I have been three times to see Senora Berlandiére’s collection,
they ask me $1500. I told her of the offer from the Institution but she
did not seem to assent to that at all. Some four or five days since,
I sent my Mexican servant to her and offered $500 for the collection
for myself. She sent her son-in-law to negotiate. I made no arrange-
ment with him but said that I would write to the Institution by the
first mail. To-day the Senora sent me word that I might have the
collection for what I offered. Well, I shall probably take it. The
payment will cramp me a little, and delay my departure into the
interior.

If I purchase the collection, I shall expect to send it to Washing-
ton at the expense of the Institution; upon my return we can arrange
matters. The collection is a labor of 24 years and ranges from the
Sabine to California. There are about 150 bottles of diff. sizes, diff.
species of vertebrata, mostly snakes, lizards, etc.;—a few birds;
several cubic feet of minerals; a box of plants; some twelve square
feet of insects nicely preserved in glass cases; paintings of all the
different indian tribes in Old -Mexico; Sketches of Mex. scenery,
meteorological reports, observations, with piles of manuscripts relat-
ing to his labors. It’s very valuable, probably been abused somewhat.

I purchase it because it’s too valuable to general science to let
remain and rot in Matamoras. If you receive the collection, it had
better not be exposed to the public gaze. Undoubtedly there are
many new species of vertebrata. I shall think twice before taking this
and for Berlandiére writing Couch, and though yet the collection will
be mine, that gentleman now dead should have the credit for making
it. But I will write more fully upon the subject after I have over-
hauled it.

The season for collecting insects is not favorable; too early. As
the warm weather approaches, the field will be richer.

I have hired two trusty servants—and hope to secure my mules
to-morrow—there is not a little to do in completing my necessities.
I had hoped, however, to get off on Monday next.

Hoping to write you shortly, I am

Very truly,

D. N. Coucu.

296 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F. Baird to Lieut. J. M. Gilliss, U. S. N.

WasuincrTon, Feb. 15, 1853.
My pear Mr. GILuiss:—

It was not until a day or two ago that I learned of the afflicting
termination to the days and nights of anxious watching and care to
which you have lately been subjected. I had hoped for a different
result from hearing of nothing to the contrary. It is not for one like
myself, who has never experienced such an afflicting dispensation, to
attempt to impart consolation to one who is capable of realizing so
fully the divine promises; but I may at least offer my warmest sym-
pathy and most affectionate condolence to a vey and mother thus
deprived of the light of their house.

From Spencer F. Baird to Lieut. D. M. Couch.

Wasuincton, March, 1853.
My pear Mr. Coucu:

I have just received your letter from Brownsville, of Feb. 15th
and am overjoyed to learn of the result of the negotiation in respect to
the Berlandiére collection. I will endeavor to meet your views in
regard to it to the fullest extent. As however there is so much doing
in the natural history of Mexico and Texas, you had better allow me
some discretion in regard to publishing the characters of anything
new which I may ascertain to be in danger of loss, by prior description
elsewhere. Not to mention the domestic rivals, Prince Paul of Wur-
temberg has recently returned from the Rio Grande region with
extensive collections, which are already sent to Europe for description.
I think that you will approve whatever I may do in your name and
behalf, under any such authority, although if you say so, I will rigidly
refrain from doing anything beyond preserving the specimens and
materials from injury.

We will, of course, cheerfully pay the expenses of transportation
here. They can, I suppose, be sent to N. Orleans without expense by
Quartermasters’ Department. Still, if no such opportunity presents,
do not delay sending. Ship right off. Be careful in packing, not to
put tender and coarse articles together: for instance, don’t put min-

1850 TO 1865 297

erals with glass bottles! better take the specimens out of bottles and
put in lino bags. And by all means have the kegs or vessels perfectly
full. I gave Lieut. Saxton minute directions about packing, which he
will impart to you when you see him.

By the same opportunity, I suppose you will send back what you
have collected personally. Include also with yours, anything from
Capt. Van Vliet and others. I am getting feverish to see what is
coming.

Give my kindest regards to Capt. Van Vliet, and thank him for his
past and promised efforts.

I had a long talk last evening with General Scott and Col. Cooper.
They promise everything. Our new Secretary, Jefferson Davis, will
no doubt do whatever is needful.

The N. Orleans collection has not yet arrived. I look for it daily.

Write by every opportunity and oblige,

Yours truly,

S. F. Barrp.

From Spencer F. Baird to George P. Marsh.

Wasuincrton, March 8, 1853.
My pvrEar FaTHER:—

I cry “Peccavi” to part of your accusation, as I have had your
letter of Jan. 4th in hand for several weeks without answering. But
I was so desirous of writing you a long tiresome letter, and of telling
all the news possible and impossible, that I resolved to take some
quiet Sunday when Mary and the other baggage had cleared out and
left me to my quiet. Well, this quiet has not come, and so I sit down
this Tuesday evening to the labor of exceeding love, determined to
buckle to it like bricks. What can, however, have become of my long
letter written early in January; has it never reached, or is it perchance
lying perdue in the State Department, or somewhere in Con-stan-ti-
no-ple? It was a big letter, with not much in it, except love to Dear
Mrs. M., which it was expected you would resolutely skip.

Well, I have been rather hard at work. I cannot deny it, but am
now getting tolerably well through. I fear me I have much to answer
for in the way of deluding unsuspecting young (and even old) men to
possible destruction from bite of snake, scorpion or centipede, engulf-

298 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

ing in caverns while in search of fossil bones, embrace of Krakens
when catching starfish on the seas; or some other undescribed species
of calamity, the genus, even, of which is not yet known. The string of
scientific expeditions which I have succeeded in starting is perfectly
preposterous. Have you any idea of the activity of our navy and
army at the present date? Expeditions by field and flood? Well, in
nearly all I have a finger, and in several two hands. Let me recount:

Capt. Ringgold sails in a week or two for the North Pacific and
Bering’s Straits: In command of four vessels he expects to make great
collections of all sorts of things. Thanks to our liberal Secretary of
the Navy, Mr. J. P. Kennedy, I had full authority to prepare at the
expense of the appropriation whatever apparatus was necessary to
capture all sorts of Sea Devils and Water Kelpies. Getting: two
enterprising. and able naturalists appointed to the expedition, one a
zoologist (Mr. Stimpson)," the other as botanist (Charles Wright), we
together ransacked our brains, and made out our tremendous lists of
nets, kettles, dredges, etc. amounting to near $2,000, all of which were
authorized and paid for without flinching. They go much better pre-
pared than the old expedition (Wilkes) although with few hands, yet
will undoubtedly make good returns for the trouble invested.

Capt. Page sailed a month ago for the Parana River and its South
American surroundings. Him I fixed nicely; with a small steamer, he
could bear but a small natural history outfit, but he got all necessary.

Dr. Kane’s second Grinnell expedition starts for Greenland the
middle of April. He will have about 250 dollars worth of traps, which
I am now getting in train. The Dr. was applied to by a committee
from the Phila. Academy of Natural Sciences in regard to making col-
lections; they suggested various articles of apparatus, the aggregate
somewhat bulkier than his little vessel; many of them a little more
complex than Babbage’s calculating machine. In despair he came to
me, and I soon made out a list of available articles which the Secre-
tary approved.

4 William Stimpson, M.D., born in Roxbury, Mass., Feb. 14,
1832. He was attached to the North Pacific Exploring Expedition,
1852, long a collaborator at the Smithsonian Institution, made Direc-
tor of the Chicago Academy of Sciences in 1865. He died May 26,
1872, leaving an enviable reputation for his work as a student of
invertebrate zoology.

1850 TO 1865 299

Lt. Couch U. S. A. left in January for a trip in Northern Mexico.
He expects to stay a year and to make huge collections of all sorts of
critters. He has already sent in to us some valuable things from New
Orleans and Matamoras.

I lost my dinner to-day in giving Lieut. Trowbridge, U. S. A.,
lessons in birdstuffing. He goes out to the Pacific coast in a week, to
take charge of certain Coast Survey operations. His duties call him
along the coast, back and forwards between San Diego and the mouth
of the Columbia River. He will have several permanent stations
between these two points, where his men will have abundant oppor-
tunities. Amply fortified with copper kettles of my patent; alcohol,
arsenic, tartar emetic, etc., he will collect, and I will get the critters
of the whole Pacific Coast.

Capt. Marcy goes out in the summer to Salt Lake City. After
spending the winter, he crosses to the Colorado, which he will descend
to its mouth, passing through the unknown region of the Great Cen-
tral Basin. He goes armed with all appliances.

Dr. Evans makes a Geological tour through Oregon with nets
etc., to catch fish and the like. But I must stop this, or you will get
tired, though I am scarcely half through. Of private expeditions,
there are hosts, scattered all over the country, and engaged in col-
lecting grist for my mill.

As to parties, already out and the results more or less received, we
have in tow, Ist. the Mexican Boundary Survey, with hundreds of
new species of vertebrate animals, 2d. Gilliss’s Chilian things; most
valuable they are and with much more that is nondescript, 3d. Lt.
Herndon’s specimens from the Amazon. 4th, Capt. Marcy’s col-
lections made up Red River; 5th, Reptiles of the U. S. Exploring
Expedition; 6th, Woodhouse’s gatherings while under Capt. Sit-
greaves on the Zuni and Colorado Rivers, etc. etc. For all these I
have to prepare or procure reports, and for many have funds where-
with to get drawings made in highest style.

All these and more, too, in addition to the regular operations, in
the same line, of the Institution. Don’t you think there is a fair pros-
pect of our having a collection soon? But I won’t say any more about
these things, I only commenced to give you an idea of some of my
extra-ordinary avocations.

We are getting along very well in the Smithsonian Institution,

300 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

adding prodigiously to all departments, our library was increased by
exchange alone last year by over 6,000 volumes. This year we shall
have much more. Berlin Academy alone sent 50 quartos and the
same number of octavos. Lepsius’ big book is daily expected. You
knew of our having published our 3rd and 4th vols, last year. The
5th is nearly ready and the 6th not much behindhand. The plates
are under way for the 7th and 8th. We have just received Lapham’s®
mss. of the Wisconsin antiquities. It has more pictures than Squier
and Davis.

Mr. Jewett must tell you his own movements, as I have not room
on my paper; he has an appropriation of $8000.00 for cataloging the
library of Congress, with stereotyped separate titles.

I have made every effort in my power to secure the camel article.
Frank Churchill has been about it several times. It does not appear
to have been printed, and I have instructed Frank to demand it
emphatically. Don’t you dare to lay violent hands on the other
matter you have written. I have already contracted with the pub-
lisher for its issue in two quarto volumes, with plates. It is going to
be the most readable book of the day. Shall I put your name down
as a subscriber?

The Museo Cureo shall be remembered, and if possible receive all
our publications. We distribute next batch in June. Many thanks
for the hints about Aurochs and Camel. I will bear them in mind.
Please let me know whether the Tuscan camels are Bactrian or
Arabian camels. If the former, could any be got living from the
Grand Duke?

Fourth of March has come and gone, without making much stir.
Our new President is very popular with all parties so far. He goes in
for manifest destiny. The new Cabinet was confirmed yesterday:
Marcy, State; Jeff. Davis, War; Guthrie, Treasury; Dobbin, Navy;

1 Increase Allen Lapham, M.D., born at Palmyra, New York,
Mar. 7, 1811; migrated to Wisconsin in July, 1836, and thereafter
devoted himself outside of his profession to the civic and scientific
interests of the State. He was at one time State Geologist and his
reports on the Geology and Natural History of Wisconsin are favor-
ably remembered. He was especially interested in botany, and con-
tributed Wisconsin material to many collections outside of the state.
He died in Wisconsin, Sept. 14, 1875.

1850 TO 1865 301

Cushing, Attorney-general; Campbell, Postmaster; McClelland, Inte-
rior. All good men. I hear some Vermonters are making stout efforts
to have you retained! What think you is the chance? Others appear
to be at work to make you Senator. For my part, I go in for the
latter. I want to see you more than any man on earth, except Mrs.
M., so I shall support the Senatorship. But I must stop, as it is get-
ting late, and my sleepy fit is coming on. I hope you will be satisfied
with the attempt.

From Spencer F. Baird to Thomas Biddle, Esq., Philada.

WasuincTon, April 5, 1853.
Dear Sir:—

Knowing you to be one of those who will have the final decision of
the matter, I take the liberty of writing in behalf of the claims of my
friend, Dr. Leidy, to the place '* vacated by the death of Dr. Horner.
I do this, influenced not merely by my regard for Dr. Leidy, but
assured that the exalted reputation of the University of Pennsylvania
will be carried still further with him as the incumbent of the vacant
chair.

I have known Dr. Leidy for a great many years, long before he
entered into the scientific arena where he so far has distanced all his
competitors. Indeed I take much credit to myself for an early dis-
cernment of that bud of promise, now ripened to such a state of
development. In his special departments of a comparative anato-
mist, a helminthologist, a microscopist and a zoologist, he has no
equal in this country and but few rivals abroad. Although so young
he has done more to advance the subjects of his particular investiga-
tion, than any man living of his age. His discovery of Entophyta,
his determination of the species and affinities of extinct vertebrate
animals, his embryological investigations in different departments,
would any one be enough to give a wide reputation to a veteran in
Science; how much more when all has been the work of one person
scarcely over the threshold of life.

I hazard nothing in asserting that no American surgeon or phy-
sician is looked upon abroad with so much approbation of past ser-

16The Professorship of Anatomy in the University of Pennsyl-
vania.

302 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

vices, and anticipation for the future as Dr. Leidy. The very exten-
sive correspondence which the Smithsonian Institution carries on
with all the scientific centres of Europe renders us fully cognizant of
this fact. The appreciation of his labors by the Smithsonian Institu-
tion itself is evinced by the fact that by the middle of this year it will
have expended between two and three thousand dollars in the publi-
cation of important works written by him.

What I have said refers chiefly to the reputation which a man of
such promise and performance will bring to any Institution with
which he is connected. Of his fitness for the place itself, there can be
no question. While carrying on these collateral branches, he has ever
prosecuted special investigations into human anatomy and physi-
ology with the greatest success.

Dr. Leidy’s personal manners are highly prepossessing and his
whole deportment calculated to make and retain warm friends. His
most intimate friends are those who respect and esteem him most
highly for his moral and social attributes. His election to the position
for which he is a candidate will one day be considered as one of the
most important facts connected with the history of the University.

Please tell Harry that we have now the finest collection of horns
of American and European deer he ever saw. I hope he may one day
visit our institution and see for himself our magnificent series of game
fish, trout, etc. which is so rapidly accumulating.

Very truly and sincerely yours,

SPENCER F. Bairp.

From J. D, Easter to Spencer F. Baird.

Gértrincen, May 28, 1853.
Dear PROFESSOR:

You want to know something about the savants. We
have a rare collection of them in this town, though one has very little
chance to know them well. Wohler I have partly described to you
before. He is a thin-faced careworn looking man, with curly hair
which is left to grow at random and generally conceals his fine fore-
head. He is one of the hardest workers I ever knew. He indulges
very little in social or family pleasures though his disposition is very

1850 TO 1865 303

jovial and kind. Very few men can laugh more heartily. One of his
great beauties is his thoughtfulness for his pupils, he is always trying
to find out something which may interest or help them. He was once
in my room and saw a canary bird. When I returned from a journey
afterwards, he asked if that bird had not starved in my absence. His
quickness of perception in matters chemical and his memory are
wonderful. I was amused at him this afternoon. We had an award of
prizes for essays in Theology, Law, Medicine, and Philosophy. The
professors came to the academical hall (4uda) in full costume, with
black velvet gowns trimmed with purple and scarlet and flat tile caps.
I saw Wohler puckering up his mouth and looking as if he wanted to
say “What a humbug.” At last when he came in sight of me he
laughed in the most comical way. I think he is unquestionably the
most useful chemist in the world. He is sacrificing his fame to his use-
fulness. He says he furnishes subjects and his pupils get the credit of
them, and it is literally true. Haussman is a fine old man. A digni-
fied impressive man with large features and a calm steady light in his
eye which tells of the broad thinker. He is the best lecturer I ever
heard except Knight of New Haven. In his treatment of geology he
is microscopically minute and systematic, a most endless division and
sub-division. He has been lecturing 6 times a week on Petrography
for six weeks and is not near through yet. His distinctions and divi-
sions are drawn with almost mathematical exactness, and if he is at
times prolix, he is never obscure. The old man has a spice of vanity
about him, and talks a good deal about “Meine Methode.” He likes
very much to tell as good jokes the mistakes which distinguished
geologists have made in regard to rocks and strata. He is very kind
and affable and takes a good deal of trouble to serve young men. Of
old Gauss, I know nothing but what I see. He is what we call at home
a rum-looking old fellow. I see him very often in the reading room.
He is very fond of newspapers. He comes into the room, takes an old
comical velvet cap out of his pocket, puts it on his head, hunts up-all
the newspapers he wants till he has an armful, and then carries them
off to digest at his leisure. He is thought here to be a more agreeable
man than Humboldt. He speaks English very well and is said to bea
fine Russian scholar, having taken up that language in his old age as a
relaxation! Weber, the great physicist, is a little slender timid looking
man who goes about like a paralytic grasshopper. His body is utterly

304 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

insignificant, to contain so great a mind. One of the oddest and best
men we have is von Waltershausen, the mineralogist. He looks, upon
the street, like a drunken man, an impression which his “caved-in”
hat and careless dress support. He appears to be always busy with
his thoughts and does most ridiculous things sometimes from his
absorption. I have been talking with him when an idea suddenly
struck him and he would fly off to the other end of the room leaving
his sentence unfinished, and perhaps forget utterly that he had been
talking to me. He is a man of great originality of mind and a first-
rate mineralogist. When I was in Berlin at Christmas, I drank coffee
with H. Rose and his wife and daughter. The portraits of him which
I have seen in America are very good. He is, like Wohler, a very
jovial man. He is as full of jokes as of science. He and Wohler are
intimate friends. The old fellow is a staunch Royalist and thinks no
realm on earth like Prussia. Out of Berlin he could not properly
exist. He only takes four pupils into his Laboratory, from whom he
receives no pay.—I am going in the Fall to Freyberg to study mining.
They have a corps of great men there.

From S. F. Baird to George P. Marsh, Constantinople.

WasuincTon, July 2, 1853.
My pearesTt Mr. Marsu:

T have had a long letter to you in my mind for an age and it has
been interfered with by so many causes, that I fear I shall only be
able to cancel my obligations by a few paragraphs of odds and ends.
I have happily got through the special work of the spring, in the way
of foreign exchanges, etc., and am now busy in arranging for a run
out West. I leave in a few days for Ohio, Michigan and Wisconsin,
and after remaining a month return to Lake Champlain to join Mary.
How I wish I could hope to see you there as of old.

The work of this spring has been unusually heavy, though I have
stood it better than ever before, being now in perfect health and con-
dition. I might tell you of the tons of packages, made up and sent off,
but I do not wish to tire you with the details. Suffice it to say that I
have as heretofore sent the Greece, Turkey, Egyptian, parcels to you
for distribution, and shall forward through State Dept. letters to

1850 TO 1865 305

accompany packages, which themselves go in a box to your address,
through Iasigi & Goddard.

My exploring expeditions, too, are all off, which is a great relief.
I will try and send you an account of these in an article which I am
preparing for the meeting of the American Association at Cleveland,
July 28th. I have had in all no less than 19 to equip and fit out from
a natural history point of view. You ask who is to describe nonde-
scripts, and what is to be done with the things when they come in.
That is not my particular business now; my duty is to see that no
chances are lost of advancing science, leaving the future to take care
of itself. And indeed I expect the accumulation of a mass of matter
thus collected, (which the Institution cannot or will not “curate”
efficiently) to have the effect of forcing our government into estab-
lishing a National Museum, of which (let me whisper it) J hope to be
director. Still even if this argument don’t weigh now; it will one of
these days and I am content to wait.

Most of the expeditions have left in my hands, sums amounting
in the aggregate to nearly ten thousand dollars, to pay costly trans-
portation of specimens, and their preparation for publication. I can
thus have first-rate figures made of the different species, which will
supply a great desideratum.

Affectionately yours,

S. F. Barro.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

WasuincTon, July 2, 1853.
Dear WILL,

I send by Adams Express prepaid, a box containing bird skins
which please label at your convenience. Use the nomenclature of
Audubon’s Synopsis and put in reference to fig. & plates of the illus-
trations. Keep any of the specimens you choose even amounting to
a complete series. Please make out a list of all the specimens on a
separate piece of paper.

I leave on Monday evening for Cleveland, and after remaining
a few days, go to Wisconsin. I return to Cleveland about July 26,
and remain ten days for the Meeting of the Association, then join

20

306 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Mary on Lake Champlain. She goes on Wednesday with a suitable
escort, and will pass the summer at Elizabethtown, Essex Co. New
York. Iexpect to be back in Washington about the end of September.

With: the risk of life and health in traveling before me I have
thought proper to make some disposition of my affairs. I have
accordingly deposited with Corcoran & Riggs in a basket containing
silver, a package addressed to S. F. Baird, containing a schedule of
property and directions for the disposition of estate! I have left
everything to Mary and appointed her and you executors. In the
event of any fatal accident to us, or death in any way, this will be
your order on Corcoran & Riggs, to deliver up the basket, and taking
from it the papers. The silver (belongs to the Churchills); you will
find all necessary directions. I have a large sum of money to my
credit as disbursing agent, which is to be returned to the various
government agents from whom received, as specified fully in the
papers. The form of the will was at the suggestion and made out
in presence of Col. Peter Force of this city.

Give my love to Harriet, and to Mother if with you, and believe
me

Your affectionate brother,

S. F. Barrp.

From Spencer F. Baird to John H. Clark.

WasuincTon, October 3, 1853.
My pear ApAM:—

T have been home now a few days (returning Sept. 29) and having
finished the most pressing items of business, hasten to write a line
to you. I wrote to you from the North inclosing to Dept. Interior,
care of Major Emory, and on getting here, lo and behold, I find the
letter sent me from the Dept. of the Interior, with question as to
where you are. I now send it again.

I have had a great round this summer. Wisconsin, Michigan,
Ohio, New York, and Canada to Quebec. I have traveled 5062 miles,
collected in 38 localities, and spent $600.00!! No end to the fulness
of my bottles, but a very decided one to my purse. Pity they don’t
give me congressional mileage, (40 cents). I look with much anticipa-

1850 TO 1865 307

tion for your return to help me in some of my work. The row of
still packed kegs, cans, and boxes is perfectly appalling, containing
representatives from many regions.

I find the $650.00 you sent on here, in good condition $500.00
I will send to Frank Churchill to invest. He already has a dividend
on the first of 35.00, from which is to be deducted 20.00 on the original
$1000.00.

I have just seen the Major at his house. He seems in good spirits;
nearly well again. You know he had an attack of yellow fever on the
“Yellerbam.” I took the drawings to show him—those which Richard
has been doing. They are the most magnificent affairs ever executed.
A large number are done. If you don’t send on more specimens,
there will be nothing left for him to do. I wish you would now go
to work, with every force at command, to make a very large collection
of specimens from the Brazos. Get everything, and look particularly
for crabs of all kinds, especially the minute ones. Worms, shells,
star fish, &c. secure with all diligence. Look sharp for the Hydragiras,
the little banded fish; . . . I have a special reason for wanting
such quantities independently of the ordinary want of specimens.

Ever yours,

: S. F. Barro.

From S. F. Baird to Robert Kennicott ™.

October 6, 1853.
My bear Sir:

I have just come across a very interesting work called the “Boy
Hunters,” by Capt. Mayne Reid, of which I beg your acceptance.
It will always give me much pleasure to stimulate your tastes for
natural history by means of such works as this, which are well cal-
culated to impart the spirit of their authors. I also send some mis-
cellaneous works which I hope may all reach you.

I have not yet had time to make any minute examination of the
fish, &c., you so kindly sent me, but hope to do so before very long.
I trust to be put in possession, through your kind instrumentality,

7 This is the first letter to Mr. Kennicott which I find. L. H. B.

308 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

of all the species which may exist within your range. You need not
any reiterated directions to keep the specimens from different locali-
ties distinct: this is the only classification necessary, however. The
greater the number of localities, the greater, of course, the interest,
and complete collections to include all the species for each locality
will be exceedingly important. Look sharp for the little darters
among the stones in shallow ripples. . . . Cannot you make
some collections in Chicago River, near its mouth? I know this is
not a very good time for fish, and expect to wait for most until next
spring. Don’t forget to pick up all the snakes, lizards, and frogs
you come across and throw them into the keg. I need not repeat
that we shall expect to refund any expenditure for alcohol, kegs, and
so forth.
Sincerely yours,

S. F. Barrp.

From Spencer F. Baird to Dr. P. R. Hoy, Racine, Wisconsin.

October 10, 1853.
My pear RapicicoLta:—

I have had your acceptable letter of Sept. 29 in hand several
days, but have not had time to answer it sooner. I have only been
back about ten days, and have almost hourly intended to write you
on account of adventure since our delightful partnership in Wisconsin.
If I mistake not, you already know of our movements up to my
departure east: how we went to the meeting of the scientific “asses”
in Cleveland: how I went to Elyria alone, or rather with Prof.
Andrews and caught prodigious stores of Etheostomas: and returning
nabbed Dr. Kirtland and posted to Poland, where in one day we
caught 41 species. How next we went to Detroit and in company
with our friend Rev. Chas. Fox made extensive rambles through
Michigan, visited Ann Arbor, Lake Huron, and divers other spots,
all the time longing for company of yourself and Doctor Barry. (he
will have the degree one of these days, and I will give it now).

Well then, after leaving Cleveland I went east, stopping a day
or two at Syracuse to see what fish inhabited the salt marshes below
the salt works. I found nothing interesting but mosquitoes, which

1850 TO 1865 309

outrivalled in abundance Egypt’s plague of fleas. Next to Burlington,
Vt. where my family happens to be and after three days there, took
Gen. Churchill’s servant to assist, and away to Canada, Montreal
first and next to Quebec. Here I stopped three days and made many
most interesting acquaintances. . . . I found the Leucisci to
thin out wonderfully at Quebec. In Quebec and Montreal I found
some ornithological novelties: a rare owl, the Hawk owl, willow
grouse, Barrow’s Golden Eye, and I think a quite new Circus, near
European species.

From Canada I returned to Lake Champlain, this time to the
village of Elizabethtown, situated eight miles from the lake at West-
port, and where Mrs. Baird, as you will remember, spent her widowed
summer. Here I found a most interesting region. An area of many
square miles gave only 5 species of fish: three quite new, Catostomus,
Leuciscus, and Cottus, and two old: Salmo fontinalis, and Percopsis
guttatus. At this town I experienced the only accident of the season,
in being pitched out of a buggy, and bumped so “severe” as to be
kept in the house for three days. I had my revenge, however, on the
refractory buggy, as this was smashed all to pieces.

Well, as I said, I got home here, after traveling over 5,000 miles,
without any other accident than the preceding. I found a pretty
tolerable (quo intolerable) pile of work on my hands, in the way of
accounts to settle, piles of books to read, and acknowledge, &c., &c.
As to the Nat. Hist. Collection, there was no end to them; boxes,
bales, kegs, cans, &c. Many from individual correspondents; more
from the exploring parties. The collections from this source are
beginning to come in strong; and much now is expected. Nothing,
however, from the scene of your operations (proposed) in Missouri.
I have been busy most of the day in opening a lot of the most bad-
smelling reptiles from H. Smith you ever saw.

A thousand thanks for your renewed assurances, and promises
of assistance on the part of yourself and Dr. Barry. I want you to
do all you can. Will you not bring to a practical realization our
plan of having Racine a centre of operation for all of Wisconsin,
Illinois and Iowa that can be reached. I hope you will open up
correspondence with as many points as possible,-so as to secure a
complete exploration of the country between Lake Michigan and the
Mississippi. The Lake country, especially, needs a full exploration,

310 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

which I trust Mr. Barry has given to some extent. Write to Mr.
Dudley and Mr. Sercomb, and see that they fulfil their promise of
exhausting the four lakes.

Of course, I expect you to keep the net which I sent to Mr.
Barry, and keep it until all the fish are caught. I have great hopes
from your Missouri expedition. Let me know in time that I may
send you out a stock of bags, etc., and if you like I will lend my fish
trunk to you, as I shall not want to use it before July. Make a big
business of it and exhaust the localities as you well know how. If
you really do have 4 or 5 weeks of zoologizing out there, what tre-
mendous results you will be sure to have.

I have not heard from Barry for a long time. Did he get the net
before he went off, and has he returned yet? What luck had he?
Did he get the copy of Audubon’s Synopsis I sent him from New
York? It is almost the last copy left in hands of the Audubons.
Don’t let Mr. Barry waste any of his fishes or misdirect them.

I find that Mr. Richard has made splendid drawings of our
Wisconsin snakes, which I sent alive from Cleveland. Scotophis
Vulpinus is magnificent. I wish you could see him. Your facts in
regard to his history are very interesting.

-I have not yet had the time to compare the Eutaenias caught;
but presume one at least is radix. I have some very puzzling ones
from Minnesota and Arkansas. The same remark applies to the
little Madison snake. I shall soon attend to these items. The long-
clawed terrapin is distinct. I am having a drawing made of it. I
hope you secured the two misbehaving Blanding’s tortoises. I would
like a number alive. :

What your hawk is, I cannot divine; probably new, I should
think. Your ideas about dimensions and proportions in hawks are
excellent, as well as your intention of noting differences and variations.

The gray gopher I have only represented in the skin sent me by
you. I would like several more specimens.

I have written my two sheets out, as well as my eyes, and as
unmistakeable signs of sleepiness are exhibiting, I will stop. With
kindest regards to Mrs. Hoy and Mr. and Mrs. Barry, I remain

Sincerely yours,

SPENCER F. Barrp.

1850 TO 1865 311
From John H. Richard to Spencer F. Baird.

PuitaDELputa, Julay the 29, 1852.
Proressor BaeErp,
Daer Sur,

I send you thos blanks and delivert tos draving to M. Girard
there ur 17 in number wisch I workt very hard and averich 11 haur
par day.

Plis if you thiraegt the laetter to my to Schulkell Fall in caer of
Jonas Eberhard. With respaegt yours,

Joun H. Ricwarp.

From John H. Richard to Spencer F. Baird.

Fatt or Scutxiiy, August th31, (1852).
Proressor BarErp,
Daer Sur,

I complaed this day 7 draving of schnacks and 10 draving of
fischs wisch I workt 2.44 haur atet thos draving surpases al the raest
T ever dan yt and the fisch the Exploring Ex. haes non so vel than.

I dan 3 of thos schnacks you send and haef began the forth al

the rest dayt. My best respaegt. Yours,

Joun H. Ricwarp.

From S. F. Baird to Professor E. O. Haven, Ann Arbor, Michigan.

October 28, 1853.
Dear Sir:—

I have just received your letter of Oct. 22 in reference to Mr.
Alexander Winchell, and hasten to reply to it. I scarcely know any
one in whom I feel a greater interest than Mr. Winchell. A slight
personal acquaintance of many years standing has, since his residence

18 These two letters from the accomplished artist who prepared
the plates for the serpents and fishes of the papers by Baird and
Girard, are rescued from oblivion in order that the distinction of
being one of the first and most thorough practitioners in America
of “Simplified Spelling,” shall not be lost to him.

312 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

in the South, ripened into warm feelings of attachment in consequence
of a constant correspondence. I have never known anyone more
earnest in striving after progress in knowledge of all kinds, nor indeed
any one more successful in attaining the objects of his pursuit, con-
sidering the highly unfavorable circumstances in which he has been
placed by his isolation. I do not know for what position in the
University you would nominate him: my acquaintance with him has
been more immediately in the line of natural science, in many branches
of this he excels; his strong point is botany, however, of which he is
a most successful cultivator. His collections of the plants of Alabama,
with notes upon their Natural History and peculiarities, which he
has transmitted to this Institution, are worthy of the highest credit.
In geology, too, he has made many interesting researches and obser-
vations. Of this his paper on the geology of the Choctaw Bluffs is
an instance. This was sent to me without any intention of publica-
tion, but merely as one of the many interesting communications made
from Alabama. It struck me as important, and on showing it to
Prof. Hall at Cleveland, he strongly advised its being read before
the American Association, which was accordingly done. Other de-
partments of Natural Science, Zoology, etc. have also experienced
his cultivating hands. As a chemist and analyst, too, his attainments
are of a high order.

Thus much I know of him; how far he will be able to fill the place
of an astronomer or mathematician I cannot say. I have no doubt,
however, that anything he felt willing to undertake he could credit-
ably execute. A mind striving so earnestly to earn an honorable
name among men of science, feeling so keenly the restrictions of
limited means and secluded position and bursting so irresistibly
through the restrictions, must sooner or later attain a position where
he will reflect a lustre on all about him.

Were I to permit selfish feelings to interfere, I would not take
any steps tending to affect the residence in Alabama of Mr. Winchell.
We are already under great obligations to him for interesting and
I think valuable, collections from Eutaw, and hope to have more
from Selma, where he has not been long enough to do much in the
way of collections.

Very truly yours,

Spencer F. Barrp.

1850 TO 1865 313

From S. F. Baird to George P. Marsh, Constantinople.

November 14, 1853.
My pear Mr. Marsu:—

You must not tell anybody that I have done, what unfortunately
I do too often, namely, written this letter on Sunday, though, follow-
ing your example, I date it a day later. I fear, however, unless I
wrote you on Sunday, that you would not get many epistles from me
as (on) week days my head and hands are in such a whirl that I never
know which is which.

I had a delightful and instructive trip last summer, which was
only too short for full satisfaction, although nearly three months
were spent away from Washington. The sum total of it is, miles
traveled 5062. Collections fill twelve barrels, kegs, or cans. More or
less complete series of fish, reptiles, etc. made in many localities. I
have just finished assorting my collections, and it takes some goo
bottles to contain the specimens, especially as each species from every
locality is kept separate. You see I have at last found something
a little likely to keep me busy instead of idling my time as heretofore.
Especially as, in addition to my own collections, those of the Pacific
Rail Road parties have begun to come in and by spring will be here
in a perfect rush. Among other batches already arrived is one con-
sisting of twelve boxes of skulls of fossil rhinoceros, anoplotherium,
palaeotherium, etc. from the Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska, collected
by Gov. Stevens’ party.

I wish you could see the drawings of snakes, fishes, etc. made for
the Mexican Boundary Survey by two artists I have at work. They
are stupendously grand. The finest by far ever done in this country,
and never beaten anywhere. We have about 60 quarto plates done
and shall probably have 300. A new era has dawned in reference
to the patronage of Natural Science in this country by Government.

The coming session of Congress is going to be a stirring one. I
would not be much surprised to hear of attacks being made on the
Smithsonian by persons dissatisfied with the administration of its
funds. The great question of a National Museum will probably be
brought forward. The Commissioner of Patents has reported he must
have the whole Patent building and proposes to Congress to give
the Smithsonian $10,000 to take care of (the collections now in it.)

314 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I do not think Prof. Henry will object to this. Others are in favor
of erecting a grand crystal palace between the Smithsonian and
Monument to hold National Museum, Library, and Patent Office,
and numerous other plans are talked of. I don’t much care how they
manage it, so that 7 can have charge of the Nat. Hist. collections.
They are at work diligently finishing the interior of the Main Smith-
sonian building.
Most affectionately yours,

S. F. Barren.

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

PHILADELPHIA, 24 Dec. 1853.
Dear PRorFEssor:

Why should not I write a letter to you of a character entirely
friendly or complimentary, or any other, if I felt myself so called?

No matter—this is a letter not about business of any sort, but
entirely friendly and fraternal,—the essential object—as far as I see
any—being to wish you a happy Christmas and many of them Pro-
fessor—and that yesterday thinking over the matter of sending you
some small affair by way of rrmembrance—I sent what I did by Adams
Express—hope it will prove acceptable—there is not the quantity I
intended to have sent, not intending to put you on short allowance,
but I suddenly recollected that I was no judge of quality.

A good many Christmases have now passed, Professor, since
you and I have been cronies—more than will again probably—and
yet ye’re a’ the same to me professor—rather more so.

So it goes—one has in this world many acquaintances, but few
friends and those few afford to any man,—who is at all considerable
of a man—in the exercise of the friendly feelings and duties, grati-
fication of the highest and most ennobling character—One cannot
overestimate long tried and faithful friends.

So, professor, wishing you again—and all yours—a happy Christ-
mas and many—for ourselves, hoping it may never be worse with

us—I am
Yours as ever

Joun Cassin

1850 TO 1865 315

From S. F. Baird to John Cassin.
Dec. 25th, 1853.
My pear Joun Cassin:—

The box of pickles came yesterday by Adams Express, and I
jumped at a conclusion, fully borne (out) by your letter which arrived
this morning. In the spirit of the letter which (shall I confess it)
caused my eyes to fill up a little at each oft-repeated perusal, I sit
down now on this lovely Christmas morning, with the church bells
ringing around me, to reciprocate all the good wishes and kind feelings
just expressed by you. It is a long while now, John, “since we were
first acquaint,” not longer though I trust than we shall be again.
Many years have elapsed since Sam Woodhouse took me down to the
little house, ever so far off, to see a friend of his ‘“‘who had a fine
collection of birds.” I little thought that visit would lay the founda-
tion of the warmest friendship I ever formed. Since then I shall
never lose the memory, John, of the day when, with my slender purse
and ardent thirst for knowledge, you helped me to satisfy the neces-
sities and incongruities of both by the pleasant fiction of sending me
at your expense to make some notes and observations for you in the
Eastern Libraries,—or by the loan of books & of house and home—
and by a thousand other kindnesses, little and big.

Well, I shan’t forget them or you very soon, that is certain.

With kindest remembrances to Mrs. Cassin and all yours, in
which Mrs. Baird joins, I shall remain,

Ever yours,

S. F. Barrp.

From S. F. Baird to George P. Marsh, Rome, Italy.

WasuincrTon, February 4, 1854.
My very pear Mr. Marsy:—

I received a few days ago through the kind mediation of our
uncle Marcy, your good letters of December 12-16, and have read
and re-read them with increasing interest, each perusal revealing
some new item previously unnoticed, or correcting some former read-
ing. Gilliss and I had a long consultation the other day over our
letters, and were fairly beaten at one paragraph about Mary, which
I read as being a “pious fish-woman,” but which we finally concluded
to be the “precious penwoman”’ both perhaps applying well, the

316 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

former from being the good wife of an ichthyologist, the latter as
being handy with the quill. Well, I won’t make fun of your hand-
writing, even if you have used the same quill without mending since
you have been in Europe, and its nib getting broader and broader
each day—for your letters are glorious and mirth-provoking, and
soul-inspiring, and greatly refreshing, and it is not for my own intrinsic
merit that I have been gifted by Providence by that wonderfully
beautiful chirography which makes even my masters hang themselves
for sheer envy.

I wish you were here to talk over the thousand and one things
which suggest themselves, and which can be so scantily represented
inaletter. Every day brings something new. As to the Smithsonian,
as Haldeman calls it, we are now in a state of uncertainty. I wrote
you that a committee had been appointed to report whether the
compromise should be abolished.!® This has not yet been reported,
nor have I heard that it has been called together. They will probably
give the thing a thorough overhauling, but their decision is uncertain.
This Committee consists of Pearce, Totten, Mason, Maury, Choate.
How they can report in favor of removing the restrictions in favor of
the Library and Museum, with the plain law before them, I cannot
see; matters Smithsonian are being talked about a good deal, and
much opposition is manifested towards some of Prof. Henry’s views,
but which side will carry the day “quien sabe.” In the present
arrangement, the Library and Museum are to occupy jointly the
large room of the lower story of the main building, while the new
lecture room goes into the middle of the splendid room upstairs,
cutting this up into one large apartment and a small no account one
on each side. The present lecture room is to be converted into a
house for Professor Henry, so that the only refuge for collections will
be the single room aforesaid. The whole middle building will be
finished in four or five months and we shall breathe freer with any
additional accommodations. Our great lack will, however, be for
office and work rooms.

There is earnest talk of constructing a great iron crystal palace
on the vacant square between the Smithsonian and the (Washington)
Monument in which to place all the Government collections in Natural

18'That is, whether more funds shall be allotted to the Library
and less to the other functions of the Institution than at present.

1850 TO 1865 317

History and to include the Patent Office with its models. Whether
this will go I cannot tell, but it is strongly urged; you shall, however,
know whenever anything definite is done in reference to this or the
other projects.

As to myself, it is unnecessary to say that time does not hang
on my hands, with the regular Smithsonian business, and that of a
hundred others besides. I can’t pretend to tell a tithe to you, and
must wait till you get back, which heaven grant may be before long.
Natural History progresses amain, every day bringing in something
new. Your specimens will be highly acceptable when they come.
I can’t quite make out the name of the vessel. Write on this score
as soon as you receive this letter.

My Polly is not very smart at present. She has with her my
oldest sister.

Most affectionately yours,
S. F. Barrp.

Mrs. Baird’s condition, during the winter of 1853-4,
grew less favorable. It was decided to spend as much of
the summer near the seashore as possible. After many
enquiries for a secluded and quiet place, which would
also furnish the Professor with facilities for collecting
and studying fishes, Beasley’s Point, New Jersey, was
selected. Owing to the inconveniences connected with
boarding house life for an invalid, the Bairds took a
house, in January, 1855, and went to house-keeping, the
Professor’s sister coming to help. The Churchills shared
part of the house and its expenses.

From Spencer F. Baird to Louis Agassiz.

WasuinctTon, March 9, 1854.
My pear ProFressor:—

At last after long and to me vexatious delay, I have the gratifica-
tion of fulfilling some of my many promises by sending a lot of speci-
mens as per the enclosed list. You must and will pardon the apparent
neglect hitherto when you realize the immense amount of occupation
which has been on my shoulders. Industrious as I flatter myself I

318 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

always am, I have been obliged to work harder than ever even to
keep up with my duties, especially with the amount of time which
is daily wasted by the thoughtless visits of strangers and others, an
average of at least four hours in the working day.

I have also done a considerable share of zoological investigation,
especially among birds and batrachians. I have completed the
enumeration and determination of some 350 species of birds from New
Mexico, principally collections of Lt. Couch, Mr. Clark, and Doctors
Suckley and Evans. I have detected several new species and deter-
mined the range of others. I have also nearly finished my examina-
tion of the batrachians and reptiles. I have added a good many new
species, and have razeed some old ones and have established several
genera, among them one for the little Hylodes Maculatus of yours.
This cannot go with the genus as established, or rather restricted,
by Duméril and Bibra, as it has a web to the foot.

Spencer F. Baird from William M. Baird.

ReEaDING, 22nd June, 1854.
Dear SPENCE:—

Your letter was received this evening and I answer it at once
according to your request.

I have never been at Beasley’s Point and my wife has never been
there in summer. From what I have heard, what I know respecting
other places on the coast and what Harriet knows, I will answer your
questions.

tst. As to the comfort, Mr. Ashmead could probably tell you
more than we can. The old house at the Point is plain, and kept in
a plain manner, about as well I suppose as what we in Pennsylvania
would call a good country-tavern; plenty of room and plenty to eat,
though not cooked in the best style. As to health—the sea air is
most admirable for some complaints, but does not do for others. If
Mary has anything like bronchitis, it will not do for her at all. Harriet
used to lose the use of her voice at Cape May and kept getting worse
in this respect as long as she lived there. As soon as she left she
recovered and has never been troubled with anything like it since.
The house at Beasley’s Point is right on the bay, no trees near it—
(same as at Cape Island)—plunge bath in the bay at the door—surf
in the sea 34 mile off. Always cool even in the hottest weather on

1850 TO 1865 319

account of the strong breeze. If Mary’s complaint is only of the
nerves and has nothing to do with the organs of respiration, I should
think it a very good place for her. Harriet tells me that they were
talking last summer of building a new hotel; if one is put up perhaps
more style is observed than in the old house.

2d. As to collecting fishes? I should consider it the very best
place on the Jersey coast. You have the bay and sea close by, and
little creeks in the meadows which are not far off. Lots of fishermen,
amateurs as well as professional.

3rd. As to reptiles—Good—In the woods and cedar swamps I
think there must be some new species.

4th. There are plenty of birds (aquatic) on the beach and in the
meadows—and a great abundance of the smaller land-birds in the
woods a mile or two off. By the middle or last of July the migratory
shore birds begin to return and by 1st September they swarm. ‘There
are many that stay and breed. No eggs to be had so late in the
season, except perhaps a few laid by birds whose nests had been
destroyed two or three times. It is not very comfortable after the
beginning of September, at least, visitors leave Cape Island at that
time. There are plenty of green fields near Beasley’s and good rides,
though the scenery is flat. Mosquitoes are “mighty unsartin,”’ some-
times they come in swarms enough to eat you up bodily, at other times,
there are none. Generally speaking they are not-very bad at Cape
Island and Beasley’s I would suppose is about the same. You can do
a big business in getting birds’ skins, if the birds are not moulting.

On the whole I think you would enjoy yourself amazingly, though
I doubt whether Mary would find it so pleasant. If you will write
to Richard Holmes he can tell you all about the tavern, as he has been
a great deal at Beasley’s.

Yours affectionately,

Wo. M. Barron.

From Spencer F. Baird to Dr. John Edward Hallowell.

Wasurncron, May 12, 1854.
My pear Doctor:—
In reference to the matter of reptiles of Heermann’s collection,
I certainly would not hesitate in your place to send any specimens
you may have to spare, to Mr. Duméril for the Paris Museum. As

320 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

a matter of course, all unique and the best specimens of a Govern-
ment collection must go to Government, and (although I have no
recollection of saying so to Heermann) the Secretary of War is very
decided in insisting that all collections belong to Government which
have been collected by a salaried officer at its expense; yet there is
never any difficulty afterwards in getting duplicates for a scientific
object. Have you heard of the terrible muss he kicked up because——
took the duplicates of his western collections (made with Whipple)
to France without permission from him? An agreement was made
between him and Williamson before the attention of the Secretary
had been drawn to the subject, and was binding; Heermann having
given his share of the duplicates to the Academy which was allowable
and even still more proper, as Government expects and authorizes
the distribution of duplicates among scientific institutions. There-
fore, as I said before, you would be perfectly at liberty to send such
specimens as you can spare to Paris. Of course, you would not send
your uniques.

I shall send to Mr. Duméril quite a number of species, especially
of serpents, and hope to do more hereafter. I fully recognize the
propriety of depositing types of a species in typical collections, but
I would not send an American species to Paris or London, if I had
but one to spare and if the Academy wanted it.

Yours truly,
S. F. Barrp.

From Major E. B. Hunt” to Spencer F. Baird.

Irvine House, Tarrytown, July 18, 1854.
My pear Bairp:—
Thave longed to write you a word of friendly condolence and cheer

since hearing from Mr. Ackermann that he saw you sending Mrs.
Baird to Carlisle, he thought, as a weak and health-hunting invalid.

20 Edward B. Hunt, Major U. S. A., born June 15, 1822; died
1863. A distinguished officer, a pioneer in the designing of submarine
vessels of war and in utilizing compressed air as a source of power.
His wife was Helen Hunt (afterward Jackson), the author of “Ramona”
and other well-known works.

1850 TO 1865 321

Can I in any wise help you or her? If so, let me. Were I King of
Health, surely no such affliction should over take you or yours.
Though it can do you but little service, it is grateful to me now to
assure you that my sincere sympathies are with you in whatever ills
may befall you, not less than in your happier contingencies. I hope
I have too vividly pictured the inroads of ill-health, and that at
least a more genial clime and a kindly sphere of influence may bring
healing on their wings.

Now, my dear friend, I have scarcely a right to say to you be of
good cheer and take courage, come what will; yet I feel confident
that in like case such words from you would bring some comfort. I
would gladly learn how things really are with you and yours, but
cannot ask it now, when you are doubtless over-whelmed with work
and solicitude. Whether you are now in Washington or in some place
pleasanter for you I can hardly divine, but I hope for the latter and
best estate.

I have watched the progress of S. I. affairs with interest, especially
in these latter days. I presume the course of empire is not yet run,
and that there are tumults and inquiries yet to come. But I have
no heart to mingle in these things now, and only think of your infi-
nitely deeper concern in that invalid, so dear and valued not to you
alone, but to others who at respectful distance wait and hope. It
would do me good to see you once again and testify face to face that

I am truly your friend.
E. B. Hunt.

From D. N. Couch, U.S. A., to Spencer F. Baird.
Fort Leavenworty, Nov. 16, 1854.

My information was chiefly from a young man who
accompanied me during a part of my tour in Northern Mexico,
formerly clerk in Berlandiére’s office or apothecary shop.

Dr. Louis Berlandiére,”! a Swiss, arrived in Mexico from Switzer-
land in 1826, believed to have been sent out by a Scientific Society
for the purpose of collections in botany—he was soon after appointed
a member of the Commission of Linits—a Commission organized

21 So spelled in original; the correct name is Berlandier.
21

322 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

by the then new Republic of Mexico for the purpose of gathering
every possible species of information pertaining to the country.
General Mier y Teran was the head of this Commission.

This Commission must have been dissolved about 1830. Ber-
landiére then settled in Matamoras as a physician, where he was
universally beloved from his kind amiable manner and regard for
the sick poor of that city, being always ready to give advice and medi-
cine to such without pay.

He followed a very general custom in that country, living with
a woman as his Mistress, but married her a short time before his
death. The result of this connexion was several children—one of
them being a Captain of Mexican Infantry.

In the commencement of the difficulties between the Mexican
Government and ours, 1845-6, Berlandiére was in charge of the
hospitals at Matamoras and employed by General Arista, the Mexican
Commandant, in making maps, sketches, etc. of the country adjacent
to the Rio Grande. He was the officer that met General Taylor
previous to his crossing the Colorado and ordered him to remain on
the left bank of that river.

Berlandiére made many excursions into the country for the pur-
pose of collecting in Botany, Nat. History, Mineralogy, &c., &c.
Also, to make Astronomical and Meteorological observations; the
latter made at Matamoras very complete and extensive—his Mss.
show that he was also a thorough Geographer and Statistician.

Doctor Berlandiére left Matamoras sometime in 1851, I think

in May or June, for the purpose of visiting the City of Mexico to
obtain a claim of his against the general government. When crossing
on horseback the Rio San Fernando at a town of the same name 90
miles south of Matamoras, he was drowned, aged about 45 years.
His extensive collection came into my hands by purchase from his
widow. :
I am glad that Pope has found my crow in the U. S. but as my
specimen was taken only 20 miles from the Rio Grande I thought
it very strange if his majesty did not occasionally come over to enjoy
democratic freedom.

We are getting along here very well. The country slowly filling
up and very doubtful if it will eventually be pro-slavery or free soil.
Believe me, sincerely yours,

D. N. Coucu

1850 TO 1865 323

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

PuiLaDELPula, I Feby. 1855.
Dear Proressor,

I really do not like the idea of calling any bird after
» he knew nothing about natural history nor never made any
exertions in his life at all relating to the matter—there is no reason
whatever that he should be complimented with the honors of a natu-
ralist—no more than that you orI should be complimented by military
men in a military manner—say with the title of colonel;—Col. Baird
or Major Cassin would look very well, but would not be without
some drawback unless fairly earned and ought not to be accepted
otherwise, by such just men as you and I,—so with the bestowal of
a zoological compliment on a mere military man,—Col. McCaul and
I held a council on this subject and were unanimous in our conclu-
sion;—as the Col. says was undoubtedly a gallant fellow, an
excellent officer and man both professionally and socially, but no
naturalist whatever, nor ever demonstrated a fondness for nor en-
couragement of zoological operations. Don’t like to do it, Pro-
fessor,—you and Leidy are particularly alike in this one respect,—
very reasonably ungentlemanly generally, but when you get a kink
in your heads, it is very hard for to straighten,—that’s all on this
subject.

T intend to proceed with the owls soon,—my 8th no. unfortunately
did not get printed—Collins’ steam boiler busted or something of
that sort happened, which he fully explained to me, but I don’t
pretend to remember—the biler busting is near enough for practical
purposes and was enough to hinder my printing, at any rate—will be
ready in a few days.

What has become of Gillis? Boyne wants a chance at the
balance of his plates—what is Gov. Stevens’ name? You have
it printed both I I and J J—which is right, proper, convenient or
expedient?

Please commend me to Mrs. B. and Lucy.

Very truly yours,

_J. Cassin.

324 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From S. F. Baird to George Spangler, Carlisle.

February 23, 1855.
My pear GEoRGE:—

I wish you would send word at what prices such trifles as butter,
eggs, chickens, ducks and turkeys, are selling about Carlisle. I have
just gone to housekeeping for the first time here and find the cost of
the eatables a serious thing. Would it be possible to make arrange-
ments with somebody in Carlisle to send me every week or two a
box containing butter and eggs and in cool weather some poultry,
chickens, ducks and turkeys. We use, I suppose, five or six pounds
of butter, and a couple of dozen eggs every week, one or two turkeys
and other things in proportion.

Butter here is 3734 cents, eggs 25 to 37%, chickens 75 cents, and
turkeys one to two dollars; beef 15 cents. . . . Wood $8.00 a
cord (hickory).

Yours truly,

S. F. Barren.

From Spencer F. Baird to Louis Agassiz.

Wasuincton, March 16, 1855.
My pear PrRoFessor:—

I am ashamed to have kept your last kind letter so long on hand
unanswered, but I wanted to send you proofs of the plates of Cyprino-
donts engraved from Sonrel’s drawings for the report of the Mex.
Boundary in return for the exquisite plates you sent me. These
were to be furnished in a few weeks then, and I requested the engraver
to strike off some extra copies, which he promised, and I have been
waiting patiently for them. A few weeks ago I learned to my great
disappointment, that he had received the most positive orders from
the Interior Department not to take any proof whatever, except
such as were delivered to the office, and that the plates themselves
had been securely locked up in the Department. I might possibly
find some old sheets with numerous corrections scratched on them,
if that would answer, but I have not a clean set myself! We have
had a hard time this winter with congressional committees and other

1850 TO 1865 325

extraneous matters, so much so as almost to drive me frantic in the
desire to do something in science. I have not been able to send the
specimens from my last Summer’s collections as promised, simply
because I have not had time to unpack the kegs containing them.
I hope, however, that as the skies are becoming clearer, we shall
soon settle down into our old routine. By the way, I have been noti-
fied that Prof. Poey of Havana, has sent us a set of the Cyprinodonts
described in his book. If you have not got them, you shall have a
series when they arrive. We have also a couple of big garfish from
the South at your service when you feel garfishy.

I have read your articles in Silliman on Western fishes, etc. with
great pleasure and profit, nor felt offended at any of the references
to myself. No one has the right to object to a candid criticism of a
scientific work, and I hope never to do so. I trust that any error of
youth and immaturity of investigation may be corrected by time and
continued study; and no one has a humbler opinion of my ability
and results. I, however, cannot acknowledge having entered into
a scramble for priority of discovery, and feel certain that whenever
I have had the opportunity, I have discountenanced such action.
What I may have done in this way has been strictly official and in
behalf of other parties, when after completing an elaborate descrip-
tion, I have published the specific characters at once to secure priority
to the parties, not to myself. Without such encouragement to effort,
the expeditions in the field would do little or nothing and Science
thus would lose all their results. Were I to wish a connection of my
own name with species, there are hundreds in our collections which
could be characterized and named, but J rigorously refuse to do this
myself or to allow it to others. I have it is true published character-
istics of new specimens of genera and species of N. Am. frogs in brief
terms, but these were purely the essential characters taken from a
Mss. ready that moment to put to press and containing matter for
over one hundred pages which had occupied me eight months in
preparation. Circumstances prevented its publication, however, at
that time.

I am glad to learn that you have got into your new house and
are so comfortably fixed. I too, have gone into the housekeeping
line within a month or two, and like it very much, though it is terribly
expensive!

326 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I do wish you would give in Silliman a synopsis of genera and
species of Cyprinodonts, for the benefit of those who cannot make
head or tail of the subject, as must be the case with all except your-
self.

Sincerely yours,

S. F. Barrp.

The summer season this year was spent at Elizabeth-
town, New York. The copy of the Journal contains
nothing relating to the period between July, 1855, and
January, 1859. From some other brief notes I gather
that in the summer of 1856 they went to Beasley’s Point,
and in 1857 and 1858 to Carlisle.

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.
Pua. Apr. 17, 1855.

Inclinations differ, Professor,—also tastes and talents—
the scope and verge of ambition being wide enough to afford con-
siderable variety—one man aspires to universal empire—nearly
succeeds—another is perfectly satisfied with balancing a straw on
his nose—success better than universal empire—and rather astonish-
ing how nearly both come out alike in the long run,—considerably
the same in the upshot,—I have somewhat tried, Professor, the
universal empire business—hereafter my attention shall be directed
greatly to the perpendicularity of a straw rightly placed, as above
signified.

No manner of good comes of hard work—discretion is the better
part of many things besides valor,—I will not write letters to oblige
everybody,—they may be obliged or not and be darned—I will
specially not be used by Sir nor Sir Knight nor Sir
Squire Anybody else—I’ll see him, her or them darned first—here
endeth the first lesson.

Yours ever,

J. Cassin.

1850 TO 1865 327

Spencer F. Baird from J. Cassin.

Puizapa. Oct. 8th, 1855.
Dear Pror.

I am at this particular time anxious to get Du Chaillu
fixed up for another expedition to Africa—he is now making arrange-
ments,—he wants outfit—or money—a small supply of the latter
I can raise for him here—is it in your power to do anything?—can
you let him have some of your kettles for Reptiles?—or snakes, or
alcohol?—please consider this matter with the gravity becoming the
importance of an African Expedition,—think of Mungo Park and
the various travelers as has perished in the attempt.

Du Chaillu intends to try and penetrate further than he yet has
been,—up the Moonda—into the mountains discovered by him, not
down on the Maps, and by my direction will try to find the source
of the Congo—he has already been within 50 miles of the latter, as
supposed—Must do something—he has found more new birds than
any one lately.

Will probably come to Wash. next Friday—have a quantity of
memoranda—please answer quick about Du Chaillu—I want to fix
him off this week or he will interfere with my coming.

Ever yours,

J. Cassin.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird.

October 17, 1855.
Dear Witt:—

I received the paper with your address and read it with much
pleasure. I did not know you were in the lecturing line and was
quite astonished at seeing the heading. There was one serious omis-
sion however; in addressing an assemblage of farmers, why did you
not take the occasion to say that you had a brother whose chief
passion was field mice, and that all they could catch and send you
would be thankfully received.

Your aff. brother,

S. F. Barrp.

328 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird.

PHILADELPHIA, 19 Nov. 1855.
Dear Pror.

J have not heard from Seaman since I was at Washington—he
then told me that he would come to see me on the next Monday—
which was this day a week ago—but he did not come;—on the books
of the Girard House, I find that he arrived on one Friday—probably
going north—and was there again last Wednesday—I should very
much like to know about those Japan plates.

Dr. Suckley is now here—a regular brick—he is;—he was in
somewhat of a hurry when he arrived last Friday and was going
immediately to Washington but his hurry has sensibly abated—Leidy,
LeConte, Hanson, and other sympathetic spirits seem to be too
attractive—to say nothing of the Academy Lib. Col.—Last Saturday
he went with Leidy and Hallowell on a frog and snake catching
expedition—whereby hangs a tail—these young gentlemen have
lately made an important addition to their circle of aquaintance
in the person of a professional frog-catcher—i.e. one who catches
frogs for the market and for eating houses.—Well, the way that
this individual turns out the frogs and snakes is a caution—last
Saturday he was not so successful as usual but still caught various
lots—but, on the Saturday before, it was astonishing; Hallowell
brought home about 60 snakes—various terrapins and frogs—amongst
the latter about 50 specimens of a little frog which I think they call
Acris crepitans, Baird.

This man operates simply by feeling for these animals with a
stick and then catching them in his hand,—rolls up his sleeves and
feels down in the mud.

I shall send by Dr. Suckley—who proposes to come to Washington
on Wednesday, the quadrupeds that you want: I sent Lewis’s book
to Dr. Hale by mail.

Ever yours,

J. Cassin.

P. S. I have taken another look at the Japan birds—expecting
rather, to have got to work at them—there are about 1oor 12 that I do
not remember ever having seen before—I have no doubt that I could
get up § to Io plates that will be of interest and altogether proper.

1850 TO 1865 329

Extract of a Letter from S. F. Baird to Louis Agassiz.”

I have been in a dilemma as to how I could let you examine the
specimens of turtle brought home by the government expeditions
without incurring official risk from their commanders. All the speci-
mens belonging legitimately to the Institution are, as you well know,
freely at your service. But there is such a precision and technicality
in relation to the government collections, that we have to be very
careful in our movements.

The following arrangement, if you agree to it, may make the
matter perfectly practicable. It is:—for you to consent to prepare
a report on these collections, to appear in your own name, of course,
as the Chelonians, by Prof. L. Agassiz. This to consist of a descrip-
tion in full of all the species, with specific characters, synonymy, &c.

2. A list of the species, with characteristics of the new ones, to
be published in the Proceedings of the Philadelphia Academy, in
the same official way as I have published these, to be reproduced
with a full description in the reports of the expeditions.

Having thus first published the species under official sanction
and with especial reference to the government authorities, there will
be no impropriety in your reproducing these same published remarks
in your work. There would however be a difficulty in your doing
(at first) more than this, as the officers would insist that the detailed
descriptions shall appear in their reports first, which unfortunately
are not likely to see the light for at least a year.

Of these expeditions there are seven or eight entirely different
ones. It would be much trouble for you to prepare as many different
reports; the best plan will be to make out a single one for all, putting
each species with its specific characters on separate sheets. Send
this to me, and I will make the assorting by expeditions and arrange
the articles for publication in the proceedings of Acad. Nat. Sciences
under your name.

It would be well also to present the new species of the Smithsonian
collection in the same way, giving the specific characters in the Pro-

This is evidently a postscript to a letter to Professor Louis
Agassiz. The first part of the letter is not here, and consequently
there is no date, but it unquestionably was written in the early part
of January, 1856. (Note by Miss Lucy H. Baird.)

330 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

ceedings of the Acad. You will of course give these with any amount
of additional detail in your book.

There is one objection to this arrangement, that these govern-
ment collections will necessarily be sent out of the city. Still I pre-
sume you will not want them a great while, and could probably have
them back herein a month or two; could you not?

In arranging some specimens, I have found a skeleton of Trionyx
from Allegheny river, Pa. and one from Miss. which when alive were
about a foot long in the shell. Would you like to see these?

Let me know at once what you think of the plan above proposed.
There are many new and curious things in it; Testudo from the Rio
Grande, but very puzzling; others from the Gila, Arkansas, &c., &c.
Emys of Rio Grande, Brazos, California, and other things too numer-
ous to mention.

Very truly and sincerely yours,

S. F. Barrp.

From Spencer F. Baird to Mrs. J. W. T. Gardiner, Fort Tejon, Cal.

Feb. 16, 1856.
My pear Sister ANNIE:

There was never anything like the cold of the present season in
Washington—excellent sleighing for six weeks at a time, thermometer
down to ten and twelve degrees below zero for days, and all that.
Yesterday they took a large passenger car to Alexandria on the ice!

I am sorry to learn that Capt. Gardiner has had a recurrence of
his rheumatism. I thought California was a panacea for such troubles.
You have not given us his opinion of the baby, whether it differs
from all babies that ever were before, or will be again. I suppose
it is almost too soon to set him (the baby) at catching snakes for his
uncle.

Much obliged to Capt. Gardiner for his kind wishes in regard
to getting some specimens from about Fort Tejon for me. There
is no locality from which they would be more acceptable. We have
a few things brought by Lt. Williamson from that vicinity, just
enough for us to wish for more. Would not your surgeon do some-
thing for us, as so many army surgeons have done before. What I

1850 TO 1865 331

particularly want is specimens of the quadrupeds, such as the rabbits,
squirrels, wild rats, mice and moles, kangaroo rats, &c. The very
commonest about the post are the most wanted, they can be easily
preserved by skinning, and putting arsenic on the skin; or a mixture
of alum and saltpetre, or by throwing into alcohol or spirits of any
kind. I will mail a pamphlet to Capt. Gardiner which will explain
the modus operandi. Skulls of bears and such larger animals would
also be highly valued.

Specimens can always be sent us from San Francisco without
cost if addressed to the Smithsonian Institution, and delivered to
Messrs. Forbes and Babcock, agents, in San Francisco, of the Panama
line of steamers.

Mary says the point of my letter is that portion relating to speci-
mens, but I say it is not—I wanted to write to you by return mail
to assure you that your letter was received and valued. As to news
and all that, I never could do much; Mary as soon as able will attend
tothat. . . . Kindest regards to Capt Gardiner, I am

Very affectionately yours,
S. F. Barren.

From Spencer F. Baird to Dr. Leonard D. Gale.

Wasuincton, April 5, 1856.
Dear Sir:—

I am in receipt of your note of Thursday asking what I know of
Dr. J. S. Newberry of Cleveland, and asking my opinion of his quali-
fications as Professor of Natural Sciences in Columbian College. In
reply I beg to state that I have long been acquainted with Dr. New-
berry and have all confidence in his ability to fill the above Chair
in such a manner as to enhance the already high reputation of the
College. He is about thirty five years old, and a physician of great
skill, having graduated in his profession in the city of Paris. During
the several years that he resided in France, he studied the different
branches of Natural Science with several of the professors of the
Jardin des Plantes, and obtained a very thorough foundation in this

#3 Associate of Professor Henry in electrical research and later
examiner in electricity in the U. S. Patent Office.

332 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

department. His attention was particularly directed to Geology,
Botany, and Vegetable Paleontology. For several years he has been
making a special study of the coal plants of Ohio and Pennsylvania,
and in this occupies the very front rank. He has also worked with
great success among the fossil fishes of the coal formation. A year
ago he was appointed Geologist and Naturalist to the party of Lt.
Williamson, detailed for the survey of a portion of the mountain
region of Oregon and California. He is now in this city engaged in
working up the results of his very successful labors.

Doctor Newberry’s acquaintance with Chemistry and Physics
is quite extensive—sufficiently so for all of the requirements of a
college course. For several years he was the assistant of his brother-
in-law, Prof. St. John in this very department.

I have no hesitation whatever in saying that Doctor Newberry
occupies a position in the very front rank of original investigators
in Natural Science, and that any institution would be fortunate in
his aid. While many could or might give a much more thorough
course in practical instruction in the single line of Chemistry, I know
of no one more capable of vitalizing the study of the Natural Sciences,
in showing the intimate and harmonious relations of one branch
with another, and exhibiting the poetry of true science.

I may state in conclusion that Doctor Newberry is of very
polished manners and highly beloved by all who know him.

Very respectfully yours,

Spencer F. Barrp.
Asst. Sec. 8. 1.

From John H. Clark to Spencer F. Baird.

Camp on Quapaw, NEs., Oct. 28th 1857.
Dear Pror.

I am sorry to have to say that your letter was received too late
to make an expedition for jackass rabbits. I saw but very few at
any rate, and only one that looked like the famous common old
fellow of Texas and New Mexico.

I have picked you up some few things—no novelties however
I suspect. I left the box in the train behind, which was breaking

1850 TO 1865 333

down and should not be greatly surprised if our snake box were
thrown away as useless and not worth the transportation under the
circumstances.

I never believed half that was said about the great number of
buffalo and the few met as (we) went west confirmed my conviction.
As we returned, for fifteen days there was not one we did not see
thousands, ten thousands, hundred thousands of Buffalo. The meat
of the old bulls is scarcely eatable. A fat cow or calf does tolerably
well, but there are a great many things to eat in this world that I
like better. I got completely surfeited—disgusted in fact with
buffalo. I ate buffalo, I drank buffalo, I smelt buffalo, there was
nothing but buffalo in sight. They eat up all the grass, they saturate
all the water, and perfume the very air. . . . I was very anxious
to see the buffalo and am satisfied.

Yours, &c.,

Joun H. Crark.

In 1854 a young man came to Washington to study
at the Smithsonian with whom Baird had been in corre-
spondence for several years. This was Robert Kennicott,
of Illinois, who was destined to add, by his travels and
collections, directly and indirectly perhaps more than any
other collaborator, to the riches of the Smithsonian Collec-
tion. He became, as previously mentioned, intimate in
the Baird family, and by his contagious enthusiasm
inspired all who came in contact with him to at least
attempt to do something in the way of collecting or
research. He had spent part of the summer on a collecting
trip which took him as far as Pembina on the Red River
of the North, then controlled by the Hudson Bay Com-
pany, now in Canadian territory.

He arrived in Washington about the middle of Decem-
ber and remained until the latter part of April, 1858.%

24 See Chicago Academy of Sciences, Transactions, Vol. 1, pt. 2,
1869, p. 139, et seq.

334 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

He and Stimpson were among those whose high spirits
made the little Megatherium Club a joyous assemblage.
In 1859 he resolved to make an exploration of western
British America and, by the codperation of the Audubon
Club of Chicago, the Smithsonian, and the kind offices
of Sir George Simpson, Governor of the Hudson Bay
Territory, this was brought about. In April, 1859, he
left Washington fitted out with the necessary articles for
his journey and in May reached Fort William at the head
of Lake Superior, and on June roth arrived at Norway
House. Thence he proceeded on his journeys, which
reached as far as Fort Yukon on the Yukon River, spend-
ing more or less time at many of the H. B. Company’s
trading posts, and it was not until the 17th of October,
1862, that he reached Chicago on his return.

The life of the Scots and Orkney men who composed
the force of the Company in these remote and desolate
trading posts, except in the period of trading and fetching
in supplies, was most dull and tedious. In the more
distant posts mails arrived once a year. They lived on the
game of the country for the most part; flour, sugar and
tea were luxuries enjoyed only for a short period when
the bateaux with supplies arrived, and in many cases the
trading for the whole year was done in a few days immedi-
ately after the receipt of the trading goods.

They were mostly literate, but very ignorant of the
world outside of the wilderness and with little or nothing
to occupy their minds except their duty to the Company.
The advent of Kennicott,—young, joyous, full of news of
the outside world, ready to engage in any of their expedi-
tions or activities, and to take hardships without grum-
bling,—was an event in their lives. When he taught them
how to make birdskins and collect Natural History objects

1850 TO 1865 335

and showed them how, by means of their collections,
their names would become known in the civilized world
and even printed in books, they seized on the project
with enthusiasm.

It gave them a new object in their lives, with almost
unlimited possibilities of expansion, and time need no
longer be wasted in futilities.

For more than ten years collections poured into
Washington from the North, until those who had been
inspired by Kennicott retired from active service. The
names of McFarlane, McDougal, Sibbeston, Ross, Donald
Gunn, and many others, were permanently inscribed on
the list of benefactors of science.

This enthusiasm was naturally fostered by Professor
Baird, who wrote numerous letters, undertook all sorts
of commissions, sent numberless papers, pamphlets and
books, and in every way made himself the friend and
helper of these inhabitants of the wilderness.

In 1859 Baird’s work on the Pacific Railroad Reports
was nearly finished. ‘The birds were printed. The
printing up to Volume X. included over 2,000 quarto
pages of original matter.

The summer vacation was spent at Elizabethtown,
New York. Then comes another gap in the Journal from
February, 1859, to January, 1861.

From Dr. Henry Bryant to Spencer F. Baird.

Boston, Feb. 5th, 1860.
Dear Pror,

I am afraid Darwin in spite of your amiable wish is going to
make the dry bones rattle a little among the followers of the extreme
modern school of zoology.

I do not believe the theory that animals of a different species are
derived from common parents—and cannot, however plausible the

’

336 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

theory may seem, without seeing the intermediate form. But I have
always believed that in the rage for multiplying species—varieties
are made into species. I have never for instance believed in the spe-
cific distinction of our short-eared owl from the European, indeed in
this particular case I do not believe it can be called a variety, for I
have specimens that are as light-colored as many European specimens
and which I cannot separate by any marks whatever. Many of our
other allied birds I am willing to have described as separate, whether
they should be called species or varieties I do not know, and, in the
present undetermined state of the term species, it is hard to say
which—according to my definition no two species can produce fertile
hybrids—or permanently fertile to speak exactly, and I therefore
consider the N. Mexican turkey to be a variety. I am willing to
admit that the domestic variety probably was derived from that
source, but I know from my own experience that the domestic turkey
with our common wild bird produces a more fertile and healthier
and more vigorous offspring than the domestic bird is capable of
alone. In all cases however slight the difference may be, if constant,
I am ready to admit the specific difference when it seems improbable
that one form could have been derived from the other in a manner
readily explained, as it can be in most of the Arctic species. But I
can’t argue on paper, it is too hard work,—so look out when I see
you again for a worse fight than the Kentuckian had with the bear.

Until which believe me
Y’rs affec.

Henry Bryant

Please tell Stimpson that 1 am making arrangements about the
Labrador trip, and ask him to let me know whether there is any
probability of his joining me. I enclose a copy of my letter to my
agent so that he can see what I am about.

During the year (1860) just passed Baird notes that
he had written (without the aid of a stenographer) on
Smithsonian business 3,050 letters of which about 200
were drafts of letters for the use of Professor Henry. On
the 22nd of April, 1861, affairs were so unsettled in

1850 TO 1865 337

Washington that General and Mrs. Churchill left the
city for Carlisle, taking Lucy with them. Mrs. Baird
remained with her husband. In January John W. Wood-
worth of Chicago, a friend of Kennicott’s, came to
Washington for study at the Smithsonian, and by his
cheerful volunteer help was of great assistance to the
Professor. Baron Osten Sacken, of the diplomatic service,
was deeply interested in Entomology and became a close
friend of the family. In June, as an attack on Washington
was no longer feared, Lucy returned from Carlisle.
Many of the officers of the field parties returned to take
up sterner work, and some of the young medical men who
had been studying in various departments of zoology
were called on for service in the hospitals or with the
troops. The work at the Museum went on steadily,
notwithstanding, and a number of Agassiz’s students,
including Verrill, F. W. Putnam, Ordway, and Dr. Henry
Bryant, came to Washington for longer or shorter periods.
The death of Dr. Kennerly, on his way home from the
Pacific Coast, was a source of much sorrow, and Mrs.
Baird’s health was frequently interrupted by illness.
Much labor was expended on the boxes of outfit, &c.,
for Kennicott’s work in the North.

The excitement and alarm in Washington on account
of the interruption of mails and trains are clearly indicated
by the very brief references in the Journal. During the
last ten days of April no word came from Carlisle or
elsewhere, and Mrs. Baird was in a serious state from
anxiety. In May things quieted down, as the city was
occupied by sufficient Union troops to preserve order and
defend it against any attack.

The summer was spent at Elizabethtown, followed by

a visit to Montreal and Carlisle, returning to Washington
22

338 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

in October. In November and December Mrs. Churchill,
Mrs. Baird and Lucy were all ill, necessitating the Pro-
fessor’s constant presence, except for about an hour a
day for several weeks.

To Mr. Samuel Hubbard, San Francisco, from Spencer F. Baird.

WasuHINcTON, Feb. 27, 1861.
My pear Mr. Hupsarp,

All our anxious expectation of our dear friend Dr. Kennerly,
absent from us so long, has been checked by the sad news of his
death between San Francisco and Acapulco, on the steamer the first
of the month. We had a letter by overland mail last night announcing
his intention of starting, and having previously seen his name in the
“Poney”’ (Express) list of passengers, were surprised to find it wanting
in that published in yesterday’s New York papers. A note from Dr.
Suckley however, received this morning, gave the distressing news
of his death. We have no particulars, and we do not see Mr. Alden’s
name among the arrivals, who we understood started with him.
Perhaps he has been delayed over a steamer by matters connected
with Dr. K.

Although no relation to him whatever, his death is a sad blow
to Mrs. Baird and myself. He was a student in college while I was a
professor, fourteen or fifteen years ago, and he has been like a son
or younger brother ever since. Our house has been his home and
during the whole four years (nearly) of his absence, scarcely a steamer
left without a letter from us.

To George Gibbs, New York City, from Spencer F. Baird.

Wasuincton, March 3d, 1861.
My pear Mr. Giszs,
Yours of the second came this morning. I have seen Mr. Alden
and learned from him all there was to communicate.”
I am much obliged for the photograph, and think I will try to get
a larger picture painted from it.

2 About the death of Dr. Kennerly, who had been naturalist and
surgeon connected with the Northwest Boundary Survey.
g y

1850 TO 1865 339

The collections were all left with Forbes and Babcock to be for-
warded in the usual way. They include yours as well as the doctor’s.

And though there is no special occasion for your being here now,
T hope you will take an opportunity to come on after the boxes arrive,
which will not be for a month, as they come by the Panama RR.
steamship line from Aspinwall. We can then talk all matters over
and a final arrangement made as to the Nat. History report. Dr.
Suckley writes that he would like to make the Nat. Hist. report if
he could be paid for it. Some arrangement of this kind would be an
excellent one, especially as he had already agreed with Dr. Kennerly
to do the Salmonidae. He might do all the other departments in
his line of Vertebrata, excepting the general run of fishes, which I
think Mr. Gill had better have. . . . Mr. P. P. Carpenter has
all the shells, which he will work out in a report; for these he ought
to have a couple of hundred dollars. There are also many other
marine invertebrates. The series of fish is very large and important.
All the matters connected with these things however we can talk
over when we meet. If any arrangement is made to have Dr. S.
take hold of the vertebrates, I would rather that you should arrange
it with the Commissioner, for fear of my coming in conflict with any-
body else on the subject.

I would like very much to see Dr. Kennerly’s notebook, as
there are some specimens here of which he has sent no memoranda.
I could then form some idea of the amount of biographical detail
to be made up respecting the animals collected.

Dr. Torrey has all the Boundary Plants. You had better arrange
with him about the botanical and tree report to be made out between
you in New York.

Dr. Newberry is here. He don’t want to do anything with the
Mollusca and other animal fossils, but will be glad to undertake the
plants if any. Mr. Meek will be much the best one to do the fossil
animals. He will be back here in a month or two.

Very truly yours,
S. F. Barro.

P.S. There are so many new and unfigured species of animals,
especially fishes and shells, that I hope plenty of money can be had
for illustrations.

340 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Louis Agassiz to Spencer F. Baird.

CamBrRIDGE, 4th March, 1861.
My pear Barrp:—

The bill granting $20,000 to the Museum (at Cambridge) has
passed the Legislature, so that I can now move freely. How many
days may pass before I can draw the money I do not exactly know,
but I trust it will be in time to forward my subscription to Kennicott
and to your egg man on Lake Winnipeg. The Boston Society of
Natural History has also been successful in its application for a
reservation of land on the Back Bay grounds. It will be our fault
if hereafter Zoology is not making progress in this part of the country.
But if we would do the most that may be done without means, we
should all come to an understanding in order not to attempt the
same thing and thus waste our resources in producing the same results
over and over again, instead of advancing each in a special direction.
Wyman, with whom I had a conference on that subject, fully approves
this suggestion and I wish I could come to a similar understanding
with you. In this way, the collections of each of our institutions
would have a distinct character and all would be equally valuable
and important in their specialty. If you approve of such a plan, let
me know what is to be your policy and your aim, that I may co-
operate to the limits of my ability. As for myself, I propose to pursue
chiefly two series of investigations with reference to which all the
collections in the Museum here will be arranged. 1st. To represent
the correspondence in the order of succession of past geological
periods and the relative standing of rank of the animals now living,
and, as far as possible, also their embryonic growth. 2nd. To make
faunal collections illustrating the mode of association and geographical
distribution of animals upon the whole surface of the globe.

I do not propose to make a general systematic collection of any
one class of the animal kingdom embracing in a methodical order
all the species known of the class, so that, when arranged as I propose
to arrange them, our Museum will in no way resemble those which
exist now. I am not apprehensive of interfering with anybody or of
being interfered with; but I should like to know what you propose
that I may co-operate with you.

You can help me best now in aiding me to make local collections

1850 TO 1865 341

as complete as possible and in obtaining material for the embryology
and metamorphosis of all common animals of which numerous speci-
mens may easily be obtained. I shall send Verrill to Lawrence next
week to negotiate the purchase of Mr. Martin’s California birds.
I have lately entered into an arrangement with a backwoodsman
for a collection of the fauna over which the Buffalo roves. I have
sent a collector to the Feejees to explore that group of islands, and one
of my students has gone to Zanzibar to remain there 3 or 4 years to
explore the seas between Africa, Arabia and the Deckan. This will
give me means for exchanges to obtain faunal collections from other
collections. For my “Contributions” only do I propose to go on
working systematically and critically at the principles of classifica-
tion; but without special reference to the general arrangement of
the Museum since any result so.obtained can have reference only to
one feature of the collection, the rank of the types in their respective
classes.

By the way I have already answered your requests about Echino-
derms by informing Stimpson that I would gladly let him have every-
thing I possess of that class, provided he gives me an opportunity
of examining in my turn everything that he has. I want now only
to call your attention to the fact that it would be worth his while
to hunt up all the Echinoderms scattered through your storerooms,
of which Verrill tells me there is a great quantity, and to send them
to me for identification. As I have all the original drawings of the
Exploring Expedition I could no doubt make out most of them and
thus recover the localities which are carefully noted upon all the
drawings.

Very truly yours,

L. Acassiz.

From Dr. Henry Bryant to Spencer F. Baird.

Boston, March 15th, 1861.
My bear Pror.

I never received a letter from you that gave me greater pleasure
than yours of the twelfth. I have always been afraid from your
excessive amiability that there was something wrong in your composi-
tion,—too much carbonate of soda for example, so that the acidity

342 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

of the world could not coagulate the albuminous particles as it usually
does. I am happy to find that though that principle was in excess,
still, the supply being limited, a large part of pure acid was able to
neutralize it. As for . . . he is a good for nothing fellow as I
have frequently told you.

Y’rs affect.

Henry Bryant

To Robert Kennicott, Mackenzie River District, from Spencer F. Baird.

Wasuincton, March 17, 1861.
Dear RoBERT,

Writing a six-months letter is no slight undertaking. . . . I
don’t want however to miss the early packet of the season and have
put many other things to one side.

I could probably write to better purpose if I had your winter
letters, but I am afraid to wait longer for them. I only hope they
may not be delayed a month, as they were last year, and thereby
involve the loss of a whole season in sending supplies and replies.

I am most happy to announce the safe arrival of all the boxes
and kegs addressed by Mr. Ross and forwarded in the early part of
December last. The box of fossil plants for Mr. Murray got astray
and were only recently received and forwarded.

You have done yourself great injustice in writing as if last spring’s
operations were a failure. It was so far from the case that you far
exceeded my expectations. Quite a number of the species were new,
and very many of the greatest rarity, and the whole sending in con-
nection with the magnificent condition of the specimens was one of
the greatest success. . . . For your guidance, I enclose a full
list of all the birds, mammals and eggs received in the boxes. The
other shipments are not yet so well catalogued. . . . There are
fortunately enough for nearly all the bird subscribers and each species
will count at least 20 dollars of subscription or more. . . . Itis
perhaps hardly worth while for me to recapitulate all the specialties
received, as they are all given minutely in the accompanying list.

26 The letter to which this is a reply is unfortunately not preserved.

1850 TO 1865 343

Many of the eggs too were very desirable; in the whole collection
were about 20 species new to us. I may find time for a running
commentary on the collection hereafter.

A curious fact in the zoology of the Slave Lake and Ft. Simpson
district, is that it is almost exclusively eastern in its type; very few
Pacific or Rocky Mt. species.

The frogs appear to be chiefly Hyla and Rana Cantabrigiensis.
The fish must embrace the greater part of the known Arctic fresh
water species.

No new species appears to be among the insects, although there
are some rarities. LeConte has overhauled the Coleoptera, having
agreed to pay $50.00 per annum as his share. Edwards was pleased
with the Lepidoptera and will continue his subscription.

I have pretty well divided up the collection among contributors,
who appear to be generally satisfied. I have been liberal with the
common birds, especially the large ones, and have taken good care
to give the Chicago Academy a first class series. In distributing I
have placed yours and Mr. Ross’s in one common stock, and dis-
tributed duplicates as from a single collection. By Mr. Ross’s sug-
gestion we have sent a full series of his duplicates to the Montreal
Natural History Society, adding specimens from yours wherever they
could be spared. This was but fair, considering that his specimens
were counted in the common stock.

I have had great comfort in John Woodworth’s presence here
this winter since the beginning of January. I am sorry that he must
leave the end of this month. I like him personally very much, and
no one has ever helped me as he has in Museum work (R. K. perhaps
excepted!). Since he has been here, we have gone over our duplicates
of mammals, birds, snakes, shells etc. and made a general distribution
of them, assigning a first class set to the Chicago Academy in con-
sideration of him and you.

You will be sorry to hear of Dr. Kennerly’s death at sea while
coming home early in February. He is a great loss; his disease was
associated with the brain. He has made large and valuable collections.

T have so many items to discuss and talk over that I hardly know
where to begin. You must therefore be satisfied to have them jotted
down as they occur, without special reference to connection and
system.

344 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I have no special Washington news to tell you. You have doubt-
less heard of the wonderful political doings in the United States. The
excitement was very great here, but is now subsiding, and I think
matters are likely to go on smoothly hereafter, for a while at least.

Gill, Hayden, Newberry, Stimpson and Woodworth are here
together, and we have quite lively scientific times. Several Cambridge
and Phila. naturalists have also been here much of the winter. The
Misses Turner are well, Miss Jane still our librarian. Prof. Henry’s
family much as usual.

Donald Gunn has offered to make an egg excursion through Lake
Winnipeg for his expenses, about $50.00. I think I can raise the
money for it. We have large collections from Mr. Xantus at Cape
St. Lucas. The last boxes received made the number up to 52, and
about 6000 lots of specimens. The greater part of these of course
were marine.

As a preliminary course of training for this letter, I have first
read over all your letters from the beginning at Toronto, so as to
see whether I had overlooked anything. This took me about five
hours continuously, no small operation. The worst of it is that I am
in consequence like the man who wanted to jump over the mountain.
He started to run, at a distance proportioned to the height to be
accomplished, and when he reached the foot, he had to sit down to
rest!

Please make the application! This is to be an excuse for any
errors or shortcomings.

I wrote by winter packet in regard to your prolonged stay,
referring the whole matter to yourself. Half a dozen years will not
exhaust the country, certainly not three or four; and as long as you
are satisfied to remain, and can do it without distressing your family,
I will be very glad to have you. I have little fear of not finding
funds to keep you going, especially as after this season there will
be little expense of outfit from here. The Yukon and Anderson egging
seasons will give great results. So will the season at Halkett or
Donnegan (the farther southwest the better). Ft. Churchill is I
think an important point to occupy; but you can hardly manage that,
too.

I have not yet got in subscriptions for the season, but think we
can place $800.00 cash in the company’s hands to your credit; perhaps
more.

1850 TO 1865 345

I am putting together an outfit to send in a week or two, but of
this will write again. Will send some double guns, &c.

I wrote to all the gentlemen suggested by you by the winter’s
packet, enclosing egg drill and pipe to each. Will try and write again
this spring. I hope they will get the drills in time for this year’s
season. Many of last year’s eggs were greatly broken up, partly
by being cracked in opening, partly in the carriage. I don’t think
moss is good for the purpose. Paper twisted round the big eggs,
like the globular sugar plums, is next to enveloping in cotton, the
best packing. The eggs should not be in large lots, but divided
up into smaller. I shall try to make up a package of books for
each contributor of specimens; as also one to Mr. R. Campbell, and
Mr. Sinclair.

I sent some small things by winter packet, which I hoped you
received—principally the 5000 needles, and a steel foot-rule. This
spring you shall have the ribbons, jewelry, guns, handkerchiefs, sheets,
etc. Invoice hereafter.

I wrote to Mr. McTavish long ago about the allowances etc.
which he promised to attend to, and which doubtless went on by
last spring’s boats.

It was very well to take out stuffing from large birds before for-
warding. If paper can be had, better wrap up each specimen, so
as to keep them from becoming greasy. Don’t pack small specimens
inside of larger.

It is not worth while to collect and preserve the common fresh
water and marine ducks, especially the former, all of which can be
had here. It was well to have the series from Slave Lake, to show
what reach there, but it need not be repeated. Of salt ducks, you
can omit hereafter canvasback, red head, common golden eye, butter
ball, longtailed duck, the black heads, velvet duck, etc. Harlequins,
eiders, etc. are otherwise. Of course when specimens are parents of
eggs, they should be kept. Get all Colymbus arcticus, adamsii, &c.
you can. ‘“‘Arcticus’ is probably, by the way, Pacificus, adult;
arcticus (true) hardly being North American. I am surprised that
you find fishers gentle pets, the worst varmint I ever saw, was a young
fisher caught in Pennsylvania. . . . The grouse, Tetrao richard-
sonii, the sharptailed grouse of Slave Lake, is I think different from
that of the U. States—T. urophasianus perhaps of Douglass.

346 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Mr. Ross’s identification of his species are in general surprisingly
correct, very few mistakes, and those quite pardonable.

We have already acted on your suggestion in regard to sending
books to Mr. Hopkins. We find him a very pleasant correspondent,
since Sir George’s death. We have written to the consul and Governor
of the H. B. Co. in London, acknowledging the many favors of the
officers of the Co. to you and Drexler, and have been assured of the
great pleasure it affords them to be of service, directly or indirectly.
They made no charge on Drexler’s eight boxes from Moose Factory
to London.

Drexler got eggs of English snipe, semi-palmated sand piper, ring
plover, hyperborean phalarope, pin tail, golden eye, long tail, dusky,
and eider duck, black guillemot, etc., and some interesting rare birds.
Nothing equal to your lot however.

We will with much pleasure have Mr. (name illegible) collection
of plants identified and labelled by Drs. Torrey and Gray, and a
series reserved for himself or disposed of to his order.

I think I will make a stop here, as my fingers are well tired out, ©
and resume with the pen again sometime.

Sincerely yours,

S. F. Barrp.

To Robt. Kennicott, Way up North, from Spencer F. Baird.

Wasuincton, March 23, 1861.
Dear Rosertus,

Since my last, a week ago, John Woodworth and I have done
little else than work at getting up your outfit, which is now nearly
ready to go off. I will enclose a special invoice hereafter, and may
merely mention now that you will find pretty nearly everything you
have asked for and more too. Fancy goods, feathers, sheets, burning
glass, 3 double barrelled common guns, compression—no flints in
the market (cost $4.50 each!) a good gun for yourself; horse-pistol
with percussion lock. Six India rubber pillow cases, besides the two
sent down by you, and many other articles too numerous to mention.
We have made a division of the articles. What is to be used by your-
self, gun, pistol (50 cigars from Dr. Evans), some books etc. go in one

1850 TO 1865 347

long narrow box weighing 27 lbs. being marked for personal use of
R. K. and enclosed in one of Mr. Ross’s packages. The other books
will be put in a new cassett which we had made, and weigh packed
about 95 Ibs. and invoiced presents for R. K. with Indians.

Professor Henry has kindly given me carte blanche in reference
to sending Smithsonian books and I have therefore made largely for
the north. I have filled the red cassette you sent down with books
for Norway House, as suggested by you, including all the natural
history reports of Pacific R. R. Vols. VIII—XII, Harvey’s Algae,
Brewer’s Oology, Pt. I, etc. I have also put in a large package for
Mr. Campbell at Athabasca. To Mr. Ross we send a valuable lot
of new books and a sufficiency of our publications likely to interest
him. Also packages to Lockhart, McTavish, Reade, Clark and all
of your allies. I have bought some 150 volumes of novels, poetry
and miscellanea, and divided up among all the same parties. I have
carefully borne in mind all your hints about distribution and endeav-
ored to act on them. I have addressed each parcel, but if you are
in reach when they arrive, do not hesitate to open and re-arrange
to suit yourself. If you had been certain that you would be on hand
to distribute, I would have sent all to your address.

Mr. Morgan says you made a most excellent report to Mr.
Turner on the language of the Slave Lake Indians, and hopes you
will do much more of this.

Please note that in all the guns sent, the nipples have been taken
out, and filled with tallow. You must remove the nipples and empty,
as well as give the whole gun a good cleaning before using.

I have no new instructions to give about operations. Use your
own discretion about places and times. You can tell better what
to do than we can here. Make rare eggs the specialty, particularly
waders and geese. I hope Mr. Clarke will collect largely of eggs this
year, and get parents. I sent drill and blow pipe to all, by winter
packet, with hints about collecting. . . . No more at present
from

Yours ever,

S. F. Barrp.

Have I mentioned how interesting the Indian curiosities were;
Get full series of them.

348 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F. Baird to R. Kennicott.

Wasuincton, March 30, 1861.
My pear Rospertus:—

Greatly to my delight the mail a day or two (ago) brought your
letters of August 30th of Fort Simpson and of Sept. 1st on the River.
I do not understand why there is not a line from at least Fort Good
Hope; Perhaps it is only delayed. At any rate the mail has comea
month earlier than last year.

You cannot regret more than I do the failure of the supplies to
reach you last year. We did all we could to expedite them; had them
in Chicago before the time specified by Burbanks, and why they
did not reach Fort Garry in time passes my comprehension. After
all, however, it will not seriously affect the egging, which is the main
point, and you must so instruct the gentlemen at the posts that when
they get full supplies, they can use them in our behalf, even after
you have left them. In the high North, skins do not take much
poisoning to preserve, and they can easily be re-stuffed if very valu-
able. Strychnine dissolved in water or alcohol will probably answer
a good purpose.

I forgot to say that all our boxes last year were in St. Paul before
Woodworth sent off the last one which you received. The supplies
sent by Gov. McTavish were in response, I presume, to my request
to that effect. I have asked him to send a clerk’s allowance clear
through, and 25 lbs. tea extra to you each year.

Gov. McTavish sent to me for Io dollars worth of birds’ eyes
for a friend to use in mounting birds, at Fort Garry. These I shall
send in a supplementary box and ask him to place to your credit.
Prof. Henry, on behalf of the Smithsonian, has already sent $250 to
acting Governor Hopkins, to be placed to your credit, and J have
strong hopes of getting $250 more from Agassiz, which will also be
sent. At any rate, you will not want so far. The outfit purchased
for your use this year, including books for presents to various gentle-
men, amounts to over $200.00 and has been paid for by special con-
tribution.

I may enclose with this letter, or send in a succeeding one, a
detailed invoice of ten boxes already sent to St. Paul. 6 of these
went by express, intended for points beyond the La Loche Portage,

1850 TO 1865 349

the other by railroad freight. All 6 first boxes were addressed to
Mr. Ross, but No. 1, containing your Indian goods, is endorsed
R. Kennicott. No. 2 contains books for Mr. Ross, your new gun etc.;
all your things being in boxes bearing your address. The other 4
boxes are all for Mr. Ross and gentlemen of the Company. No. 6
is exclusively for gentleman on Slave Lake and MacKenzie, Clarke
and Reede. Nos. 7 and 8 are books for Norway house and R. Camp-
bell. No. 10 for Governor MacTavish and Donald Gunn. I think
Norway house will open its eyes at its books. We filled up that red
cassette sent down last year, and another box; novels, Smithsonian
publications, Pacific R. R. volumes to XII, etc.

I don’t suppose there will be any difficulty about your staying
North as long as you please, as far as the Company is concerned.
Sir George S., before his death, gave two more years anyhow.

We can’t afford to pay $30 for a silver fox, so if you can’t trap
one yourself, and keep it, we must go without. we have a tolerable
Oregon specimen which answers to show the style.

I am glad to know that you are so well provided under the Cir-
cumstances for the Yukon trade. I wish you had this year’s outfit.
As to your application to Gov. McTavish to change the arrangement
of last year’s boxes, I fear he won’t have the opportunity, as he wrote
me that every thing went forward to Norway House last summer. I
begged him to see that Nos. 1 and 2 of 1861 go forward at any hazard.
We received a lot of Agassizian cans from Cambridge, and will send
off in a few days to be filled with alcohol in Chicago, and forwarded.
Fach can will have a couple of pounds of arsenic in tin boxes also.
We will have sent two bags of No. 10 shot, and other supplies to Ft.
Chipewayan as desired. By the way, the alum and saltpetre will
probably preserve birds as well as arsenic.

I have long since acknowledged the arrival (after a month delay)
of your letters of November 1859, with all their enclosures, registers,
etc., the series of the latter being complete. I hope you will not
have taken any extra trouble in re-copying them.

I have sent Donald Gunn $50.00 received from Doctor Bryant
for the purpose to enable him to go egging round Winnipeg. I tell
him to turn it over to Gov. McTavish for you, if he don’t go.

Goodbye for the present and Hurrah for the Yukon.

350 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F. Baird to R. Kennicott.

April 7, 1861.
Dear Rozs:—

I have now I believe finally completed all preparations for the
campaign, and enclose sundry and various inventories of things sent.
In addition to what has already been referred to, we have just packed
another box for Gov. McTavish, containing, besides some things for
him and Donald Gunn, one package of scissors and large blow pipe
and labels addressed to you at Ft. Simpson, another of things to be
left for you at Fort Chipewayan, and a package of books for Mr. Ross.

Also, we sent 12 of the Agassiz coffee cans, each holding three
gals. These to be filled with 95% alcohol at Chicago, and 3 lbs. of
arsenic in two boxes, placed on top of the cans inside the box. They
will be screwed down and iron strapped, marked “Poison Preserving
Fluid,” but no poison actually introduced into the spirit. :
This will make nearly 100 lbs. of arsenic to different points which I
hope will satisfy even your inordinate demands. About 42 gallons
95% alcohol this year and about 20 last year with shot, bottles etc.
ad libitum, should meet any ordinary demands. I hardly think the
Arctics will want any supplies of this kind in addition for some years
to come.

We have already sent $250.00 to Mr. Hopkins, and if, as promised,
Prof. Agassiz makes his big subscription, we shall have $200.00 or
$250.00 more to go. This will, I hope, put you well in funds. What
the freights on all the things for St. Paul are that we shall have to
pay, I have not the slightest idea!

Mr. Woodworth, I am sorry to say leaves us this week. I shall
miss him greatly. My brother Sam goes out to your father’s this
week. I hope they will like him and make him useful.

I don’t think of any news at present, but may be able to send
some in future letters. I shall send an invoice of books sent to each
party.

I will tell Mr. Campbell to use what he needs of supplies sent for
you to Chippewayan, not exceeding one third.

Sincerely yours,

S. F. Barro.

1850 TO 1865 351

To Robert Kennicott from Spencer F. Baird.

Wasw’n. April 13, 1861.
Dear RoBert:—

Having just finished the last of the special letters to the gentle-
men of H. B. Service in the McKenzie River District, I close up by a
supplementary letter to you. All the work of sending supplies to
you has been completed; the six boxes 1—6 for the regions north of
Athabasca are all ready in Saint Paul, and the other five boxes and
the 12 alcohol tanks with other supplies will be there also in time,
I hope, for the Spring brigades. Everything you have even hinted
at has been sent. I have written Special letters to everybody and
more, too. Sent such huge lots of books to Norway House as ought
to induce Mr. Sinclair to send everything off even if our letters do
not do it, and have a delightful sense of completion and relief. As
to alcohol, the 20 or 30 gallons last year and 40 this of 95%, and the
80 Ibs. arsenic with 40 or 50 last year ought to stop your vociferous
adjurations for preservatives. Each tank (furnished by Prof. Agassiz)
holds three gallons, which by dilution may readily be brought to 5.
This, though marked “Poison,” is not so; perfectly pure. Kreosote
has been poured on the outside of the cans to make them “Smell”
bad.

T enclose key for chest No. 1 which I had omitted; also a second
steel rule.

I hope you will impress on all the gentlemen of the service the
importance of using the drill in emptying eggs, and of making as
small holes as possible. Also of wrapping each larger egg in paper,
twisted around it, or in cotton to prevent crushing. Moss is not
good for the purpose, as it works into the holes and leaves cavities,
which allow the specimens to knock about. If opened with the drill,
the eggs will, however, be less likely to break in the contact. A
well prepared egg, to the amateur is worth ten times as much as one
with big holes, many persons refusing to have the latter, however
rare on any terms. Try to get many specimens of Colymbus Adamsii,
the big loon with white bill, as also of the little whitewavy, and
your supposed Anser and albatross; there has been a strong demand
for them from Europe, which, however, we have not at all supplied,
having distributed the specimens at home.

352 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

As I mentioned, I have written lengthy letters to Messrs. Clarke,
Reede, Hardesty, McFarland, Lockhart, Gaudet, Taylor, McKenzie,
Dunlop, Campbell, Sinclair, McTavish, etc. I bespoke of Mr. Camp-
bell his kind attentions to you, if you stopped at his post.

I told you I wrote Donald Gunn about the egg trip round Lake
Winnipeg, sending him a special fifty dollars in draft on New York.
If anything prevented him from going, I told him to pay the money
to Gov. McTavish for your account. I asked Gov. M. to send you
all the allowances and extras you wanted, while in the country.

John Woodworth left us a few days ago and is doubtless now in
Chicago. He has been of infinite help to me. We have in return
given him the best kind of a collection for the Chicago Academy.

I enclose a letter from Lucy, which she expects you will get in
about a week! Miss Carrie Henry, on finding that her package of
cake and candy had not left on the day I expected to send it, regretted
it very much, as she was afraid it would get quite stale before you
got it! I told her I thought probably it would!

Goodbye again and take care of yourself. Try hard for eggs of
golden eagle, wax wing, pine grosbeak, evening grosbeak, and all sich.

Yours ever,
S. F. Barren.

Why don’t we hear anything from Selkirk Fort, it must be a
great locality.

Three days after this letter was written the country
awoke to Civil War.

From Spencer F. Baird to William M. Baird, Reading, Pa.

Wasuincton, D. C., April 28, 1861.
Dear WILit:—

I know you will be anxious to hear how we have stood all the
racket of the last week or two. For a time matters looked very
squally, especially Saturday and Sunday of a week ago. The Balti-
more disturbances, the closing of the Railroads against troops, pro-
visions, and mails,—no coming or going of passengers—all looked
bluish rather. We have, however, got used to things; and having

1850 TO 1865 353

troops enough here to resent any attack, don’t mind the others much.
There is still much apprehension about food, especially fresh meats.
I bought 4 barrels of flour last Friday week, and next day was offered
an advance of four dollars on each barrel by the same grocer who
sold it to me.

We have now some 12,000 troops in the city, and plenty more
in call.

The city has been much deserted by those who could get away,
especially women and children. Off from Penna. Ave. however, there is
perfect quiet all the time, nothing to show any unusual state of things.

Last Monday Gen. and Mrs. Churchill started for Carlisle, taking
Lucy; the Gen. having been worn out by his Inspector Gen. duties.””
They were to go to Frederick by rail, and then to Hagerstown by
carriage. We have not yet heard from them, but presume they
reached Carlisle safely, Mr. Clarke went with them to Frederick,
and had to walk two days to get back, the railroad closing immediately
after. When he got to Laurel factory a man was willing to bring
him to the edge of town (no farther) for $16.00! It cost one man
$265.00 to get himself and four people to Philadelphia.

The Carlisle people seem to have had a terrible scare a week ago.
I hope they got over it.

Affly. yours,

S. F. Barrp.

27 Gen. Churchill was very much opposed to leaving Washington,
although he was then nearly 78 years old, very deaf, and far from
strong, and, therefore, entirely unable to do any but the office work
above alluded to. His wife, however, was in such delicate health
that it was absolutely necessary to get her away before any possible
attack on the city might take place. Even this, however, with
all the arguments which his daughter and son-in-law could bring
to bear, did not settle the matter until his commander-in-chief and
old comrade, General Scott, talked to him, begging and almost
ordering him to go and urging the unanswerable argument that all
persons whose age and infirmities would render them necessarily
non-combatants, would render their country service by not remaining
in the city which might at any time be in a state of siege. (Note
by Miss Lucy Baird.)

23

354 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

To Spencer F. Baird from the Class of 1848 in Dickinson College.

Dickinson Co.ueceE, April 26, ’61.
Dear S1r:—

According to the agreement at the time of graduation, the class
of 1848 had a re-union here last summer. The following were present,
—Messrs. W. L. Boswell, J. A. Creswell, I. S. Deale, J. W. Marshall,
E. B. Prettyman, B. F. Snow, T. S. Thomas, H. M. Wilson, and
J. Wilson.

It was natural that among our foremost recollections would be
those of yourself and colleagues in the Faculty at the time we were
here as students, and we found that the twelve years that had elapsed
since we left the walls of College and with them your instructions
and guidance, save as they lived in the remembrance of the past
or the fruitful development of principles and ideas due to you, had
not in any degree lessened the personal regard with which you
had inspired us, or the sense of obligation for the direction given
to our minds.

It was a source of regret that only one member of that Faculty
was in Carlisle at that time; and the secretary was instructed to write
to you, sending our greetings and the assurance of our undiminished
affection for you. A riper manhood has in this respect only confirmed
and deepened the feelings of youth.

It gives me pleasure in obedience to these instructions to acknowl-
edge in behalf of the Class our obligations for the past; to thank you
for whatever success in life we have met with, as well as that course
of life on your part which has made us always proud of being your
pupils; to assure you of our personal regard unaltered except with
greater fervor, and to wish you that happiness here and hereafter
which belongs especially to those whose efforts are directed to the
happiness and good of others.

Please advise me of the receipt of this, that I may assure the class
at its next meeting that its message has reached you.

I remain yours truly,

W. L. Boswett1,
Sec’y. of Class of 1848.

1850 TO 1865 355

From Spencer F. Baird to L. H. Baird, Carlisle.

Wasuincron, D. C., May 1, 1861.
Dear LITTLE DAUGHTER:—

To-day we got the first New York papers since the
Saturday before you left. I will send them on before long. I hope
you get the Star which I send by letter mail every morning.

Everything is quiet here and although there are so many soldiers
in town, we hear very little of them in N. Y. Avenue.

In regard to books, you must get somebody to forage in the
College Library. Get whatever you want to hire at Mr. Piper’s.
Your aunt Blaney, too, can help you in this matter. Go and see Mrs.
Marshall and ask her if Prof. Marshall won’t let you have a volume
or two at a time from his library. He has plenty of the very kind
of books you like best. Aunt Lizzy has just moved into her new house.
Mamma and I have just been to see her. The children left this after-
noon. J am glad you are so good a girl as Grandmother reports. Give
my love to her and Grandad, and keep some for yourself, from your

Wnracks.

From Spencer F. Baird to Prof. W. L. Boswell, Carlisle, Pa.

Wasuincton, May 1, 1861.
My pear Sir:—

I have this moment received your letter of the 26th ult. and in
reply hasten to say how much gratified I am by the kind feeling and
remembrance towards myself on the part of 1848. It would have
given me the greatest possible pleasure, could I have been in Carlisle
last summer and renewed the acquaintance of past years with the
class, and have traced the influences of time, new associations, and
life’s business upon the characters of those I used to know so well long
ago. Some might have changed beyond an immediate recognition, but
a little time would, I am sure, have restored to each his individuality.

Hoping to see you in Carlisle in the course of the summer, I am,

Sincerely yours,

S. F. Barrp.

356 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Spencer F. Baird to Dr. S. E. Hale, Elizabethtown, New York.

Wasuincton, May 1, 1861.
Dear SaFFrorD:—

Your kind letter of April 25 was duly received a day or two ago.
I am much obliged to you for your invitation to our people. Gen.
and Mrs. Churchill are now in Carlisle) Mary with me here. At
present we do not feel in any danger of attack, but of course cannot
say what may turn up. If we should be obliged to run, it is a great
comfort and satisfaction to know that we can find so safe a harbor
as “the Valley.”

Our town is quite full of soldiers, and more coming in at the rate
of about a thousand a day. Our mails are still in a sadly deranged
state. No newspapers since April 19th, and a letter mail only once
in every few days. With love to all I am,

Ever yours,

S. F. Barrp.

From Spencer F. Baird to Gen. S. Churchill, Carlisle, Pa.

Wasuineton, May 8, 1861.
Dear FatHEr:—

I received yours of the 5th and 6th last night and this evening
went to the War Office. The Chief Clerk told me that the Adjutant
General could tell me what had been concluded in the matter. I
went to Col. Thomas who said that such was the feeling in regard to
Gen. Floyd by the Secretary of War that he had not been willing to
take the Board’s opinion on the manuscript,”* that the matter would
be considered afresh by this administration, and that a new Board
would have to be convened in the matter. Also, that such was the

28 The above refers to a manual for the use of the army compiled
by Gen. Churchill. The letter is given as illustrating the feeling of
the time. Gen. Churchill himself was a Vermonter, an Old Line Whig,
and afterwards a War Democrat, thoroughly loyal, of course, and
perfectly well-known to be such. (Note by Miss Lucy Baird.)

1850 TO 1865 357

pressure of work everywhere in the Department that it was entirely
impossible to detail such a Board now, and would be for a good while
to come.

I confess the matter does not look very encouraging as it stands.
Whether the whole thing is only a mere whim of Col. Thomas or not
I don’t know, but I suspect that the Sec. War really has the feeling
referred to toward Floyd.

All well to-day and send much love. Cousin Abel called together
with two army officers from Geneseo, one of them Lt. Randall of the
Ordnance. Mary saw them.

Yours affectionately,

S. F. Barrp.

In May, 1862, Mrs. Churchill, who had been failing
in health for some months, was taken back to Carlisle.
In July Professor Baird and his family joined her, and
on September 6th she died. Later, with his daughter,
Baird visited New York, Brattleboro, Vermont, and
Boston, returning to Washington October 8th. General
Churchill followed his wife December 7th. On the 20th
of December, Kennicott returned from his sojourn in the
Hudson Bay and Yukon regions. He spent the greater
part of the winter and spring following in work on his
collections at the Smithsonian. Called to Illinois by the
death of his father, he remained there for the rest of the
year, working on plans for a Museum in Chicago, where
he was cordially backed by a group of public-spirited
citizens. The plan finally resolved itself into a rejuvena-
tion of the Chicago Academy of Sciences with Kennicott
as Director of the Museum. Professors Baird and Henry
warmly approved the plan and offered not only the
portion of Kennicott’s northern collection which was due
him, but a complete series of duplicates of every kind
which the Smithsonian was able to furnish.

358 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

In February, 1863, Professor Louis Agassiz was elected
one of the Board of Regents, visited Washington and
under the guidance of Baird was familiarized with the
workings of the Institution.

During these last years (and as it turned out for many
years later) the Professor was much assisted by an intelli-
gent and trustworthy colored man, Solomon G. Brown,
and references to Solomon appear frequently in the
Journal. For faithful service of long duration his name
should be recorded. He became a leader among his
people in the colored colony, Hillsdale, across the Ana-
costia river, and died much regretted at an advanced age.

Mrs. Baird’s health continued to be very precarious.

The following letter from Kennicott to one of his
northern allies of the Hudson Bay Company illustrates
the temperament of the writer and the character of his
plans:

From Robert Kennicott to R. McFarlane.

Wasurneton, D. C., April 29, 1863.
My pear MacFartane:

What the do you and Lockhart mean? Golden eagles’
eggs! quoth he? Rock ptarmigans and eggs! Golden plover’s eggs!
Somateria V-nigra! Now just draw it a little more mild can’t you?
Where are you coming to do you think at that rate?

Eggs of Plectrophanes pictus and lapponicus you seem to think
no great shells of.

Until I saw your and Lockhart’s registers I was always regretting
that I had not staid longer at the North. Now, while I regret the
lost fun, I console myself by the thought that so far as the interests
of science are concerned you have done all that I could. The depreca-
tory tone in which you and Lockhart announce an ornithological and
oological collection superior to all that Ross and all of us had gotten
before, is quite ludicrous. Ifyou call such collections poor I’d mightily
like to see what you call good!

1850 TO 1865 ‘359

The fact is Lockhart’s and your registers really show a more
valuable lot of birds and eggs than all we got before.

I will not now however attempt any discussion of the species
you got as Prof. Baird has done that much better than I could, and
I am very hardworked these days.

Don’t be in a hurry to leave the North, McFarlane. I assure
you there is little comfort in the outside world unless you love work
more than I‘do. My best consolation while working so constantly
is the thought that the sooner I get thro the matter in hand, so much
the sooner I'll start North again. In fact I hope to tie my garters
and belt and start from St. Paul for Fort Churchill on the Bay, a
year from next January.

The present proposition is that I should return within the year,
but I suspect that it is more probable that I will strike from Churchill
to Fond du Lac on Lake Athabasca and thence down stream to the
glorious old Mackenzie where I’ll spend a summer and go out on
snow shoes the winter of 1866-7.

It’s all very well to talk of the delights of the civilized world, but
give me the comfortable North where a man can have some fun, see
good days, and smoke his pipe unmolested. D—n civilization. Not
that I see it so much either, for I live constantly here at the Smith-
sonian among a set of naturalists nearly all of whom have spent their
lives in the wilderness, and as I’m working constantly on the Arctic
collections, my thoughts always go back to their habitats and the
various well remembered scenes.

I have had an enormous amount of work to do on these Arctic
collections, and I see no possibility of my getting all done before the
winter after next.

After all are catalogued, labelled and systematically arranged, a
report has to be prepared upon the Zoology of British America, which
is to be published by this Institution. Of this it is proposed I should
do the mammals and birds. The work on the latter will be compara-
tively easy, or will be made so ere I come to them. There will be
the toughest work on the mammals, and Prof. Baird wishes me to
monograph several families (Mustelide, Arvicolide & Sciuride) of all
North America as a preliminary. I’m commenced on Sciuridez, but
since the arrival of the northern collections (which didn’t get here
till two or three months since) the museum work on them has pre-

360 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

vented my studying any. Though I have my doubts as to my ability
to do this work well, I shall have good advice and assistance and I
trust it will when published be satisfactory to you all. For this will
be not only a matter of interest to you officers of the North as describ-
ing your fauna, but you yourselves will be identified with it from its
being based mainly on your collections and embodying all notes, etc.,
that you may furnish.

I want to wait before finally preparing it fully for press till we
get your collections and notes of 1864, which ought to reach us in
time. For the fish we must wait till then ere commencing, probably.

Perhaps the invertebrate animals will only be catalogued now
and more fully monographed hereafter in the various general works
of the Smithsonian.

I think with this proposed work on Arctic zoology to aid your
studies, you boreal naturalists would in a very few years clear up the
whole field completely.

Permit me to urge you to take notes on all animals and in great
detail—observe and note the habits of the common animals. I wish
you would give complete histories of the habits of the reindeer, musk
ox, white fox, and all the Arctic birds. These would be published
“toute ronde” (in your own name of course) in the Report on Arctic
Zoology. The minutest details are wanted.

Prof. Baird has of course told you how valuable your notes on
the Barren ground voyage are. Of course this must be published at
once. Pray do you and Lockhart send along a lot more such.

How many young does each arvicola, ermine and lemming have?
Where do they live? On what feed? etc., etc.

In some of the Patent Office reports you’ll find some notes on
the habits of mammals. These were written a long time ago and are
not very good, but you will see by the accounts of some of the mice
and squirrels what minute details are thought worth publishing. At
the same time in the meagre and often incorrect notes on the carcajou,
marten, etc., you will see how little has been published on these
animals,

While I now know much more of many of the Arctic animals,
I am still incompetent to write anything like full histories of their
habits and would much rather publish those furnished by Lockhart or
yourself or any of the others that would take the trouble to write them.

1850 TO 1865 361

As I said before, while this Institution, like myself, thinks it but
the just due of you all who have collected so diligently and well,
that the report of the results of your operations should be such as
would do you all credit, at the same time I would beg that you too
should all continue to do your part as well as you have done.

Now, oh, McFarlane, by the memory of our snarls and growls
at each other and following reconciliations, by the many times you
did my camp work for me, by the recollection of that fur robe and
blanket sewed together, under which we slept so many nights, I con-
jure you send me out every shrew, arvicola, lemming, rabbit, and
ermine you can lay hands on and skulls with all if possible.

SHREWS
ARVICOLAE
With skulls LEMMINGS With skulls in ’em.
ERMINES
In summer and winter dress.

I have not yet studied anything up thoroughly except the Sciu-
ride, but though I’ve not determined the others I’ve looked far
enough to find that there are a number of Arvicole, lemmings and
ermines not in Baird or Richardson; some rabbits also.

Prof. Baird is monographing the shrews and gets several new
species from the North.

The small siffeur of Fort Good Hope and Yukon is true Spermo-
philus parryi. The big one of the mountains is Arctomys pruinosus—
true 4. monax, var. empetra is found on Liard River and south of
Slave Lake.

Please try hard to get more of that large red-backed Arvicola
with very short tail. Prof. Baird declares it is not a true Arvicola
and I declare it is not a lemming, and I rather suspect it will prove
a new genus as well as species.

Close observation will show you numerous species of both Arvi-
cole and lemmings and doubtless of ermines and shrews as well.
The species of these animals generally resemble each other very
closely, and it is only by having numerous good specimens that we
can settle these knotty points. I find the skulls often give important
specific characters. It is not worth while to spend much time on
skeletons—they are not so important as skulls.

362 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

By the way, please observe especially the habits of the lemmings
and different Arvicole. Which ones are gregarious?

I find among the collections here specimens of the little striped
ground squirrel (Tamias 4-vittatus) marked by Ross “ Fort Good Hope.”
I can hardly believe it possible that it is really found there,and am
inclined to believe these came from Fort Liard and were mis-labelled
like other things by Mr. Ross. Can you tell anything about it?

So far North as you are you will find quite a different set of fresh
water shells from those near Slave Lake, and it is very desirable
indeed that you should collect as many as possible. Please try and
get the Eskimos to collect sea shells in large numbers—get perfect
ones if possible. These shells are very easily collected and packed,
and are of great interest. Pray when the alcohol comes, go heavily
into the fishes of the larger species, get small specimens and skin
them, leaving the head entire, and pop ’em into alcohol. Put in the
quite small ones “toute ronde,” or at least after cutting a hole in the
abdomen.

It would be well to keep dry skins of some of the largest of each
species.

I believe you will find the fish give as rich returns as anything
you can collect. By watching the fall fisheries and getting the Indians
to bring you the different kinds found in small lakes, you will find far
more than you yourself suspect the existence of. Of course any
marine fishes you can get will be of prime interest.

Please don’t neglect the marine shells and crustacea.

Of your earlier collections the fossils you got were of very great
interest indeed. They, with the few that Ross and I got have proved
several important facts in geology hitherto unknown.

Mr. Meek (who is probably the best paleontologist in America,
and who has had referred to him all the knotty points by the Canadian
as well as American geologists) has expressed very great interest in
the Palzontology of R. District as exhibited by these collections.
There are several new species, but these are of much less interest
than the knowledge of the various formations that the specimens
sent afford.

Mr. Meek has written you some suggestions that may be useful
to you and you will find him very appreciative of and grateful for
anything in his specialty that you can send the Smithsonian. He

1850 TO 1865 363

takes charge of the Paleontology here, and is now getting up a work
on the Cretaceous fossils in an entirely new style, much better adapted
to the use of students than any now extant.

I see no reason why you should not with his assistance eventually
work up the geology of your region in such a thorough manner as to
have your name fully identified with it for all time.

Your collections made with intelligence and care would enable
him to straighten out the whole thing in proper style. It is very
certain that the opinions of geologists as to the various formations in
the Mackenzie River Region are, in many points at least, quite wrong.

Please call the attention of Messrs. Hardisty, Lockhart, Orion
and Jones, and the rest, to the importance of collecting fossils, and
especially to giving the localities and positions—a grand locality is
the ramparts at Good Hope.

1863 proved a very busy year. On the 22nd of June
the Bairds left the city to spend the summer at Wood’s
Hole, Mass., their first visit to the place, selected nine
years later as the site of the laboratories of the United
States Fish Commission. Here Baird seems to have had,
for the first time in many years, a real holiday. A little
collecting of birds and fishes, some necessary letter writ-
ing, but for the most part relaxation and rest. A month
later he returned alone to Washington, but was again at
Wood’s Hole in the latter part of August, and this time
devoting his days with accustomed energy to collecting
fishes. The summer by the sea appeared to have bene-
fited Mrs. Baird’s health, but Lucy was still delicate.
The Professor notes that he had gained twenty pounds
more than he had ever weighed before. Quite a body of
students were now at work in the Smithsonian laboratories.

Elliott Coues, one of the most brilliant of them,
became an army surgeon and, desiring to combine orni-
thology with his military duties, was sent to a post in
New Mexico.

364 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Elliott Coues to Spencer F. Baird.

Santa Ff, New Mexico, June 14, 1864.
Dear Proressor,

I last wrote you from near Fort Riley, when I forwarded the box
of birds we collected there. The day after writing my last I started;—
and have just turned up here at Santa Fé. The Indian hostilities
necessitated travelling with an escort from Fort Riley to the crossing
of the Arkansaw; so that we could only make twenty or thirty miles
a day. But I profited by the slow travelling to collect samples of
everything feathered Isaw. Got some nice Athene etc. At the crossing
of the Arkansaw, being nearly out of Cheyenne difficulty, we went on
faster. But at Bent’s old fort we ran in the mud of three weeks’
growth, and all through to Raton mts., and to Fort Union, mud
would only allow of 20 miles or so a day. Then the coach wheel
broke down; we had nothing to eat for 40 hours while dragging along
etc. But J have seen the buffaloes, the antelope, the Cynomys,
Athenes again and Caudisoma; and have arrived here in as good health
and spirits as could possibly be desired.

Reported at Hdqrs. yesterday, General Carleton was affable and
courteous as possible; but he wondered how at Washington they
could make such a mistake as to suppose that Ft. Garland was in
his domain. He says that he has no jurisdiction there. So Fort
Garland is no go. We looked over the map of his territory, and from
his knowledge of the country, he looked upon Fort Whipple in Arizona
as the most eligible spot for collecting; and he has accordingly ordered
me there; saying that I can exchange if the place don’t turn out well,
or when I have used it up. He says it is an entirely unexplored
region, and offers the finest opportunities.

I am very sorry that Dr. Beers can’t go with me. I coaxed the
General hard but it was quite impossible he said. He has sent Beers
to a post a hundred miles or so from Ft. Whipple. Beers will write
you about it.

Going so far west, and in such a country, I can’t feel satisfied
to go with only the amount of small shot I have. Have used a good
deal already. So I shall write to Dr. Engelmann for some more,
bought the same way as the last; and forwarded, not by express, but

1850 TO 1865 365

by some traders’ train, which will cost comparatively little. If you
do not feel justified in having it bought at S. I. expense, I can shoulder
the bills myself.

The train for Fort Whipple goes in four or five days. I am on
duty with the command in my official position from the start. I am
told that I must be very careful about wandering around the country,
as it is full of hostile Apaches. However, that don’t worry me at all.
I would do some collecting here at Santa Fé, but there seems to be
nothing but Carpodacus and Hirundo and I must economize shot. I
have the fullest notes on all the birds observed during the journey;
place, date, habits, number, etc. You may be sure I take these
carefully.

Santa Fé is a wretched place in my way of thinking. If here, I
should either be sick with ennui,—or become dissipated and loafer-
ish,—neither of which I propose to do. I have got a tangible, definite
object in view big enough to claim all my time and energies and I
intend to let it do so.

I received a big package of letters from Washington when I
arrived here, among them one from Osbert Salvin concerning his
Laride. I was disappointed, though, in not having one from you,
nor from any gentlemen at the Smithsonian. You must not forget
me, Kennicott knows how valuable letters are to poor fellows in my
fix. Have my papers appeared yet? Please send a few copies of
each of them. Direct as before to Santa Fé, care Medical Director
O. M. Bryan, U.S.A. My kindest regards to Mrs. Baird and Miss
Lucy and remembrances to the Megatheria at the Smithsonian.

Yours most sincerely,

Exuiott Cougs.

From Elliott Coues to Spencer F. Baird.

Fort Wurrrte, Arizona, August I 1864.
Dear Pror,

My letters to you from Santa Fé will already have informed you
how 1 didn’t go to Fort Garland,—how Dr. Beers and I were separated;
and how I came here. I have just arrived here and assumed charge
of the Hospital and am at present getting official matters in running

366 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

order,—which will occupy me a few days. I shall then get settled
in my tent,—we have nothing else to live in,—and shall try to prose-
cute Nat. Hist. with the same animus with which I left Washington
for this country.

I have rec’d but one letter, which came here yesterday. You had
not at that date heard from me from “near Fort Riley” from which
place I shipped a box of spec’s. I shipped another box from Los
Pinos. Please write me when they arrive as I am little anxious,
specially about the latter.

From Santa Fé here I have traveled muleback, and collected
everything that came in my way. Have got some things; not much;
for three-fourths of the route is a desert, with hardly a stray lizard
to pickle. In the mountains I did better. Have young of year
Cyanura, Gymnokitia; Dendroica. I don’t know but presume is one
of the western sp. I always was unfamiliar with. Have a keg full of
rattlesnakes, Phrynosomas and several saurians of all sorts. Have
taken the fullest possible notes. Regarding the lizards have all the
evanescent colors carefully described. The herbarium Dr. Engelmann
gave me is crammed full of spec’s; with notes of soil, altitude et cet.
mostly procured by Capt. Anderson, who continues to be all I
could wish in a comd’g officer. Have not forgotten Mr. Ulke;
shall have some vials of coleoptera for him. My Géill-ology is
confined to a single pugnosed fish found in the Zuni River; except
some four legged affairs with gills and tadpoleoid tails; but I am in
doubt whether they ought to go to him or to Cope. Genus Siredon
are they not?

Fort Whipple is situated in a mountain valley three days journey
west of Bill Williams mt. a pretty place; and so far as I can judge
good for any amount of jays, tomtits, Sittas, Tyranni, grouse, et.-cet.
No water whatever; and ornithologizing will require much wind and
muscle. The Apaches are so hostile and daring that considerable
caution will have to tinge my collecting enthusiasm if I want to save
my scalp.

“Prescott” the capital, is a mile from here; a few log huts
grouped round a liberty pole. The governor and his whole posse
are here.

Yours most truly,

E.uiotr Cougs.

1850 TO 1865 367

In 1864, the Atlantic cable not having met expecta-
tions, the Western Union Telegraph Company began to
consider plans for an overland line via northwest America
and eastern Siberia to connect with Russian lines already
extended to the mouth of the Amur river. The diplomatic
difficulties having been smoothed away, the Company
was in search of a leader for the exploration of a route
through the almost unknown regions of western Hudson
Bay Territory and Russian America to Bering Strait.
Through the influence of Dr. Cutting and Professor Baird
attention was drawn to the capabilities of Robert Kenni-
cott for the work. After some deliberation he accepted
the offer subject to the provision of permission to take
along a number of young scientists who, while liable to
be called on for Telegraph work and paid a nominal
salary, should have an outfit supplied and be afforded
opportunity for collecting specimens of Natural History
for the Smithsonian Institution.

In her reminiscences, Miss Lucy Baird records the
following notes on Kennicott:

‘Robert Kennicott camé to Washington in December,
1857. His correspondence with my father began in 1853,
when Kennicott himself was a mere boy of seventeen.
I imagine the acquaintance originally came through
Doctor Kirtland in whose family Kennicott was intimate.

“Robert Kennicott’s tour through the territories of
the Hudson Bay Company, extending within the Arctic
Circle and into what was known then as Russian America,
opened a tremendous field for collection. Besides the
collections which he made himself, he interested the
officers of the Hudson Bay Company in the matter; and
my father’s large correspondence was further augmented

368 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

by an exchange of letters with these gentlemen, to many
of whom he was indebted for most valuable material
sent to the Museum. . . . In 1863, the first Atlantic
cable having proved a failure, it was considered very
doubtful whether a cable could be laid between America
and Europe which would be of any permanent com-
mercial value, many eminent physicists declaring that,
while, of course, the possibility of laying one and accu-
rately working it had been proved by the temporary
success, it. was, nevertheless, a fact that the obstacles
were so great to its continued usefulness that no hope
could be entertained of its permanent efficiency. In view
of this, the Western Union Telegraph Company began
to consider the possibility of carrying a telegraph line
along the Western coast of America, across Bering’s
Straits, where, of course, the comparatively short dis-
tance under water afforded fewer difficulties; then to
Europe through Siberia. Plans were made for surveying
parties who should carefully examine and report upon
the territory through which the line would have to
pass.

“The headquarters of the Western Union Telegraph
Company were at that time in Rochester, N. Y., where the
President of the Company resided. Dr. Sewall Sylvester
Cutting, a cousin of my mother, and a Professor in the
University of Rochester was an intimate friend of the
President and other leading men in the company. He
was asked if he knew of any one acquainted with the
region to be explored. A conference with my father
followed and Kennicott was suggested.”

The letters of Dr. Cutting to Professor Baird which
followed refer to the negotiations, which, after a visit
of these gentlemen to Rochester and Montreal, were

1850 TO 1865 369

successful, and led to the appointment of Kennicott as
Chief of exploration, in that region.

From Rev. S. S. Cutting to Spencer F. Baird.

RocuesTer, Aug. 1, 1864.
My bDEAR SPENCER,

I learn from Judge Palmer immediately after you left that it had
been determined to ask us to go to Montreal, and I telegraphed you
to that effect at Given’s, Schenectady. If Mrs. Allin is correct, in
a letter which Lizzie has received this morning, you spent the night,
not at Schenectady, but at Saratoga, & in that case you probably did
not receive the message.

My present purpose is to reach the Valley on Friday. If it is
not best to go to Montreal until Monday I shall probably spend the
Sunday at Westport or thereabouts.

Kennicott reached here on Saturday morning, & spent nearly
the whole day at the Telegraph Office. His views throughout coin-
cided with yours, & Mr. Sibley, who had been deeply impressed by
your statements, became thoroughly converted. The truth is,
Kennicott himself had never been made to understand the points
concerning which his testimony was required. When the necessary
explanations were made he sketched and described a route which
Mr. Sibley said would save more than half the calculated expense.
The route is from Ft. Garry to Edmonton & thence to the mouth of
the Liard river, down the Mackenzie, &c. All which is required is
the favour of the Hudson’s Bay Company. On the region west of the
Rocky Mountains concerning which we are to inquire, K. poured
very cold water.

Yours

S. S. Curtine.

From Rev, S. S. Cutting to Spencer F. Baird.

SaratToca Sprinecs, Aug. 24, 1864.
Dear SPENCER,
Our operations have given satisfaction to the gentlemen
who commissioned us, and I think have modified their plans. Mr.
24

370 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Collins goes directly to England, and Judge Palmer is trying to
induce Mr, Sibley to go. I shall second that endeavor.

By the way, I have continued my studies in physical peoutaphy,
via the valley of the Similkameen to Frazer’s River at or about Lytton,
thence to Stuart Lake, and thence to the coast by the Skeena River,
near Ft. Simpson and the Russian dominions. It is important to
demonstrate that the line can be erected without the H. B. Co.’s
consent.

Yours,

S. 5S. Currine.

From Rev. S. S. Cutting to Spencer F. Baird.

New York Sept. 1 1864.
Dear SPENCER,

I have seen Mr. Collins. He seems to have no doubt
that the route from St. Paul is the best. . . . I called on Mr.
Gibbs and spent a morning with him most profitably. He confirms
the views that I had reached in respect to the valley of the
Similkameen and the route thence north to Fort George—but knows
nothing of the region from Ft. George to the coast. He gives a fright-
ful description of the Coast Indians.

Yours,

S. S. Currine

From Rev. S. S. Cutting to Spencer F. Baird.

New York Oct. 24 1864.
Dear SPENCER

I saw this morning a letter from you to Capt. Bulkley in which
you referred to my going to Washington. It would be very difficult
for me to go, and I have suggested that Mr. Pope, the maker of the
map, should go and put himself for a few days under your instructions.
If it had not been so very difficult for me to leave my work I would
have gone for a day or two, in the hope of contributing somewhat
to a decision by Kennicott to go on the expedition. They will make

1850 TO 1865 371

place and pay all right,2® and leave him ample chance to work for
science, so that the scientific argument may be brought to bear on
the Chicago people.

Your notes of temperature on the Kvichpack (Yukon River) are
exceedingly important, and indicative of good things to come.

Yours,

S. S. CurtIne.

From Rev. S. S. Cutting to Spencer F. Baird.

RocuesTerR Nov. 8 1864.
Dear SPENCER,

I do not believe there will ever be, or can ever be, an earthly
revelation of the benefits which you and Kennicott have conferred
on the Telegraph enterprise of our Russian Extension friends. Capt.
Bulkley has some appreciation of it, so has Judge Palmer, but nobody
can know so well as Kennicott and you and I. Things have gone well
in the preparations for the exploration since we met Bulkley in New
York, and never till then were they otherwise than in hopeless con-
fusion or darkness. I hope Kennicott will go with the expedition.
His work can be done in the year and science will be the gainer for
long years to come.

I have seen Judge Palmer today, and have read the letters from
Prof. Henry and yourself. I think you can have everything your
own way so far as Western Union goes. What you said about your
recent researches in relation to the northwest was said in good time,—
it has gone to Europe and will help matters there materially. I have
today read a letter from Sibley. The Hudson’s Bay Co. will only be
too happy to have the line go over their territory, will build it, keep
it up &c.—only reserving control for themselves over operators &c.
I believe your letter did it. It was splendidly done. If ~ is not
impracticable the world will see the Telegraph over the very route
you name. But of this nothing is to be said now. I only write to
tell you the news. And you can rejoice over it without putting it in
the papers. There is hope now.

Yours,

S. S. Currine.

29 Bulkley authorizes me to say just that.

372 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

R. McFarlane was one of the most interested and
energetic of the Hudson Bay Company’s factors among
those with whom Kennicott had camped and sledged. He
was given charge of most distant and isolated posts
requiring the utmost courage and skill in the commander.
Such was that at the mouth of the Mackenzie River,
where McFarlane passed several years and from which
he sent precious collections of Arctic birds and mammals.

To him Kennicott writes of the plans under discussion.

From Robert Kennicott to R. McFarlane.

Wasuinoton, D. C., April 15, 1864.
My pear McFartane,

Our hearts were gladdened some two weeks since by the arrival
of our share of the winter packet. I got a letter each from Lockhart,
Hardisty, Orion, Kinkly and yourself—yours being of the 23rd of
August written at Fort Simpson. I shall hope for much later news
from you by the spring packet.

Upon my word McFarlane you and Lockhart quite make me
ashamed of the little work I did in R. District.

You tell me you think I flatter you when I speak of the value
of your operations. Permit me to say, oh Mr. Wiseacre that I’m a
better judge of their value than you are. You must observe that in
most cases it is not the intrinsic value of the specimens themselves
(for I will own that most of the specimens are necessarily in a damnable
condition from being carried where you had no conveniences—) that
renders them so important, but their ability to tell us the story of
Arctic zoology is what renders your collection so valuable to science.

Upon my honor McFarlane I would rather have had the honor
of contributing what you and Lockhart have to the history of Arctic
zoology than to be a chief factor in the H. B. Co. or a member of
Parliament. The latter would be jolly during life but in the former
case my name would be immortal among naturalists.

Not the least important part of your operations has been your
notes on the specimens as collected. When you see my report you
will observe that your notes tell pretty much the whole story.

1850 TO 1865 373

Since I last wrote you various things have come to pass with me.

All last summer I lay idly at home (at the Grove) hibernating
like a siffleur.2® Toward fall I tried desperately hard to write good
letters to you all but did not succeed to my satisfaction.

You have sometimes heard me speak of my wish to establish a
good museum of Natural History in Chicago which should enable
me to work more effectually at what I consider my vocation—the
making popular of Natural History, and its advancement. At present
the only good museums in America are along the Atlantic States and
in eastern Canada, therefore a good museum where naturalists can
study at the west is a great desideratum.

Since last fall I have devoted myself almost exclusively to this
matter. A young friend of mine, Mr. George C. Walker of Chicago,
who has superior business capacity, took great interest in the matter
and a place of operations was formed—an association organized, and
the citizens of Chicago have donated a considerable sum of money to
the object—enough to secure a hall and laboratories for the museum
and to provide for the care and public exhibition of the collections—
open and free to all students of natural history of course. I have been
appointed curator in charge of the museum, so that henceforth I shall
be in charge of a sort of “Young Smithsonian.” I of course can’t
expect to make a Baird of myself, but having him for a close ally in
all matters I hope to make our Chicago museum “give track”’ to the
progress of science. It is a harder train to drive than that I had at
the North, and will keep me very closely at work, but it is all in a
good cause. One matter worthy of consideration is that I shall be
paid a regular salary, which, if not large, will still keep me respectably,
and enable me hereafter to devote myself wholly to natural history
and to the creation of a great museum.

I received the appointment of curator of the museum a couple
of weeks since, and am now engaged in getting out such collections
of natural history as are given us by the S. I. and my own private
collections—all the collections belonging to me which I have made
during the last ten years I give to the new museum, and we are
promised assistance from many parties.

The names of you gentlemen at the North will figure pretty
largely in our museum from what you have already collected, as the

30 The hoary marmot of the north.

374 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Smithsonian gives us a series of the Arctic collections made by you
as well as by myself. When any of you come to Chicago you will
find yourselves not unknown there.

I have often promised that the time would come when I should
have it in my power to see that each and all of you got full credit for
his collecting and work in natural history. I think when our museum
labels are examined and our published catalogues seen you will find
I was not wrong in my promises.

Indeed your names are already on record in many a public
museum in Europe as well as America.

From the kindness and friendship which you have all of you
shown me I have no doubt you will be quite willing that our Chicago
museum shall have a part of your future collections, and I beg that
you will bear in mind this additional good that you can do by your
operating in Arctic zoology. Should you be kind enough to wish to
aid me in the matter of the Chicago museum you have only to indicate
this to Prof. Baird and myself. All specimens had best be sent to
the Smithsonian Institution in the first place, that they may be
catalogued and entered on the books there, after which those which
are furnished to us can be sent from there to Chicago. By this course
the specimens will be credited to you by the Smithsonian as well as
by our Chicago museum, and at the same time they will be used for
scientific purposes twice.

You may be sure that I will see that full credit is given you for
everything.

For the first three years I shall spend the summers in Chicago
and the winters mostly at the Smithsonian, and some little time with
Prof. Agassiz at Cambridge, as he has complimented me by expressing
the wish that I should work upon his collection of mammals.

Gradually as our Chicago museum assumes larger proportions
and requires my more constant presence, I will remain entirely in
Chicago. I must now study all departments in natural history in
order to see that each receives due care in our museum, but my own
original investigations will be mostly upon vertebrates, especially
mammals, and perhaps somewhat on fishes.

My report on Arctic zoology will not be published soon at this
rate. The delay however will make it the better, as I shall be able
to determine many doubtful points by what you send out this summer

1850 TO 1865 375

and next, and you will yourselves settle many questions of geo-
graphical distribution, of breeding habits, etc., and will I trust furnish
many an interesting page of notes. J reckon finally it will be rather
a report of the officers of Mackenzie River District than mine.

I have had all your notes copied off, and what you say of each
specimen will be printed over your names. This will make the book
very thorough and reliable.

I suppose you read no end of croaking over our supposed down-
fall in the English papers. We are carrying on a horrible war, but
itis necessary. . . . In any event there will be no compromise.
It is now fully determined that henceforth forever there shall be no
slavery in the United States, and that the government never yields
an inch of its territory to another.

When this war is ended we will probably have one with France
about her occupation of Mexico.

If you read yarns about our supposed downfall let me call your
attention to our daily increasing prosperity and the gigantic projects
afoot here. We are building a railroad from the Atlantic to the Pacific,
a ship canal from the waters of the Great Lakes to those of the Mis-
sissippi, and some enterprising yankees have a grant from the Russian
and British governments to make a telegraph line from European
Russia by Bering Straits and through British Columbia to the United
States.

By the way, this latter will interest you perhaps, for it is thought
that perhaps the line will be built along the Yukon river in Russian
America.

The parties interested came to me for information, but as I don’t
know that the Hudson Bay Co. cares to have such an exploration of
their territory made as would result, I was “extremely ignorant of
the country” and shall continue to be so unless I learn that the
company wishes it to go through.

Should the company choose they could doubtless build the line
from the U. S. to Russian America at less expense than the telegraph
company. Should the thing go off this seems the better course.

If the H. B. Co. doesn’t wish the line to run in the interior, it
will follow the coast down by Sitka. Even this, however, would
necessitate stations within some 15 days’ march of the Yukon so that
Jones could get news from home some five or ten minutes after date!

376 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I will write more fully how this matter comes off.

I have been so very busy lately that I can only snatch a few
minutes late at night or on Sundays in which to attend to my corre-
spondence, so I must beg of you to whom I do write somewhat at
length to make my peace with the others for neglecting them.

I have hit upon the plan of having copies of this letter made
which J’ll send to some others. I “guess” next summer I'll write a
long letter and have it sent as a circular to all of you! eh? Clever
dodge that would be—

I wish you would all write to me somewhat more at length about
your doings. I begin to look back at my pleasant days in the North
as at a far off time, and your letters seem to bring them closer to me,
Please introduce me to the newcomers, and give my kind regards to
all the old companions of my voyages and sojournings in the North.
It would be very pleasant for me to feel that you all, sometimes,
thought of me as you smoked a pipe or bragged of your days about
a camp fire.

Whose train carries the fox tail?3!_ Who makes the big fur hunts,
and who gets planted * on the long voyage? I’m as anxious to know
the news of the District as any of you can be.

I beg that when you make collections you will send also notes
upon the habits of the different species you collect. This study of
Arctic animals is to me more interesting than any other, because the
species are associated in my mind with my life in the North, and
with my old companions.

I enclose some memoranda about collections that it would be
especially desirable to make, and further on [’ll tell you something
more about what we want.

Prof. Baird is now engaged in writing a new book on birds which
will include not only those of the United States and Arctic America,
but also of Central America and the West Indies. You will all figure
in this. It will be purely a scientific book. The general habits, etc.,
of the Arctic birds and other animals will be more fully discussed in
my report.

31 Emblem of superiority in driving the dog trains with mail and
supplies for the trading posts.
PP &P
32 Assigned to duty at a trading post.

1850 TO 1865 377

The Smithsonian is as desirous as ever of getting more material
from the North in all departments of natural history.

Prof. Baird has to most of you discussed the natural history
question pretty extensively, though probably he has talked birds and
eggs chiefly.

But as I’m full to overflowing with Arctic zoological ideas I must
write you on this head as well.

I will defer writing about summer collecting till next packet,
though I enclose some memoranda about summer birds, eggs, etc.

Probably the greatest field for discoveries in North American
zoology is in the fishes. Except the very few that I sent out from
Slave Lake and Fort Simpson and the few that you gentlemen of
the River District have collected we know nothing of Arctic Ichthy-
ology beyond what Richardson tells us. All of my Yukon and lower
Mackenzie alcoholic collections were lost at The Portage. Clarke
found them last summer and sent them on but they have never ap-
peared and I fear are now gone forever.

There is an immense field open for discovery to you, and I would
by all means advise you to cultivate it diligently.

Hurrah for the Chicago Museum and you working in it! !

Yours always,

KeEnnicott.

On the 19th of March Kennicott and his party arrived
in New York on their way to Russian America (now
Alaska) via the Nicaragua route to California. His com-
panions were J.T. Rothrock, W. H. Dall, H. M. Bannister,
G. W. Maynard, Charles Pease, H. W. Elliott, and
Ferdinand Bischoff, a German taxidermist. In the course
of events the party was scattered, some going to British
Columbia, Kennicott, Bannister, Pease and Dall to the
Yukon; while Bischoff, being ill, was left at Sitka. The

33 Some years later Bischoff, while on a collecting tour in New
Mexico, wandered off into the desert and was never heard of again.

378 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

following spring Kennicott died very suddenly of heart
disease as he was about to embark on an exploration of
the unmapped part of the upper Yukon. The work was
carried out to the best of their ability by his companions
and the expedition so far as its scientific results are
concerned was a success.

The following letter, though out of its chronological
order, seems most appropriately placed here:

From R. McFarlane to Miss Lucy H. Baird.

Fort St. James, Stuart Lake, B. C.,
11th February, 1888.
Dear Miss Barrp

On the 8th inst. I was glad to receive your kind and interesting
letter of 16th November last.

The former times and Smithsonian occupations in which so many
of the Hudson Bay Company’s officers were engaged, especially in
the far North to which you so kindly refer, were indeed bright and
joyful, and occasionally even exciting; while they have since fre-
quently proved a source of pleasant reminiscences. From time to
time, however, we who still survive have experienced no little regret
as one after another of the “Northern Band” has taken his departure
on the inevitable journey to that land from which no traveller ever
returns. Our first great loss was that of the jolly and warmhearted
and zealous Kennicott in 1866. He was followed by B. R. Ross in
1874; then Sibbeston left us in 1880; Hardisty in 1881; Taylor in
1883; and Lockhart in 1887.

Sincerely yours,

R. McFar.ane.

Just before the organization of Kennicott’s party,
January 24th, 1865, the great fire at the Smithsonian
building occurred. Though much that was valuable was
destroyed, the fireproof flooring of the second story of

1865 TO 1865 379

the structure prevented the destruction of the invaluable
collections and library, which Baird and Jewett had toiled
so hard to bring together. Though regret at what was
lost must have been great, yet the chief feeling of the
Professor must have been that of intense gratitude that
the disaster spared the things most precious to him.
Mr. Varden, the old curator of the National Institute
collection, died February roth. During the summer
Baird made his usual northward journey. He visited
Mr. George A. Boardman, an enthusiastic ornithologist,
at Eastport, Maine, and in October was back at
Washington.

To Spencer F. Baird from George A. Boardman.

Mitttown, Maing, Jany. 4, 1865.
Dear Barrp:—

I recd. your last letter and should be glad if I could give you any
information that would be new in the Northern distribution of many
common birds. I have long been a close observer of the habits and
for some time have been a collector of birds, and in my journeyings
from Massachusetts and Western Maine to this neighborhood, North-
eastern Maine and New Brunswick, there appears to be a different
fauna. We do accidentally find many more Southern birds, but only
as stragglers; and in this neighborhood, have found 240 species, and
I think this is about the Southern locality for the breeding in abun-
dance of many Northern birds, and too far North and East for the
breeding grounds of many most common Massachusetts and Western
Maine birds. Among the birds that breed commonly with us and
are best known, are the little blue snow birds—one of the most com-
mon birds—, the white-throat sparrow—very common—, yellow
rump warbler—very common—, black poll warbler, hermit thrush,
Canada jay, pine finch, both red and white crossbills, spruce par-
tridge, blue back three-toed woodpecker, yellow bellied ditto, yellow
red poll—, very common—, as are most of the above all summer.
The duck hawk, pigeon hawk, and goshawk are not at all uncommon.

380 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

I found the red Phalarope breeding in two places last season. Blue
winged teal I find breeding every year. The golden eye and sheldrake
and Mergus Americanus breed very commonly, both in trees, and
are common with us winter and summer, as does the hooded mergan-
ser breed in trees, but is rare in winter. The eider duck breeds at
the Islands, common, first (of) June probably breeding. The gannet
and cormorant a few breed, herring gull are abundant all summer
and also breed about the fresh water lakes. The great black-back
gull also breed, but are getting rare. I also find through the forest
in summer very many warblers and think many of them breed in
about this latitude, but our forests are so extensive I seldom find
the nest. I forgot to say the razor-bill puffin, and sea-pigeon, murre,
were with us all summer, but not very abundant. We also often
find stragglers from the North in summer, but (these) are so uncom-
mon (they) are hardly worth mentioning, such as hawk owl, snowy
owl, Richardson’s owl etc. The most of the birds I have mentioned
you will rarely find about Massachusetts or Western Maine in sum-
mer, and many of their common birds, we never see, and others very
rarely. The towhee bunting and brown thrush we never see. The
meadow lark only one specimen, the blue bird rare, Cooper hawk
and mottled owl very rare, yellow-bill cuckoo very rare, house wren
also rare. Have never found the prairie warbler, worm-eating warbler
or pine warbler, but I believe I wrote you I found a nice male speci-
men of the prothonotary warbler, two Falls ago. There has been
considerable written about the cliff swallow migrating South. I came
from Mass. to this part of the country in the year 1828; the cliff
swallow was then very abundant, building the whole length (of) the
eaves of barns, as much we see them now, which was not the case
in Massachusetts.

I have written in considerable hurry without any method or
arrangement, and if there is any idea new to you, I shall be well
repaid.

I have for a long time been surprised there should be in so short
a distance as about one hundred or two hundred miles so great a
change in the breeding places of many hardy and early birds, as the
bluebird and others of Mass., and then that we should have so many
that do not breed with them. I also find in Southern Nova Scotia
Massachusetts birds much more common. Having been so busy of

1850 TO 1865 381

late, I have not had time to attend to our favorite pursuit, but hope
to be looking up something as soon as I go up to the logging camp.
Wishing you the compliments of the season, I am,

Yours very truly,

Georce A. BoarpMAN.

From Elliott Coues to Spencer F. Baird.

Forr Wurppte, A. T. July 26, 186s.
My pear PRroressor,

The Santa Fé mail now accumulated for three months reached
here yesterday. There is most unaccountable delay in establishing
the expresses, long after the contract has been out. There is reason
to believe that within a month or so, however, the connection between
Albuquerque and Los Angeles or San Bernardino, via this place, will
have been established.

Among some 35 letters that the mail brought me, were six from
you, ranging in date from March 4 to May 14. Also the desideratum,
—the list of identifications—came to hand. Not a paper or pamphlet
however. At some point after leaving steam, all printed matter is
either unceremoniously appropriated, or given the “go by.”

Your letters were the first definite intimation I have had about
my boxes sent last fall. I need not conceal my great gratification
that they should have turned out so valuable and interesting. I had
of course hoped for one or two new species; but I had no idea that
there would be so many. And I am proportionately elated. It
would have been hard for me to have come 2500 miles to make a
failure! I hope too there is something interesting among the mammals
and alcoholics eggs I have “funked” on: because, imprimis, I can-
not find nests, never could, (except catbirds); secundus, all through
the season I was ordered off on Indian scouts, and had no chance.
Indeed, the Indians have all along cramped every movement; were
it not for them, my collections would have been much larger and
more varied.

Since I wrote last,—between fighting Indians, being partially sick
and partially lazy, I have done but little. Got nothing additional
that I know of at this moment.

382 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From Dr. Henry Bryant ** to Spencer F. Baird.

Lyme Recis (ENGLAND) May 9, 1865.
‘My bear Pror.

I have not written to you for some time at least I have written
very briefly and therefore intend the present to make up for it. In
the first place I will premise that you did not act with your usual
wisdom in not telling Verreaux to send me word of Lafresnaye’s
collection and in consequence of the length of time it took for you
to receive in the first place, and I in the second place, his letter to
you announcing the sale, I shall be unable I presume to get to Falaise
in time to make any purchase. I am very sorry as I had fully counted
on purchasing all his American types.

From Dr. Henry Bryant to Spencer F. Baird.

Paris—18 juillet, 1865.
Dear Pror.

I think in my last I told you I would make the attempt to get
the Falaise (in) time enough to attend the sale of the La Fresnaye
collection. I could not find anybody who knew the way there.

34 Henry Bryant, M.D., born in Boston, May 12, 1820; graduated
at Harvard in 1840, and in medicine in 1843, studied in Paris and
returned to America in 1847. He married Elisabeth B. Sohier in
1848; was active in the medical service of the army during the early
part of the Civil War, but was obliged to leave the service on account
of ill health in 1863. His physical condition was never of the best
and occasioned him to spend much time in the open air, which he
utilized in the collection and study of birds. In 1866 he purchased
the La Fresnaye collection of birds referred to in the above letters
and gave it to the Boston Society. It was regarded by Baird as the
most important foreign collection for American students, no other
containing so many original types of American species. Dr. Bryant
died while on a collecting tour in Porto Rico, February 2, 1868. The
La Fresnaye collection has since been deposited in the Museum of
Comparative Zoology in Cambridge, Mass.

1850 TO 1865 383

There was no means of getting either railroad time table. I looked
on the only way-map I could find of France, and found that Dieppe
was the nearest accessible point and that there was RR. communi-
cation between the two places. So I started Sunday afternoon for
London to take the Dieppe boat—I got to London at 12 P. M.—
went to bed—got up at 5, breakfasted, took the 6 A. M. train for
Dieppe, got there about 2 P. M. asked the R R man what was the
proper way to go to Falaise—nobody seemed to know but on the
whole they seemed to think the only way was to take the train for
Havre, so I took that—got to Havre at 12 P M—slept there—took
the boat for Honfleur at 8.30 the next morning and finally arrived at
Falaise at about 5 P. M. Distance about I should think 50 miles—
the French R R. do not make connections, on the contrary they
evidently think that time is of no consequence— On arriving at
Falaise I got a boy to show me the house of M. Bertrand the “ priseur”
—found him and found to my disgust that the sale had been deferred
to the middle of September—I went to the chateau Lafresnaye, which
is very pretty—saw Madame and the two Misses Lafresnaye—told
them in as good French as I could muster and as politely as it was
possible that it was a humbug and a mistake to put off the sale—
which they assured me had been done to satisfy some other parties.

VIII
1865 TO 1878

porated by Congress, to consist of fifty members and

to have as one of its functions an advisory capacity
to the Government on scientific questions. In the fol-
lowing year, after the organization was completed, Baird
was elected a member. He was already a member, or an
honorary member, of a multitude of societies, domestic
and foreign.

But a certain shyness, together with his extreme
modesty, operated to prevent him from taking much part
in the meetings of the Washington societies. On the
rare occasions when he read a paper or addressed the
meeting, it was quietly and well done; no hesitation or
embarrassment being visible.

But he was wont to say, that, what with his gen-
erally overtaxed condition and the close atmosphere of
most auditoriums, he found it almost impossible to keep
awake at the meetings, and disliked extremely to show
apparent discourtesy to the speakers by this mortifying
weakness.

In 1865 the Smithsonian library,—in accordance with
Professor Henry’s principle that the Institution should
as far as possible do the things worth doing but which
no one else is able or willing to do, and eliminate as far
as possible all functions which can as well be performed
by other willing agencies,—was with the consent of Con-

gress deposited in the Library of Congress. Professor
384

ie 1863 the National Academy of Sciences was incor-

1865 TO 1878 385

Theodore N. Gill,| the eminent ichthyologist, who had
been librarian at the Institution, was transferred with the
books to the staff at the Capitol. There is a gap in the
Journal between 1865 and 1870. Baird was doubtless
pursuing his usual activities. In 1868, the herbarium of
the Institution was transferred to the Department of
Agriculture on the same grounds that dictated the transfer
of the library. Both income and space were rapidly
becoming too cramped for the great collections which
were pouring in from all quarters. At a later date the
collection of insects was deposited also in the Agricultural
Department, which had begun its justly celebrated
activities in behalf of the application of Science to agri-
culture.

In 1869 Baird’s summer activities were exercised at
Eastport, Maine. He had for some time suffered from
occasional attacks of vertigo and sick headache, with
impaired action of the heart. For several years he fre-
quented a gymnasium in Washington, thinking, as his
physicians believed, that these ailments were due to
insufficient physical and excessive mental exercise. In
1870 we find him going to New York to consult Dr.
Hammond, an expert of wide reputation. The prescrip-
tion furnished him in the light of present day knowledge

1 Theodore Nicholas Gill, Ph.D., LL.D., born in New York, Mar.
21, 1837; librarian Smithsonian Institution and Library of Congress,
1866-75. Professor of Zoology Columbian (George Washington)
University, 1884-1914; member of the National Academy of Sciences,
and of the Zoological Society of London. Died at Washington, Sept.
25, 1914.

2 It may be noted here that both the entomological and botanical
collections, with their staff of workers, as well as the collection of
human, chiefly aboriginal, crania once deposited in the Army Medical
Museum, have been since restored to the National Museum.

25

386 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

seems futile enough, as in fact it proved; but it is probable
that no prescription would have availed, under the
increasing burden of his public duties.

In 1871 the late George Gibbs,’ recently returned from
the Pacific coast, and an enthusiastic collector of Indian
relics and vocabularies, submitted to Professor Baird a
plan for a systematic study of the aborigines of North
America, whose languages, culture and tribal grouping
were under the pressure of civilization in great danger
of being permanently lost to science. The early death
of Gibbs prevented the realization of his scheme.

The Smithsonian: Institution at a very early period
in its existence recognized the importance of studies of
the ethnology of the native tribes of America. One of
its earliest collaborators was Professor William W. Turner,
devoted to linguistic research, whose plan for collecting
and preserving data in relation to the Indian languages
has hardly been departed from in later times. One of
the earliest volumes of the “‘Contributions to Knowledge”
printed by the Institution was the classical memoir on
the so-called “‘Moundbuilders” of the Mississippi valley
by Squier and Davis.‘ The various exploring expeditions
made in the Government interest were instructed to
include ethnological material in their collections, and the

3 George Gibbs, born July 17, 1815, at Sunswick, Long Island,
New York; died at New Haven, April 9, 1873. Ethnologist of the
Boundary Survey of Northwest America and the Dominion of Canada,
enthusiastic and lifelong collector of aboriginal American vocabu-
laries; librarian and promoter of the interests of the New York
Historical Society, and long a collaborator of the Smithsonian
Institution in charge of its Indian linguistics.

4 Ancient Monuments of the Mississippi Valley, by E. G. Squier
and E. H. Davis. Smithsonian Contr. to Knowledge, vol. 1, 1848,

pp. 346, pl. 48. 4to.

1865 TO 1878 387

Museum as it grew under Baird’s influence became the
richest then existing in such American material. Major
J. W. Powell in his western explorations of the Colorado
region became deeply interested in the subject and one
series of his reports consisted in contributions to North
American Ethnology.

For a number of years previous to 1879 there were
four rival organizations doing exploratory and geological
work in the less known portions of the West. ‘Their
rivalry led to some duplication of work, and rose to a
point where Congress took cognizance of it. Disapproval
reached a height which threatened total discontinuance
of the Surveys. In 1879 the matter came to a crisis.
Largely through the intervention of Baird, as a mediator
between the hostile factions, with the advice of a com-
mittee of the National Academy of Sciences, a compromise
was reached and on March 3rd, 1879, a reorganizing act
was passed creating the United States Geological Survey,
and the rival parties united to procure the appointment
of Clarence King as first Director of the new bureau.
Provision was made at the same time, through the influ-
ence of Baird and Powell, for the continuation of the
ethnological work under the direction of the Smith-
sonian Institution.’ Under these conditions the Bureau
of North American Ethnology was organized and Major
J. W. Powell was appointed by Professor Baird to
direct it.

Thus, while not the originator of either bureau in a
strict sense, their creation was largely influenced by his
counsel; and, in the case of the latter organization, to
his ability to convince Congress of its importance to

5 See “The Smithsonian Institution, 1846-1896, by George Brown
Goode, Washington, 1897,” p. 369.

388 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

science. To that and to the enthusiasm of Powell and
his corps of workers the subsequent success of the Bureau
of Ethnology is almost entirely due.

To go back a little, in 1871 the United States Fish
Commission was created by Congress and Baird appointed
Commissioner. The details of this matter are recorded
in a subsequent chapter.

The work of the Commission was begun at Wood’s
Hole, Massachusetts, in the summer of 1871, and the
station was visited by J. Gwyn Jeffreys, the distinguished
British naturalist, by Agassiz, Packard, J. D. Whitney
and other eminent men of science. Numberless fisher-
men were interviewed and the deadly “fish pounds”
carefully inspected. On the 5th of October Baird had a
conference in Boston with the State Fish Commissioners
to discuss the question of regulating the pounds which
at the time seemed chiefly responsible for the decrease
in the shore fisheries. ‘The work excited general inter-
est, and J. Carson Brevoort, the eminent ichthyologist
of New York, offered the free use of all of his notes,
drawings and material. Baird returned to Washington
October 16th.

In the autumn of that year occurred the great fire at
Chicago, destroying the new building of the Chicago
Academy of Sciences, with a large collection, including
much invertebrate material borrowed from the Washing-
ton collection, together with the collections, notes and
MSS. of Dr. William Stimpson, friend of Baird and
Kennicott, and the Director of the Chicago institution.
As this comprised his lifework, type specimens and draw-
ings, he never recovered from the shock.

_ In 1872 an important change took place in regard to
Baird’s relations with the Smithsonian collections. All

WILLIAM M. BAIRD
Brother of Professor S. F. Baird
From a Daguerreotype lent by Mrs. Mary L. Baird Stuart

1865 TO 1878 389

through the troubled years of the early existence of the
Institution and during the Civil War, no expenditure
was made without the personal approval of the Sec-
retary. Not a whiskbroom could be bought without a
full explanation of the necessity for it and the Professor’s
approval of the order. This rigid economy was necessary
and bore good fruit. But with the establishment of
complete confidence in Baird, and the increasing duties
and declining strength which came with age, Professor
Henry decided to place in Baird’s hands the whole
matter of the disbursements for the Museum and the
control of its working force. This was a welcome relief
for many reasons, including the discipline of the laborers
employed.

The summer was chiefly passed at Eastport, Maine,
on Fish Commission duty, and included a visit to Nova
Scotia and conferences there with Fisheries officials. He
first met his future associate and successor G. Brown
Goode at Eastport, August 3rd. September 18th he had
a conference with Professor N. S. Shaler of Harvard, in
relation to his project of establishing a seaside zoological
laboratory. October 18th he received a committee from
the Chicago Academy of Sciences, offering him a high
salary and the position of Director of its Museum, which
they hoped to renew, aided by his reputation. The offer
was, of course, not accepted. On the 19th his brother,
William M. Baird, the close associate of his early struggles,
died at Reading. After attending the funeral Baird
returned to Washington on the 23rd. About the end of
November Goode arrived at the Smithsonian, where he
was engaged at work during the winter.

In 1873 Professor Louis Agassiz made his last visit
to Washington, where he remained from the 15th to the

390 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

24th of January, and was received with the greatest
enthusiasm. His health was already precarious and his
death occurred in the following December.

Baird was already beginning to have attacks of illness
due to irregular action of the heart. No treatment seemed
to remedy the evil.

In May hatching of shad was inaugurated on the
Potomac in the hope of saving its depleted fisheries. The
summer station of the Fish Commission was at Peake’s
Island, near Portland, Maine. The steamer “Bluelight”
commanded by Captain Beardslee * was lent by the navy
for the season. Both before and after the fishing season
Baird served on a board of enquiry concerning the Polaris
Arctic expedition of Capt Hall, who had died in the North,
and whose party had been exposed to serious dangers.

In 1874 Baird’s attacks of illness became more fre-
quent. Mrs. Baird’s health seemed chronically broken.
Notwithstanding this the generous hospitality of their
home was not restricted. A search of the Journal, where
all visitors are carefully recorded, shows in five years
less than half a dozen days when there were no guests
of the house. Christmas dinner always included all the
unmarried Smithsonian students who were in the city.

Preparations were already beginning for the exhibit
to be made at the Centennial Exposition of 1876, at
Philadelphia. The summer Fisheries station was at
Noank, Connecticut, where consultation with numerous

6 Lester Anthony Beardslee, Rear Admiral U. S. N., born at
Little Falls, New York, Feb. 1, 1836; married Evelyn Small in 1863;
retired from active service, Feb. 1, 1898; and died in 1903. One of
the naval officers detailed to U. S. Fish Commission work with Baird,

a pleasing writer on hunting and fishing, and for a long time stationed
in Alaska.

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD
From a Photograph by T. W. Smillie about 1875

1865 TO 1878 391

zoologists was had in regard to the proposed Seaside
Laboratory at Wood’s Hole. Particular attention was
given to the shad and menhaden fisheries.

The year 1875 was very largely occupied with prepara-
tions for the Centennial at the Smithsonian. The recur-
ring periods of ill health indicate overwork. In addition
to his public duties the Professor was making plans for
a new house. His rented home was too small to furnish
the increasing space demanded by the work of the Fish
Commission.

The utilization for fish culture of the warm, weedy
ponds of the Southern States had always been a problem.
The finer game fish demand colder water even to survive.
The carp, the culture of which has been carried on for
centuries in Europe and Japan, furnishes an abundant
supply of fish food of the second quality. This fish
Baird decided to introduce, to occupy the pools previously
affording nothing better than mud pout, catfish, bream
and suckers.

The success of the project, executed in 1875, has been
surprising, and, though the fish does not appeal to the
epicure, it now furnishes the average man with many
million pounds of wholesome and inexpensive food. The
summer station was at Wood’s Hole and hatching arrange-
ments for the eggs of cod and other marine foodfishes
were put at work.

The Centennial year, 1876, was for the most part
occupied with exposition work at Philadelphia, service
on juries of award and similar functions. It was enlivened
by a visit from Professor and Mrs. Huxley; long sessions
with Dom Pedro, Emperor of Brazil; and the introduction
of the telephone to the public. Mrs. Baird was unfavor-
ably affected by the great heat of that summer and was

392 SPENCER FULLERTON BARID

ill a large part of the time. Professor Baird’s sister Lydia
died October 30th at Carlisle, and his old friend and col-
laborator at the Institution, Fielding B. Meek, the paleon-
tologist, on the 21st of December. Professor Baird notes
in the Journal that in September he was obliged to put
on spectacles for the first time. He was vigorously en-
gaged in his plans for a new building for the Museum, now
outgrowing rapidly all the capacity of the Smithsonian
structure.

In 1877 the work on architectural plans was progress-
ing. At first it was proposed to extend the Smithsonian
building either to the south, connected by an arch over
the roadway bordering the original building, or to the
west by cloisters extending from that end. Meanwhile
the old Armory building in the Mall east of the Smith-
sonian was utilized to hold the carloads of valuable
material bought from or donated by the exhibitors at
Philadelphia.

The natural result of these activities was a physical
condition urgently demanding rest. On the 15th of March
he started for Florida, travelling with Senator Edmunds
and his family.

Even the fact that it was supposed to be a period of
rest did not prevent every accessible fisherman or fishing
station from being studied on the way. They returned
refreshed, April 4th, to Washington. The Fish Commis-
sion station this year was fixed at Gloucester, Massa-
chusetts, the steamer “‘Speedwell’’ being assigned to the
party for use during the season. In midsummer he was
required to go as an expert witness to Halifax, Nova
Scotia, where an arbitration of questions relating to
fisheries between the United States and Great Britain
was to be held. The “‘Speedwell” and some of the Fish

1865 TO 1878 393

Commission staff accompanied him and collections were
made off the coast of Nova Scotia. Baird was not released
from this duty until October 20th, and after the usual
visits en route, he reached Washington November 3rd,
finding on arrival that Professor Henry’s health was
seriously failing.

The new house, 1445 Massachusetts Avenue, was
finished, and though a little late a house-warming recep-
tion was held there, January 12th, 1878.

Mrs. Baird was a member of the Unitarian Church,
and the Professor purchased a pew there, where he often
accompanied his wife and daughter, whose pastor was
the Rev. Clay Macaulay, afterward a successful mission-
ary to Japan.”

On the 13th of May Professor Henry died, universally
lamented. On the 16th he was buried at Oak Hill Ceme-
tery. The Board of Regents unanimously elected Pro-
fessor Baird to the vacant position on the following day.
Grieved by the death of his old and dear friend and pained
by the tactless congratulations of the crowd on his election,
he left Washington on the following day, with his confi-
dential secretary, Mr. Herbert A. Gill, of the Commission,
and secluded himself at the hatchery station at Havre
de Grace, Maryland. He also went to visit the old school
at West Nottingham, where he and his brother Samuel
had been pupils in 1833-4. The then principal, Stephen
Magnus, and all the teachers of his time were dead, but
the school persisted in greatly improved form. On the
20th of May he returned to Washington to take up his
new duties.

7™Miss Lucy Baird having become a communicant of the Protes-
tant Episcopal church in later years, the Professor while at Wood’s
Hole frequently went with her to the local place of worship.

394 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Miss Lucy Baird in her reminiscences refers to the
death of Professor Henry and the election of her father
to the secretaryship as follows:

“Tmmediately upon the death of Professor Henry,
my father was elected Secretary, in accordance with
Professor Henry’s expressed wish. During Professor
Henry’s last visit to England, was asked by some person
interested in scientific matters in this country,—who had
heard with hearty approval the account of how the
Smithsonian had been conducted under the management
of its first Secretary,—whether, in the event of his death,
there was any one capable of carrying on the work.
Professor Henry replied, ‘Yes,’ that he hoped his successor
would be his Assistant Secretary, Professor Baird, who
was in every way fitted for the post. This, Professor
Henry himself told my father. The relations between
Professor Henry and my father were of the most friendly
character, Professor Henry’s kindness growing with every
year of their official association and my father’s affection
for his chief increasing steadily until finally the feeling
became almost fatherly and filial between the two. I
remember very well the pain which my father felt when
some persons expressed their congratulations, as he
thought, with too great warmth, forgetting the sad loss
which led to his promotion. Indeed, honored as he felt
himself to be in being elected Secretary, and highly as
he felt the fact that so many of his friends were rejoiced
that he should be the one to succeed Professor Henry,
and much as he felt that Professor Henry would have
been—as he had himself said—gratified at the election,
he, nevertheless, so felt the fact that the vacancy which
he had been appointed to fill had been created by the
death of one of the nearest and dearest friends of his life,

1865 TO 1878 395

that he left Washington for two or three days in order to
get away from being spoken to about it. This was one
of the very few occasions when he went away with com-
paratively little business occasion for going. It may be
that he attended to a little Fish Commission business,
but in company with Mr. Herbert Gill, then one of the
clerks of the Fish Commission, he went off into the
country in Maryland, away from everything connected
with his work, taking the occasion to visit the scenes of
his school-boy experiences at the age of ten. His admira-
tion for Professor Henry’s genius and for the noble work
he did was deep and enthusiastic.”

IX
THE SECRETARY, 1878-1887

the more fully the officers of the government and
the public were conversant with the work of the Fish
Commission and the Museum the more they would
approve of it, Baird cordially invited visitors to see
both; though he often notes in his Journal that there
were sO many visitors that he could not get time to do
his work. June 5th, 1878, he took President Hayes and
a large party to see the hatcheries at Havre de Grace.
The Fish Commission station this year was at Glou-
cester again. A codfish hatchery was established there
this season. The Professor arrived there on the gth of
July. On the 2oth of August he and Mrs. Baird went
to Windsor, Vermont, to visit Wm. M. Evarts, Secretary
of State, and see Mrs. Baird’s birthplace. On October
4th, the Committee of the National Academy of Sciences,
to advise the Government on the question of a Geo-
logical Survey, met at Boston. Baird, as a member,
joined in their deliberations, and influenced the report.
On the 15th of October the Gloucester work terminated
and the Bairds reached Washington on the 24th. Almost
immediately he was called into consultation by a group
of scientific Washingtonians who considered the time
appropriate for the formation of a social club in the city,
which should include in its membership the scientific,
literary and artistic members of Washington society.
Out of these conferences grew the well-known Cosmos
Club of Washington, which now occupies the historic
396

ie pursuance of his policy of publicity, believing that

SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD
Engraved from a photograph by Ulke, in 1878, for the Popular Science Monthly
of August, 1888. Courtesy of the Science Press.

THE SECRETARY, 1878-1887 397

mansion of Dolly Madison and Commodore Wilkes, on
Lafayette Square.

The club was organized December 13th and Professor
Baird elected its first President.1 This dissipated the
suspicions of some perturbed individuals who had seen
in the formation of such a club a scheme to influence
Congress and create a scientific cabal intended to control
governmental scientific activities.

January 16th, 1879, memorial services for Professor
Henry were held at the Capitol, Vice-President Wheeler
presiding. This meeting is described at length in Baird’s
Journal and forms the longest entry in it. The following
day the Board of Regents met at the Smithsonian and
provided that Professor Baird should have an allowance
for house rent, such as had been granted Professor
Henry. On the 3rd of March the bill providing for a
new building for the National Museum was approved by
Congress.

Provision was also made for a small steamer for the
particular service of the Fish Commission, which had been
planned by Baird and which was appropriately named
the ‘Fish Hawk.”

The ventilation of the houses of Congress had long
been a subject of complaint, and at this session a commit-
tee was ordered to thoroughly investigate and report on
the subject. Of this committee Baird was a member, and
the meetings and investigations connected with it for
nearly two years added appreciably to the burden of
work he carried.

In May he terminated his editorial work for the
Harpers, for reasons elsewhere stated, and notes in his

1 Major J. W. Powell had for two months previously presided
over the committee of organization.

398 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Journal that it was a great relief to him. His interest in
the economic work of the Fish Commission was constantly
growing, and he endeavored by ocular demonstration of
the processes involved to interest Congress and officials
also. On the 7th of June he again took President Hayes
and a large party to Havre de Grace, to see the shad
hatching operations of the Fish Commission station there
situated. General Walker, the Superintendent of the
coming census of 1880, enlisted his aid in organizing a
census of the fisheries industries of the country, in which
work Professor Goode was soon joined. Provincetown,
Massachusetts, was selected as the summer station for
the Commission. On the way there Baird was prostrated
for several days by an attack of nephritic colic of great
severity. The station was served by the steamer “‘Speed-
well.” Work closed there September 30th, and by Octo-
ber 13th the party were back in Washington.

January 23rd, 1880, Baird notes the death of “my
oldest friend and ally,’’ Doctor Thomas M. Brewer, the
oologist of Boston. Professor J. D. Whitney, former
State Geologist of California, was completing the publi-
cation of his projected State Reports, at his own expense,
with the codperation of Alexander Agassiz. Baird was
drawn into the work by their desire to have him prepare
the two projected volumes on the Land and Water Birds.
The work of directing the continually multiplying func-
tions of the Fish Commission having come to a point
where responsible codperation was necessary, Major T. B.
Ferguson, formerly State Fish Commissioner of Maryland,
was appointed Assistant Commissioner of the National
organization.

Congress appropriated a sufficient sum to enable the
Commission to be represented at the proposed Berlin,

THE SECRETARY, 1878-1887 399

Germany, Fisheries Exposition. 'This necessitated exten-
sive preparations, and the work carried out under Baird
and Goode was of such a quality that the highest prize,
a silver vase, was awarded to Baird personally. Goode
had been sent to Berlin to administer the work of
installation.

The summer station was at Newport, Rhode Island.
The new steamer was finished and Captain Z. L. Tanner,
U. S. N.,? was placed in command. The season began
July 9th and terminated October 8th. On their return
Baird visited Carlisle for the first time since his sister’s
death. After returning to Washington, Professor Henry’s
remains, which had so far rested in the Baird-Churchill
vault at Oak Hill Cemetery, were removed to the family
lot. In November Baird attended the New York meeting
of the National Academy of Sciences. One evening he
went to see Sarah Bernhardt in “Camille,” but notes in his
Journal, “Got tired of it after two acts and went round
to see Lawrence for the rest of the evening.”

He began to arrange for technologic exhibits in the
new museum, in which he was cordially seconded by
various friendly manufacturers. Atthe December meet-
ing of the Board of Regents, W. W. Story was authorized
to execute a statue of Professor Henry, to be erected in
the Smithsonian grounds. The new building was nearly
ready for occupancy, and in response to urgent requests

?Zera Luther Tanner, Commander U. S. N., born at Warsaw,
New York, Dec. 5, 1835, married Helen Benedict, Nov. 11, 1884;
retired from active service Dec. 5, 1897, and died in 1906. He was
engaged in deep sea researches while in command of the U. S. Fish
Commission steamers for many years and, by his invention of new
apparatus and general ability, became a most serviceable colleague
of Baird in the work of the Commission.

400 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

the Board authorized the use of it for the Inaugural Ball
of the Garfield administration. A seagoing steamer to
be named the “Albatross” for the use of the Fish
Commission in deep sea researches was authorized by
Congress.

Clarence King, who had served a year as Director,
organizing the United States Geological Survey, did not
wish to retain the position, and joined with Baird in
recommending as his successor Major J. W. Powell, who
was confirmed by the Senate March 18th.

The house next door to Professor Baird’s residence,
built by J.O. Wilson for the use of the Fish Commission,
was completed, to the great relief of the overcrowded
clerks as well as the Professor’s family. Before leaving
Washington for the summer work the Professor and Mr.
Goode devised a reorganization of the Museum and Fish
Commission forces, the previous arrangements having
been a growth and more or less inconveniently intricate.
After this the usual party started for Wood’s Hole, where
the summer station was selected, and where Baird was
already planning to locate a permanent seaside head-
quarters for the work of the Commission. By the 15th
of October they were again in Washington, where Baird
was soon busily engaged upon his plans for introducing
and breeding for distribution the best varieties of the
carp of Europe. Toward the end of January Mr. H. E.
Rockwell, long the confidential clerk and stenographer of
Professor Baird, was taken seriously ill and died on the
22nd. Other fatalities followed. Rev. Sewall Cutting
passed away February 7th, and in March the widow of
Professor Henry was laid beside the body of her husband.
June brought the news of the death from consumption
of G. W. Hawes, the curator of Geology in the National

THE SECRETARY, 1878-1887 401

Museum, and much regretted. Mrs. Baird was almost
continually ill and the Professor himself did not escape
from various attacks of illness.

Baird had not succeeded in interesting Congress in
his proposed seaside school of Biology or Laboratory at
Wood’s Hole. After his arrival there for the summer work,
he had better success with private liberality.

Wealthy men of Boston, Oliver and Frederick Ames
and Montgomery Sears among them, offered the necessary
funds. S. H. Scudder came down to Wood’s Hole to
discuss his plans for a scientific weekly; which resulted,
by the aid of the guarantee of Alexander Graham Bell,
Major J. W. Powell and others, in the issue of the now
well-known journal called “Science.”

The proposed Fisheries exhibit at London, England,
in 1883, had already been the cause of much preparation,
and the exhibit was made with the usual success. On the
19th of April the Henry statue was inaugurated with appro-
priate ceremonies. ‘The summer was passed at Wood’s
Hole, and the steamer “Albatross”? began her notable
explorations of the fauna of the Gulf Stream region under
Captain Tanner. The following spring she entered on the
task of exploring West Indian waters. Another exposi-
tion, at New Orleans this time, called for much work and
many conferences. The Professor suffered much from
illness during 1884, and Mrs. Baird’s condition was
deplorable. However, work went on, whenever possible
and even when it might seem to an impartial observer
impossible. The Professor’s brother Samuel, long in
delicate health, died October 12th.

The building at Wood’s Hole, where most of the Fish
Commission force had been quartered during the summer

work, had been destroyed by fire and not rebuilt, and the
26

402 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

village did not offer other sufficient accommodations.
Baird had therefore laid the case before the Appropria-
tions Committees of Congress and been authorized to
add a residence building to the permanent Fish Commis-
sion group at that point. This was completed during the
summer of 1884 and proved a great relief and convenience.
The party returned to Washington in October. To Baird’s
handicaps of illness and overwork were now added others
in the shape of petty squabbles between some of the old
Smithsonian clerical employes, which needed a deal of
patience to alleviate, and which a less considerate man
than Baird would have summarily settled by instant
dismissal of the parties. Then there arose in Congress
a discussion as to whether the National Museum and Fish
Commission should not be separated from their relations
with the Smithsonian and placed in charge of some of
the Executive departments, incidentally affording politi-
cal “plums.” Charges were also made against the Assist-
ant Commissioner by a discontented subordinate. All
these gave Baird much worry and without doubt decreased
to some extent his physical powers. These dissensions
and their consequent investigations were long drawn out
and were by no means at an end with the year. The
Professor was seriously ill by the 24th of February and
confined to the house until the 5th of March. Warned
by his increasing disabilities, husband and wife prepared
for the future by making their wills.

The conditions in Washington during the year follow-
ing the fourth of March, 1885, were unique. Before the
outbreak of the Civil War government business had been
carried on with looseness. Much was left to the judgment
of the executive officers, and it is probable that these
officers were as honest and faithful to their trust as any

THE SECRETARY, 1878-1887 403

analogous set who have succeeded them. On the other
hand, political corruption was rife to a degree which would
now be impossible and almost incredible. Individuals
were honest; but using government funds for the benefit
of the party in power was hardly reprobated. When the
immense appropriations necessary to carry on the war
were made, and business of the executive departments
multiplied many fold, stricter methods became necessary.
Each succeeding secretary drew the lines tighter. Con-
gress strengthened its hold on the strings of the public
purse. Annual surpluses were no longer carried over; if
not expended the Treasury reclaimed them by law. Con-
sequently when the political revolution of 1884 took place
and the party in a minority for nearly a quarter of a
century carried the elections, the methods of the execu-
tive business were good; the system of checks and
balances was so perfected that both government and
officer were protected, except in the rare case of indi-
vidual turpitude.

When the inauguration of 1885 took place and the
prospect of many political dismissals in the departments
grew bright, Washington, beside the influx of men of
standing belonging to the victorious side, was invaded by
thousands of eager office seekers.

The pressure for place was terrific. Newly appointed
officers of the higher grades were almost overwhelmed
by the demand. Many of them came to Washington
for the first time since 1861, with the idea that the Execu-
tive Departments were dens of corruption. The new civil
service law was sufficiently established to make wholesale
dismissals from the clerical staff purely on political
grounds an awkward and probably unpopular action.
When the new functionaries began their search for the

404 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

supposed corruption, even with the immense pressure
behind them, it did not materialize.

The situation was most disappointing to the new-
comers. However, there was one group in which the strict
business methods of the departments had not been so
generally introduced, namely, the scientific bureaus. In
the Coast Survey, the Geological Survey and the Fish
Commission the internal workings had been largely based
upon honor. Scientific work to be efficient must not be
too rigidly hampered by red tape. Their relations with
outside business were normally exact. Here, then, the
probe might be applied.

The history of the attack upon the bureaus has not
been written and this is not the place to record it except
as it relates to Professor Baird. To be brief, from the
office of one of the auditors of the Treasury, by the back
door as it were, tales of misdemeanors were furnished to
the reporters of the partisan press, which lost nothing
in the writing up. ‘These stories were not confined to
activities of the Bureaus, but reflected in the most serious
way upon individuals. Mostly they were pure fiction,
based on unfounded suspicion.

Appropriations were held up, vouchers not honored,
the work of the Bureaus dislocated.

The vouchers for the residence at the Wood’s Hole
station of the Fish Commission were held up, and
unofficial slanders continued to appear.

These conditions deeply affected Baird, who returned
to Washington and demanded an investigation by the
President. ‘The suspended vouchers were explained to
the Controller of the Treasury, and by November rgth
they were pronounced in proper order and passed. This,
however, did not end the matter; when Congress convened

THE SECRETARY, 1878-1887 405

and the new officials had to be confirmed by the Senate,
the erring auditor found that confirmation could not be
had as a matter of course. Baird was well known, admired
and respected by members of both parties, who resented
the slanders which had been flung broadcast with the
knowledge, if not the guilty connivance, of the auditor.
It is alleged that he even was told that without the sup-
port of Professor Baird his appointment would not be
confirmed. At any rate, on December 12th, 1885, this
person called on Professor Baird at his residence, apolo-
gized for the false reports, avowed he was not responsible
for them, and successfully begged the intervention of the
Professor to secure his confirmation by the Senate. There
was no further unwarranted interference with the Com-
mission and no more printed slanders.

All this had told severely on the Professor’s strength.
His periods of illness were more frequent. In December
he went to New York to consult the best specialists. He
was warned to avoid overwork. When he returned he
notes in the Journal that he had decided to do no more
work after his (6 p.m.) dinner!

In 1886 the burden had to be lightened. February
18th he turned over the management of his pet carp-ponds
to the Assistant Commissioner. Early in May he went
to a consultation with Dr. Weir Mitchell and Dr. Osler in
Philadelphia. Massage, electricity, drives in the open
air, and, above all, as little work as possible, were recom-
mended. In July the party went to Wood’s Hole as usual.
Here, for the members of his working staff, their families:
and visiting friends, he held informal receptions at the
residence for four successive Mondays, perhaps the last
social events of the kind in which he was to join. He left
Wood’s Hole and reached Washington on the 25th of

406 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

October. On November 6th he travelled from Washing-
ton to Cambridge, where on the 8th the ancient University
of Harvard honored herself by conferring upon him the
degree of Doctor of Laws. He attended the Boston meet-
ing of the National Academy of Sciences, and returned
to Washington November roth, for the last time. Baird
by this time was fully aware that his physical condition
was serious. At the annual meeting of the Board of
Regents in 1887, he presented the case and, in view of
his possible disability and at his recommendation, action
was taken accordingly. The tradition has been that
naturalists and physicists should alternate as successive
secretaries of the Smithsonian Institution, thus giving
each branch of Science its turn at the highest honor
American science has to bestow. In accordance with
this unwritten understanding, Professor Samuel Pierpont
Langley, astronomer and physicist, was appointed Assis-
tant Secretary in charge of the Smithsonian activities
(with the tacit right of succession) and Doctor George
Brown Goode put in charge of the Museum and natural
history work.

Medical advice to Baird was that he must relinquish
work entirely for at least a year to have any hope of
survival. He consented to retire to Elizabethtown, N. Y.,
in the Adirondack region, where he arrived on the 2oth
of May. There was a superficial improvement in his
condition, his recovery was rumored, and letters of
affectionate congratulation began to pour in. It is doubt-
ful if he himself was deceived, but in July he left the
Adirondacks for Wood’s Hole, the scene of his hardest
labors and most striking economic successes.

Here he dictated a letter occasionally and waited for
better days.

THE SECRETARY, 1878-1887 407

His sister, Mrs. Mary D. Biddle, uncertain what course
to pursue in connection with her boy’s desire to collect
birds’ eggs, wrote to him for advice. His reply follows:

From Spencer F. Baird to his sister, Mrs. Mary D. Biddle.

Woon’s Hote, Mass.,
July 14, 1887.
Dear Mo.iy:—

Tom misunderstands my position in regard to bird nesting. When
I was in the business, I was collecting material for an exhaustive
work on the natural history of the birds of North America and a
set of nests and eggs of each species in all variations was a necessity.
I consequently needed to have as large a variety as possible, so as
to cover the ground. The ordinary bird-egging boy, however, whose
enterprise is not to be frowned at, is not such an individual. He
simply wants to make a collection of eggs without an ulterior scien-
tific object. A single egg will answer the same purpose in his case
as the hundred required in the one first mentioned. Unless you have
an embryo Audubon with a decided scientific object likely to be
carried out, I would frown upon anything more than the taking of
a single egg from the nest, and this should be approached with the
greatest caution, and the egg taken should be removed with a spoon.
By taking out an egg with a spoon, the other eggs are not so likely
to be contaminated. The parent bird detects the touch of human
fingers and abandons the nest immediately.

I am inclined to ascribe the reduction in the number of our home
birds as much to the taking of eggs for various purposes, or driving
away the parents, as to the actual extermination of the birds them-
selves. However, the most effective way of preventing the difficulty
is by prohibiting the taking of eggs entirely which I would earnestly

recommend.
S. F. Barrp.

This biographer in describing those last days prefers
to avail himself of the eloquent words, spoken by Major

3 This (dictated) letter is the last signed by Professor Baird before
his death.

408 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

J. W. Powell at the Memorial meeting of the scientific
societies of Washington, in January, 1888.

“He returned to his work by the seaside that he'might
die in its midst. There, at Wood’s Hole, he had created
a great biologic laboratory; and at that laboratory, with
the best results of his life-work all around him, he calmly
and philosophically waited for the time of times. Three
days before he died he asked to be placed in a chair
provided with wheels. On this he was moved around the
pier, past the vessels which he had built for research,
and through the laboratory, where many men were at
work at their biologic investigations. For every one he
had a word of good cheer, though he knew it was the last.
At the same time, along the pier and through the labora-
tory, a little child was wheeled. ‘We are rivals,’ he said,
‘but I think that I am the bigger baby.’ In this supreme
hour he was playing with a child. Then he was carried
to his chamber, where he soon became insensible, and
remained so until he was no more.

““*Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see
God.’”’

Professor Baird died August 19th, 1888. On the
following day services were held by the Rev. H. H. Neals.
The remains were transferred to Washington and placed
in the vault built by him at Oak Hill Cemetery, where
now repose the Churchills, the Professor’s widow, and
his only daughter; the former dying Dec. 22, 1891, and
Miss Lucy Hunter Baird, June 19, 1913.

Xx
THE UNITED STATES NATIONAL MUSEUM

ROFESSOR G. BROWN GOODE in his history
P of the Genesis of the National Museum! states
that Professor Henry in his report of March 1, 1856,
expressed the hope that Congress would ultimately relieve
the Smithsonian Institution from the burden, laid upon
it by law, of maintaining a Museum; and would appro-
priate its building for a National Museum. Correspond-
ence printed in the earlier part of this volume indicates
clearly that the establishment of a real National Museum
was the aim and ambition of Professor Baird. In 1859
an unofficial guide book, privately printed for the use
of visitors by an employe of the Institution, was issued
with the title “Guide to the Smithsonian Institution
and National Museum” on its cover; and about this
time the words “‘ National Museum of the United States”’
were painted over the door of the Exhibition Hall. But
legal sanction for the use of this name was given by Con-
gress only after the elapse of nearly twenty years. In
1874 Congress inserted in the Legislative, Executive and
Judicial Appropriation bill for 1875 the following item:
“For official postage stamps for the National Museum
in the Smithsonian Institution, $1000.00.”
This appears to be the first legislative recognition Dy
name of the Museum for which for many years the Con-
gress had appropriated small sums of money under the

1 Report of the U. S. National Museum for 1891, pp. 274 to 380,
Washington, 1893; cf. p. 341.

409

410 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

caption: “for preservation of the collections of the
surveying and exploring expeditions of the government,
in the Smithsonian Institution,” or an analogous wording.
But it was not until 1877 that Senator T. W. Ferry
presented a resolution of the Board of Regents urging
the erection of a suitable building, that public action was
taken, and it was not until March 3rd, 1879, that a para-
graph in the Sundry Civil Appropriation bill giving
$250,000.00 for the erection of a fireproof building to
hold the collections was agreed to by both houses of
Congress.

Of course for years previously Baird had familiarized
public men with the desirability of such a building, hold-
ing a national collection, but circumstances had been
unfavorable. The stupendous debt created by the Civil
War tended for many years to make unwelcome to the
average member of Congress any large appropriation
which was not for political or “practical” purposes.
The country at large was not educated to the point of
appreciating the importance of science, and especially of
pure science. .

The idea of a great commemorative Exposition of an
international character to celebrate the Centennial of the
Declaration of Independence, however, appealed to the
patriotic sentiment of the country and was authorized
by Congress in 1871. In 1875 appropriations were made
for the participation of various departments of the govern-
ment in the exhibition, including $67,000.00 for the use
of the Smithsonian and $5000.00 for the Fish Commission,
each appropriation to be pro rata diminished by a portion
sufficient in the total to erect a building for the govern-
ment exhibit. By other legislation a considerable sum
of government money was lent to the corporation pre-

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM 4Il

paring the facilities for the Exposition, and foreign coun-
tries were invited to take part in the exhibition of manu-
factures and resources.

Professor Baird had been urging the Appropriations
Committees of the House and Senate to give him the
money for a building for the Museum. None of the
committee had any idea that the receipts of the Exposi-
tion would be such as to pay expenses, much less to return
the money “‘loaned” by Congress. Perhaps the idea that
he would cease from troubling may have influenced some
of the members, but at any rate he was put off with the
promise that though they would do nothing at the time,
yet, if the Directors of the Exposition ever returned the
loan, he should have money for a building. This promise
of course had no legal standing, but the members of these
great committees were generally permanent during their
continuance as members of Congress, and a recommenda-
tion by the committee carried preponderant weight in
both House and Senate. Satisfied with this pledge, Baird
called together the scientific staff of the Museum, both
paid and volunteer workers, and put the matter before
them. That the Museum should make such an exhibit
as would enlist the sympathies, not only of Congress, but
of the millions of American citizens who would visit the
Exposition, and bring popular approval to back up his
request for a suitable building, was the object aimed at.
Every man burned with enthusiasm and hope, and each
vowed to himself that nothing on his part should be want-
ing toensure success. For once the labors of the staff, each
in his particular line, approximated in energy and perse-
verance to those of Professor Baird. Many worked late
into the night, daily for months. The result was what had
been hoped for. Many visitors averred that the National

412 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

exhibit was the finest thing in the whole Exposition, and
the universal verdict was heartily favorable.

Miss Lucy Baird in her reminiscences refers to the
matter as follows:

“In the winter of 1873-74 a bill was passed for the
Centennial Exposition in Philadelphia. A government
board was appointed, my father being put in charge of
the Museum and Fish Commission work. With his usual
energy he began to prepare a very carefully elaborated
scheme in which the staff and Professor G. Brown Goode
rendered invaluable aid. The summer of 1875—during
which time Wood’s Hole was the scene of the Summer
campaign of the Fish Commission—was, to a certain
extent, dominated by the necessary preparations for the
Exposition, and during the entire year collections were
being made and all the material brought together for
making an extensive display.

““My father was, of course, in Philadelphia from time
to time before the period of the opening of the Exposition;
and in May, we took up our permanent abode there, to
remain until its close. Professor William P. Blake, of
New Haven, who was actively associated with the work,
and my father, took a house together on the corner of
Preston and Hutton Streets, in West Philadelphia, in
order that they might be within walking distance of the
Exposition. My father remained in Philadelphia until
the early part of December, the only long absence being
a vacation of two or three weeks spent in Carlisle, for my
mother’s benefit; as she had been made very ill by the
intensely hot weather. After the close of the public
exhibition, my father remained, to see to the packing
up of the exhibits under his charge for return to Washing-
ton. During this time, with the aid of Professor William

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM 413

P. Blake and Mr. Thomas Donaldson, he thoroughly
canvassed the Exhibition to see what would be desirable
among the foreign exhibits for addition to the National
Museum. With his usual power of interesting others in
the objects which he had at heart, and with the advantage
given by the fact that no duty would have to be paid
on things presented to the National Museum since they
became the property of the United States Government,
he succeeded in getting an enormous number of donations
of great and permanent value. I do not know whether it
was then or previous to this that, at my father’s request,
and with his collaboration, Mr. Goode had drawn up
the first of his remarkable and philosophical schemes for
a Museum. These, perfect as they were simply from a
theoretical point of view, had from Mr. Goode’s practical
knowledge of the matter, nothing which was not perfectly
practicable and have most justly given Mr. Goode the rep-
utation of having carried the Museum idea to the highest
point of efficiency. At any rate, the material then collected
was of great importance in supplying many deficiencies
which would otherwise have been very difficult to fill.”

With universal popular approval behind him Baird
had little difficulty, when the unexpected happened and
the government loan to the Exposition was repaid, in
persuading the Appropriations Committee to redeem its
pledge. This did not happen, however, until some two
years after the Exposition closed.

With the practical experience of General M. C. Meigs ?

* Montgomery Cunningham Meigs, Major Gen’l. U.S. A. Born
at Augusta, Georgia, May 3, 1816; died at Washington, Jan. 2, 1892.
Quartermaster General U.S. A. during the Civil War. A distinguished
engineer officer, associated in the designs for the National Museum
building of 1880 and a valued friend of Baird.

414 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

to help the architect, a building was erected, which, with-
out architectural beauty, was admirably adapted to its
purpose, and was, moreover, in the ratio of cubical space
to cost, the cheapest building ever erected by the Govern-
ment in Washington. It was sufficiently completed,
though unoccupied, for the Garfield inaugural ball to be
given in itin March, 1881. Since that time regular appro-
priations have been made by Congress for the support
of the Museum, the salaries of its staff, the purchase of
books for its library and for the care and preservation
of the collections.

George Brown Goode, a graduate of Wesleyan Uni-
versity, Middletown, Connecticut, in 1870, was for a
part of that year a graduate student under the inspiring
influence of Louis Agassiz. He was recalled to his Uni-
versity to take charge of their museum. In 1872 he first
met Professor Baird at Eastport, Maine, and in 1873 at
the Portland meeting of the American Association for
the Advancement of Science the acquaintance was re-
newed. Baird recognized the promise in his young friend
and invited him to take part in the work of the Fish Com-
mission. In the summer he was employed by the Com-
mission, and in the winter he divided his time between
the University Museum and the National Museum. His
compensation during this period was found in duplicate
specimens of fishes and other animals which in turn were
presented by him to the University collection at Middle-
town.’

In 1877 he severed his connection with the University
and settled permanently in Washington.

His aptitude for Museum administration grew under

3D. S. Jordan, in The Smithsonian Institution, the History of
its First Half Century, Washington, 1897, pp. 501-515.

THE NATIONAL MUSEUM 415

the kindly supervision and encouragement of the Profes-
sor. To many characteristics which resembled those of
Baird himself he united artistic taste in such measure as
to enable him to present to the public the objects on ex-
hibition in most attractive form.

He became foremost in this branch of Museum work,
as well as in the theory and practice of Museum organiza-
tion. In January, 1887, he was appointed Assistant Secre-
tary of the Smithsonian Institution in charge of the
Museum;; thus officially relieving Baird of burdens which
the growing Fish Commission work made too heavy for
even Baird’s shoulders and which Goode had carried in
part, unofficially, for several years. Goode’s character was
most lovable. Pure minded, of the highest integrity,
thorough and efficient, he inspired like qualities in his
colleagues.

He retained his functions in charge of the Museum
under Professor Baird’s successor, and for a time took
charge of the Fish Commission until Baird’s successor was
appointed. His physical strength, however, was not
equal to the taxes laid upon it and he died at the early
age of forty-five, in 1896. His works on Museum admin-
istration are classics in their line, and no account of the
National Museum is complete without a tribute to Baird’s
pupil, collaborator and successor.

XI

THE UNITED STATES COMMISSION OF FISH
AND FISHERIES

AIRD had evinced an interest in fishes very early in
B his career, as indicated in a previous chapter. The
tentative understanding with Prof. Louis Agassiz,
looking toward a monograph of the fishes of North Amer-
ica, still further stimulated his interest and his collections
grew rapidly. In the summer of 1854, a vacation was taken
at Beesley’s Point, New Jersey, primarily in the hope that
the climate would benefit Mrs. Baird. The Professor
collected with great success, as indicated by his Report
on the fishes observed.!. A second summer at the same
locality was chiefly devoted to collecting fishes. In the
summer of 1863, he visited Wood’s Hole, Mass., for the
first time and the richness of the fauna,—due to the
mingling of the fishes and other animals from the warm
waters of the Gulf Stream with those characteristic of
the colder northern waters,—was vividly brought to his
attention. Miss Lucy Baird observes:

““My father had begun making collections of fish for
several years previous to his coming to Washington. At
first the interest was simply that of making acquaintance
with the subject; and of course when he had once begun
to make a collection, his natural tendency was to try to
make it as complete as possible. This latter motive was,
of course, greatly strengthened when he ceased to collect
simply for himself and began to bend his energies towards

1 Smithsonian Report for 1854, Washington, 1855, 40 pp., 8°.
416

LUCY HUNTER BAIRD
From a Photograph by Phillips

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 417

realizing his ideal of the public museum he wished to
bring together. He went into the subject with his usual
energy and system. His monographic work increased
his interest still further, and his two summers on the coast
of New Jersey led his mind toward the problems connected
with the fisheries. In the Summer of 1863, the first
visit to Wood’s Hole was made, and every year he more
and more realized the importance of a thorough investi-
gation into the causes of the decrease of the food fishes
along our coast.

“In the Summer of 1870, Professor Henry set apart
from the Smithsonian funds the sum of one hundred
dollars to aid in the investigations which were being made,
and the Treasury Department granted the use of the
Mazeppa, a sloop yacht about thirty feet in length (part
of the outfit of the New Bedford Custom House), for
my father’s use in prosecuting his work. The next year
(1871) the first appropriation was made by Congress,
and Mr. Henry Ensign Rockwell became attached to the
Fish Commission as stenographer, ultimately becoming
my father’s regular secretary.

“The first plan of the Fish Commission did not con-
template anything but an exhaustive investigation of the
fisheries and the reasons for their decrease. Senator
George F. Edmunds and my father together drew up
the bill; and, upon Mr. Edmunds’ representation of the
case to President Grant, my father was appointed, to
serve without salary. The clause in the bill in regard to
the salary was a point upon which my father insisted,
receiving during his life time no compensation beyond
his own personal expenses during the summer, or when
absent on Fish Commission business. The bill as drawn
and passed required that the Commissioner should be

27

418 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

already in the service of the United States and an expert
in the work. As it happened, there was but one other
person at that time to whom this would apply besides
my father, and this other person, although very much
interested in my father’s undertaking, would not have
been willing to be considered a rival candidate for the
place. The American Fish Culture Association, however,
earnestly approving the original plan, were also desirous
that the new bureau should undertake the work of fish-
culture, which was consequently later added to the
scheme, and ultimately proved to be a very important
part of the work, requiring a large proportion of the care
and attention of the Commissioner.”

The summer of 1869 was spent in part at Eastport,
Maine, where Professor Baird was brought in contact
with men engaged in the fisheries and in manufacturing
fish products. Everywhere the complaint was heard that
the supply of fish was becoming less and less; especially
in the dory fisheries which operated near the shores. The
problems connected with this decrease became a subject
of deep interest to Baird.

After his return to Washington much of his time was
taken up in revising North American birds,? for a great
work in which he had the codperation of his friend Dr.
T. M. Brewer, of Boston, and his already expert pupil
Robert Ridgway, as well as Dr. Theodore Gill and Dr.
Elliott Coues, in minor matters.

Owing in part to his relations with the Hon. Geo. P.
Marsh, of Vermont, Professor Baird had had for years
more or less intimacy with the members of the Senate

2 This was published in 1874, by Little, Brown & Co., of Boston,
in three volumes, 4to, entitled “A History of North American Birds,”
with 64 colored plates and 593 woodcuts.

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 419

and House representing that State in Congress. A par-
ticularly warm friendship existed between the Bairds and
Senator Geo. F. Edmunds and his family. The Senator
was himself much interested in fishing and hunting, as
well as the weightier matters of the law. The repre-
sentatives of the States engaged in the New England
fisheries were of course kept on the alert by their con-
stituents in regard to all matters connected with the
fisheries and were well aware of the diminution of the
catch along their coasts. With these men Professor
Baird discussed his experiences on the Maine and Mas-
sachusetts coasts, and the desirability of an enquiry
into the causes thereof. These conferences eventually
led to the following letter:

From Spencer F. Baird to the Hon. H. L. Dawes, M. C.

Wasuincton, Dec. 15, 1870.
Dear Sir:

In the accompanying communication I give you a memorandum
in regard to the subject of the decrease of the fish of our coast; though
I fear I have not expressed my ideas as satisfactorily as might be
desired.

In reference to the mode of action to be adopted in regard to
this subject I have prepared a resolution which I commend to your
consideration.

If you feel inclined to take immediate action in regard to an appro-
priation to meet the cost of the necessary investigation I would sug-
gest that an item be introduced in one or other of the bills in your
hands, providing the sum of say five thousand dollars, or as much
thereof as may be necessary, to be expended by the Commissioner
under the direction of the Secretary of the Treasury, in prosecuting:
investigations into the subject of the food fishes of the Atlantic
Coast, with a view of ascertaining what remedy can be applied toward
securing the supply against its present rapid diminution.

420 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

The investigations would have to be carried on at several points
on the coast, as, for instance, the Vineyard Sound, the coast of Maine,
the Bay of Fundy and perhaps the coast of New Jersey; and require
several years for their completion.

Yours truly,

Spencer F. Barren.

This letter was followed by interviews with Mr.
Dawes and other members of the House Committee on
Appropriations, and the same Committee of the Senate.
In order that the subject might be more fully and clearly
put before them the following letter was prepared and
sent to the chairman of each committee:

From Spencer F. Baird to Committee on Appropriations.

Smirusonian InstrTuTION, WasuincTon, D. C., January 3%, 1871.

Dear Sir,

I take the liberty of embodying in the form of a letter, some of
the ideas presented to you during our interview a few days ago, in
reference to the subject of the food fishes of the New England Coast.

During my visit of last Summer to the Vineyard Sound & other
maritime portions of New England, I was much impressed by the great
diminution in the numbers of the fish which furnish the Summer food
supply to the Coast (as the Scup, Tautog, Herring, Sea Bass, Striped
Bass, etc.) as compared with their abundance during a previous visit
in 1863; & I found the same impression to be almost universal, on
the part of those with whom I conversed on the subject. The belief
is everywhere loudly expressed that unless some remedy be applied—
whatever that may be—the time is not far distant when we shall lose,
almost entirely, this source of subsistence & support—a calamity
which would involve a vast number of evils in its train.

The causes assigned by intelligent fishermen & residents along
the coast, are very varied, most disinterested persons, however,
ascribing the scarcity to the use of nets of one pattern or another,

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 421

& the capturing of the fish on or near their breeding ground before
they have spawned; & urging vehemently the passage of laws for
preventing or regulating the employment of nets or weirs.

State action has been invoked at various times, for the purpose
of securing a remedy for the evil in question; but owing to conflicting
interests and the influence of powerful parties who are concerned in
maintaining the present mode of fishing, little has been accomplished,
especially in view of the impression that seems to prevail with many,
that the subject, if requiring legislation at all, must be provided for,
in part at least, by the General Government, which controls the
waters in which the fish are captured.

The official inquiries into this subject have hitherto been mainly
prosecuted by Committees of State Legislatures, before which persons
interested, either in maintaining the nets or in abolishing them, have
alone been summoned to give testimony. As might be expected, in
a matter which involved the occupation and support of the parties
examined, the evidence was directly contradictory; and it is not to

“be wondered at if diametrically opposite conclusions were reached,
as in the case of the Massachusetts Committee, which saw no reason
to interfere with the nets, and that of the Committees of Rhode
Island and Connecticut, which recommended their immediate and
peremptory removal. I think, however, that the mean lies between
the two extremes and that a proper investigation will show a time,
when the use of the nets should be suspended, so as not to interfere.
with the breeding fish, while the capture of the full grown ones may
be permitted at another period. Millions of dollars are invested in
the fish pounds and nets, and in the manure and guano establish-
ments, dependent upon them for materials; and so important an
interest should not be struck down at a blow, if a satisfactory com-
promise can be effected.

Before intelligent legislation can be initiated, however, and meas-
ures taken that will not unduly oppress or interfere with interests
already established, it is necessary that a careful, scientific research
be entered upon, for the purpose of determining what should really
be done; since any action presupposes a knowledge of the history
and habits of the fish of our coast, that, J am sorry to say, we do not
at present possess. We must ascertain, among other facts, at what
time the fish reach our coast, and during what period they remain;

422 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

when they spawn and where; what is the nature of their food;
what localities they prefer; what agencies interfere with the spawn
or the young fish; what length of time elapses before the young
themselves are capable of reproducing; for how many years the
function of reproduction can be exercised; and many other points
of equal importance.

I would, therefore, suggest the appointment of a Fish Commis-
sioner, on the part of the United States, whose duty it shall be to
prosecute this investigation, and report upon these points to Congress;
and perhaps, after conference with the Fish Commissioners of the
several States, advise what action, if any, should be taken, either
by the General Government alone, or in conjunction with the States,
to arrest the alleged impending extermination of our sea fishes, and
bring their numbers back to that maximum which will secure an
ample supply of wholesome food for the community, and at the same
time furnish a means of comfortable living to persons engaged in the
business.

Cod and Mackerel are not concerned directly in this inquiry, as
they are not captured to any great extent in pounds; but since they
feed almost entirely on other fish, their abundance on or near our
coast, depends largely upon that of the kinds mentioned in the
beginning of this letter.

With regard to Salmon, Shad and Alewives, which run up into
inland ponds and streams to spawn, the protective measures now
enforced by State Legislatures, while these fish are in fresh water,
are amply sufficient to secure their increase. There are, however,
about forty species of food fishes, belonging almost exclusively to
the salt water of the coast, from the Bay of Fundy to the Gulf of
Mexico, which require the consideration herein indicated.

But for my fear of extending too greatly the already unreasonable
length of this letter, I could adduce a great many well attested facts
in support of the various propositions herewith presented; and should
it be desired, they can be promptly furnished.

Very respectfully,

Spencer F. Bairp,
Asst. Secretary S. I.

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 423

The result of these letters and conferences was that a
joint resolution (H. R. 468, 41st Congress, 3rd session) was
introduced on January 28, 1871, to the following effect:

“That the President be, and he hereby is, authorized
and required to appoint, by and with the advice and con-
sent of the Senate, from among the civil officers or
employees of the Government, one person of proved
scientific and practical acquaintance with the fishes of
the coast,’ to be Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries, to
serve without additional salary.

“That it shall be the duty of said Commissioner to
prosecute investigations and inquiries on the subject, with
the view of ascertaining whether any and what diminution
in the number of the food fishes of the coast and the lakes
of the United States has taken place; and, if so, to what
causes the same is due; and, also, whether any and what
protective, prohibitory, or precautionary measures should
be adopted in the premises, and to report upon the same to
Congress.”

This bill was drawn up by Mr. Edmunds and Professor
Baird with the idea that its form would effectually pre-
clude the appointment of any mere political candidate toa
place requiring the utmost scientific knowledge; or the sug-
gestion on the part of the little-minded that the Commis-
sioner was actuated by pecuniary motives in reeommend-
ing the passage of the resolution.

The resolution was passed by both houses, and an
entirely new and onerous function was placed on Pro-
fessor Baird’s shoulders.

5 The framers of the resolution little thought that, after the death
of Professor Baird, a President of each great party would violate
both the spirit and the letter of this law by appointing a purely
political follower, not a civil officer, to this important post.

424 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

At that time the question of increasing the supply of
marine food fishes was considered almost futile by men
regarded as experts. So great a zoological authority as
Huxley, appointed to a somewhat similar board of inquiry
in regard to the North Sea fisheries of Great Britain, had
no hesitation in declaring that no actions of man could
have the power either to increase or perceptibly diminish
the quantity of fishes in the sea; and that all such changes
were due to causes beyond human foresight or control.
This assumption Baird was to test by investigation and
finally utterly to refute.

His observation of the characteristics of the different
places on the coast suited to form a base for the investiga-
tion of the problem led to the belief that the village of
Wood’s Hole, on the elbow of Cape Cod between Buz-
zard’s Bay and Vineyard Sound, was, on the whole, the
best.

A coast-wide questioning of everybody connected with
the fisheries was undertaken, but the original investiga-
tion of nature herself was reserved chiefly for the Wood’s
Hole station.

Here Baird and his family had repaired together with
the Edmunds family July 16th,.1870. Here and in the
vicinity the time was spent investigating the fauna by
fishing and dredging, with the help at times of visiting
naturalists such as Professors Gill and Webster. The evi-
dence as to the suitability of the place for the investiga-
tion desired was clearly in its favor.

Early in June, 1871, the headquarters of the Com-
mission were established at Wood’s Hole, and a boat was
lent for their use by the Revenue Marine bureau. Dr. E.
Palmer was engaged to assist in the work and a stenog-
rapher, boatman, etc., were installed. Gradually a group

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 425

of volunteer assistants was brought together. Professors
S. I. Smith and A. E. Verrill took charge of the inverte-
brates collected; Dr. W. G. Farlow of Harvard studied
alge; J. W. P. Jenks, Alpheus Hyatt, and several others,
came down for longer or shorter periods to assist in or
inspect the methods of work, or to avail themselves of the
opportunities for study.

The seaside laboratory experiment of Agassiz at Peni-
kese Island is widely known as the first attempt in Amer-
ica at establishing a summer school of biology for teachers,
combined with opportunities for research for advanced
students. It did not succeed in forming a permanent
institution, chiefly on account of its almost inaccessible
position, and the early death of its founder. Alpheus
Hyatt, at Annisquam, Mass., for some years maintained,
against serious obstacles, a small but efficient laboratory,
which finally had to be closed for want of adequate support
by students.

Baird’s work at Wood’s Hole had but begun when he
realized that quantities of material were daily brought in
and not utilized because not bearing directly on the work
in hand. He formed the plan of inviting students of zo-
ology to come to Wood’s Hole during the season’s Fish
Commission work; pointing out that material for study
was abundant, that opportunities for making personal
collections were good, and that the Commission would do
all in its power to facilitate their operations. He arranged
for cheap board. The rough and ready buildings used by
the Commission for its own purposes were so planned as to
accommodate working tables for a limited number of
students.

That the Commission could not legally establish a
laboratory for other than Government work was evident;

426 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

but that it should furnish material and facilitate research
on the part of others who would join together to establish
such a laboratory at private expense was not only proper
but laudable. The foundations for the present important
and flourishing laboratory at Wood’s Hole were thus
laid. But the necessity of caution was made all the more
evident by the unfriendly attacks of some members of
Congress as the laboratory grew more important and
more widely known.

That the growth of the establishment should not be
hampered by land speculators, a friend of Baird’s, a
co-worker at the Smithsonian, Dr. J. H. Kidder, pur-
chased at prevailing values a sufficient amount of adjacent
land which he held for the laboratory’s future use.

It soon became evident to Professor Baird that the
multitudinous traps, pounds and other appliances, which
lined the fishing shores, and in Chesapeake Bay made it all
but impossible for anadromous fishes, like the shad and
herring, to reach their spawning grounds in fresh water,
were the real causes of the diminution of the supply of
food fishes. No animal of a size large enough to have an
economic value can long escape destruction by the myriad
devices invented for its capture by man. On the other
hand, the attempt to check entirely the more destructive
modes of capture would raise against the Commission the
united forces of pecuniary interest and its corollary, Con-
gressional influence. A limited amount of restriction
might be borne by the fisherman, but any attempt to root
out the real evil was obviously, at that period, impracti-
cable. The only solution of the difficulty lay in increasing
the stock of fishes so that it would survive the danger of
extermination.

The American Fish Culture Association was alive to

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 427

the danger of the loss of the fishes which supply sport to
the angler; depopulated trout streams, and the vanished
salmon of the Maine rivers, furnished a terrible example
which could not be ignored. Seth Green and others had
already inaugurated the hatching of spawn and stocking
private preserves and some public streams with trout
which could be raised from the spawn and kept safe from
the dangers which beset the young fry under natural
conditions, until they were old enough to look out for
their own safety.

The Association was successful in urging the addition
to the functions of the Commission (in 1872) the task
of establishing hatcheries, especially for the fresh water
fishes. To this Baird afterward added similar facilities
for the marine forms, a quite new departure. This added
work had magnificent results. The inshore cod-fishery
of New England was measurably restored. The shad
was transferred successfully to the Pacific coast, where
it has so greatly flourished as to become a market staple.
Salmon eggs were transported overseas to New Zealand;
and the rate of destruction of the Potomac fisheries was
checked. On the Pacific Coast the almost exhausted
salmon fisheries of the more southern districts were re-
populated by the establishment of hatcheries.

The less favorable side of the matter lay in the fact
that a hatchery meant the expenditure of Government
money, and the demand for one from Congressional dis-
tricts where the waters were suitable only for carp and
catfish was as vociferous as if they were the normal
habitat of trout and bass. The only marked failure of
the operations of the Commission was in the attempt to
transfer to the depleted Eastern rivers the salmon of the
Pacific Coast. Many millions of young salmon were

428 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

planted in New England, but of them all, after they de-
parted for the ocean, not a single fish has returned to
the rivers from which they came. This has been a prob-
lem hard to solve. Some one has suggested that on the
Pacific coast, where all the rivers run westerly, the salmon
had acquired an instinct which led them when ready for
fresh water to swim to the East, and consequently when
at that stage off the New England coast, they instinctively
started for Europe and got lost on the way. But the
more probable cause is that some special food in the sea,
necessary for the subsistence of these young salmon, is
absent from the waters of the coast of New England.

This is not the place, nor would the limits of this
work permit a detailed recital of the growth and public
services of the Fish Commission during Baird’s life. They
are detailed in the Annual Reports of the Bureau.

The scientific results of the dredgings in the depths of
the ocean are known to all naturalists. No greater addi-
tions to knowledge in this line have been made by any
other single intermediary. The cruises of the Fish Hawk
and the Albatross under the direction of Tanner, Verrill,
Agassiz and others have been especially fruitful. Foreign
countries eagerly adopted the methods of the Commis-
sion, which became the recipient of medals and first
prizes at all the foreign Fisheries exhibitions of the time.

Notwithstanding these great and unremunerated
public services, the Commissioner was attacked and mis-
represented from time to time by petty politicians and
envious time-servers. This chapter may appropriately
end with a condensed version of a memorandum prepared
by himself in 1886, for the use of the Congressional Com-
mittee on Fisheries, in refutation of some of these un-
founded slanders.

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 429

Memorandum as to the Relations of S. F. Baird to the
U.S. Fish Commission.

The Commission was established in 1871 with myself
as Commissioner, solely for the purpose of investigating
the alleged decrease of the food-fishes of the seacoast and
lakes of the United States and its causes and remedies.
The service was expected to occupy only the summer
months of one or two years, requiring comparatively
little trouble and responsibility, and an appropriation of
$5000.00 was made for the purpose the first year.

The law expressly stipulated that no compensation
was to be paid to the Commissioner for this work.

In 1872 the subject of fishculture was added to the
work to be done by the Commission and an appropriation
of $15,000.00 was made for continuing the enquiry of the
food-fishes and meeting the cost of the new division.

Year by year the appropriations were increased, the
scope of the work enlarged, and the labors of the Com-
missioner amplified in proportion; until, including the
appropriations for the year 1886, the total amount appro-
priated from the beginning reached the sum of over two
million dollars. The average amount of time required of
the Commissioner exclusively for the duties of the Com-
mission is not less than six hours a day, mostly in the
early morning and in the evening after the office work of
the Smithsonian is completed.

The Commission is organized on a business basis cor-
responding to that of other bureaus of the Government,
although more completely than most of them. The corre-
spondence of the Commission is enormous; the letters
requiring the attention of the Commissioner amount to
at least 15,000 per annum, exclusive of circulars and blank

430 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

forms. The letters dictated and reviewed by the Com-
missioner before signing, amount to at least half that
number.

The death of Professor Henry in 1878, and the suc-
cession of the present Commissioner to the office of
Secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, so greatly in-
creased his work as to make it necessary to give up all
the outside work which had enabled him to add to his
private income.

For a number of years all the office accommodations
required by the Commission were furnished gratuitously
by the Commissioner in his private residence.

From 1871 to 1875 the best room of his home was
given up to the uses of the Commission. The Commis-
sioner on removing to another residence built by him
with special reference to the needs of the Commission,
supplied two basement rooms, with an iron safe, closet,
and other necessities. With the increasing volume of the
work of the Commission Congress authorized the renting
of the house next door, which was then connected with
the Commissioner’s residence so as to allow access from
either building. A few years later the Commissioner
extended his private residence to afford needed additional
room for the Commission.

No rent was ever asked or received by the Commis-
sioner for any of the quarters furnished by him. All the
expenses of lighting and heating the rooms occupied by
the Commission have been borne by the Commissioner
and the total expenses represented by the increased cost
to him have been hardly less than $1500.00 per annum,
for the fifteen years during which he has acted as the
unpaid agent of the Government in connection with Fish
Commission work. Excluding the cost of transportation

THE COMMISSION OF FISH AND FISHERIES = 431

and other matters connected with the summer investiga-
tions at various points of the coast, the Commissioner has
been a loser to the amount of nearly $2000.00 a year.
Since the completion of the Commission’s buildings at
Wood’s Hole, the Commissioner has paid, out of his own
private funds, all expenses of board of visitors to the
station as well as of his own family; a sum amounting to
$300.00 for the year 1885.

In conclusion it may be stated that the Commissioner
receives his entire pay from the Smithsonian Institution,
which is not supported by the Government, and that
consequently the Government pays nothing for his
services either as United States Fish Commissioner or as
Director of the National Museum. It may also be stated
that, on several occasions when it was proposed to pay
him a salary, he declined to entertain the proposition
on the ground that it might impair his usefulness as
Commissioner by creating a popular impression that he
derived benefit from the appropriations made for its
maintenance.

The fact may well be emphasized that the clause pro-
viding for noncompensation of the Commissioner was
inserted at his own request; but that the increase in the
duties and responsibilities of the post was due to the action
of Congress, at the suggestion of an outside Association
and not at that of the Commissioner. Some years ago
the Commissioner feeling the burden of furnishing quar-
ters to the Commission asked for an appropriation to pay
for the renting of outside rooms or a building; but Mr.
Holman, who was then the Chairman of the Committee
on Appropriations, declined to entertain the proposition
as he was opposed to anything that looked like fastening
an additional bureau upon the Government.

432 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

After Baird’s death the Commissioner became through
the action of Congress a salaried office and it is satis-
factory to note that an appropriation of $25,000.00 was
made for the support of the late Commissioner’s family,
an invalid wife and daughter, after a debate in which
the merits of the case were fully discussed and the admi-
rable services of Professor Baird were cordially recognized.

XII
APPRECIATIONS

HE death of Professor Baird was followed by a
universal expression of regret in the press and of
numberless eulogies in more permanent publica-

tions. Scientific men and personal friends put on record
their appreciation of his character and services. To re-
capitulate them all, or even the most notable, would
require volumes. It has been thought sufficient here to
present a few estimates from men who knew him inti-
mately, and which express the general feeling. For more
extended details the reader is referred to the proceedings
of the Memorial meeting at Washington in January,
1888,! where his work and personality are set forth by
some of those who knew him best. The Smithsonian
Report for 1887 and the volume on the Smithsonian
Institution, 1846-1896, by G. Brown Goode, published
by the Institution in 1897, may also be consulted with
profit.

At Whitman College, Wallawalla, Wash., a professor-
ship of zoology has been named the Baird Professorship,
in his honor.

Lieutenant A. P. Niblack, in 1886, named for the Pro-
fessor a large glacier in Alaska.

1 Proceedings at a meeting commemorative of the life and scien-
tific work of Spencer Fullerton Baird, held January 11th, 1888, under
the joint auspices of the Anthropological, Biological, and Philosophical
societies of Washington. Washington, the Societies, 1888, 8°, pp. 37,
with portrait.

28 433

434 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From a Letter of Professor S. P. Langley to the Hon. James
B. Beck?

“Professor Baird was for thirty-seven years continu-
ously in the scientific service of the Government. In
connection with his duties as an officer of the Smithsonian
Institution, his principal work was the development and
care of the National Museum of the United States, which,
under his wise administration, has always been an impor-
tant element in the scientific and educational progress of
this country, its scale of operations becoming each year
greater and more highly appreciated both in this country
and abroad. He was also especially instrumental in organ-
izing the system of international exchanges of publica-
tions, which was always under his direct charge, and which
has been one of the most important agencies in the
development of the public libraries of the United States,
particularly in the departments of pure and applied
science. He was, furthermore, during his entire official
career, directly or indirectly concerned in the organization
and administration of the scientific work of the numerous
expeditions and surveys sent out under Government
auspices, from the time of the Wilkes exploring expedition
until his death. The reports upon the natural history of
the Pacific Railroad survey, Mexican Boundary survey,
and many of the other surveys of the West, were prepared
under his direction, and the two volumes of the report
of the Pacific Railroad survey devoted to mammals and
birds were written by him, and are still standard works
of reference. In addition to these reports he was the
author of several hundred important papers upon the

? Congressional Record, Senate, Vol. 19, pt. 7, p. 6916; July 27,
1888,

APPRECIATIONS 435

natural history and natural resources of the United
States. In 1876 he was a member of the board on behalf
of the United States Executive Departments at the
International Exhibition of 1876, and the collections pre-
pared under his direction were acknowledged to be among
the most instructive and impressive exhibited on that
occasion.

“As Commissioner of Fisheries he rendered a twofold
service. The scientific work, which was considered by
him to be of the utmost value as a foundation for the
practical work which was to follow, has been exceedingly
extensive and important, and the achievements of the
United States Government in this direction are recog-
nized throughout the world as evidence of its enlightened
and liberal attitude toward scientific research. Fifteen
years ago less was known in this country of the natural
history of our waters than perhaps in any other civilized
country of the world. In 1877, however, it was generally
conceded by foreign naturalists that the United States
was further advanced than any other country in this
department of science. The scientific work of the com-
mission has always been conducted with reference to
definite and practical results, and the economic side of
the work of the Fish Commission is comparatively in a
still more advanced condition.

“Tt seems hardly necessary to dwell upon the results
in fish-culture attained by the commission under Professor
Baird’s direction. You are thoroughly familiar with the
manner in which certain fisheries, such as the shad fishery
of the Atlantic coast, the salmon fishery of the Pacific
coast, and the whitefish fishery of the Great Lakes, have
been saved from destruction; how the Asiatic carp has’
been planted in the 20,000 or more ponds and lakes in

436 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

almost every township in the United States; how the shad-
fishery has been established in unfamiliar waters, such
as the Ohio River and Pacific Ocean; and in addition to
this, how many other steps of great magnitude have
been made in the art of fish-culture.

“T dare not attempt to estimate the practical value
of the work of the Commission to the country, but can
not doubt that it amounts to very many millions of dollars.
I presume you are familiar with Mr. Goode’s ‘Review of
what has been acomplished by the Fish Commission in
fish-culture and in the investigation of American fisheries’;
but I venture to send herewith a copy of this pamphlet,
and to direct your special attention to pages 26 to 34,
in which are quoted numerous commendations of the Fish
Commission from the principal authorities of Great
Britain, Norway, Holland, Germany, Belgium, France,
and other European nations. Professor Huxley, in an
address at the London Fisheries Exhibition, said that he
did not think ‘that any nation at the present time had
comprehended the question of dealing with fish in so
thorough, excellent, and scientific a spirit as that of the
United States’; while M. Raveret-Wattel, the principal
French authority on this subject, states that ‘to this day
pisciculture has nowhere produced results which can be
compared with those obtained in the United States.’ No
one can question that the peculiar excellence of the work
of our Government has been directly or indirectly due to
the presence of Professor Baird at the head of the com-
mission. He had no rivals, and during his administration
no word of criticism was ever uttered by competent
persons.”

APPRECIATIONS 437

From a Speech in the Senate by the Hon. George F. Hoar
of Massachusetts, July 28, 1888.3

He was one of the great men of his day. Being paid
for his services to science not by a salary but by simply
having rendered them, that account was made up. But
in addition to one man’s work he did voluntarily and with-
out compensation in the services of this people the full
work of two men more. He originated, organized, ad-
ministered the great National Museum, and he rendered
in that a service which as business men pay business
agents would not have been half compensated by any
salary like that which he was receiving as Secretary of
the Smithsonian Institution.

In addition to that he originated and executed experi-
ments and scientific work, the result of which by the
common consent of all men conversant with the subject
is to be that it will be much easier not only to supply
the present generation of Americans with healthful, abun-
dant, and cheap food, but he has shown us how to support
and feed the hundreds of millions who are to come to
this continent from all parts of the world and who are
to be born here for generations upon generations to come.
That was a gratuity. That was the greatest benefaction,
with very few exceptions if with any exception, which

God has given it to any human being in our day to render
to his kind.

3 Congressional Record, Senate, Vol. 19, pt. 7, p. 6976.

438 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

From a Biographical Memoir by J. S. Billings read before
the National Academy of Sciences, April 17, 1889.

“The two men who have exerted the strongest influ-
ence upon natural history studies in this country are Louis
Agassiz and Professor Baird. In many respects they were
very unlike; circumstances gave them widely different
fields, and they worked on different plans and by different
methods. They began their public career in this country
almost together; but Agassiz was already famous, as the
result of seventeen years’ work, while Baird was an almost
unknown youth. Agassiz was a born teacher, a fascinating
lecturer, gifted with eloquence which won its way every-
where; Baird could only speak freely in the presence of
a few, and for the most part taught only by the pen and
by example. Each of them created a great museum in
spite of many obstacles, the first winning the means
largely from private contributions, which were a tribute
to his eloquence; the second gaining his end more indi-
rectly, through his connection with the Smithsonian Insti-
tution and the Government. Each of them gathered
around him young men who were stimulated and encour-
aged by his example, who followed his methods, have
continued his work, and have taught others, so that there
are now observers and workers almost everywhere. The
first made great use of the microscope and of embryology;
the second very little, for he had to use the material
available. The first had a vivid imagination which led
him to frame many theories and hypotheses to be verified
or disproved by future investigation and research; the
second classified the facts before him, but theorized very
little. Professor Baird’s career as an original investigator

APPRECIATIONS 439

was hampered and finally stopped by his administrative
work, but in proportion as this latter increased he was
able to furnish materials and opportunities for others.
The pupils of Agassiz and Baird are the working natural-
ists of to-day and the teachers of those who are to come,
and the two methods of study are being combined and
developed to produce results of which we already have
good reason to be proud, and the end of which no man
can see.

“Upon the roll of the illustrious dead of the National
Academy of Sciences his name stands out as that of a
scientific man of high attainments, uniform purpose, and
indomitable energy, whose work has already added to
the comfort and pleasure of hundreds of thousands of
his fellow-men, and which bids fair to be a most important
factor in supplying the necessities of millions yet unborn.”’

Extract from the Proceedings of the Board of Regents of the
Smithsonian Institution at the Annual Meeting held at
Washington, January 24, 1894.

The Secretary said that he had hoped that Congress
would pass an act providing for the erection of a statue
of his eminent predecessor, Secretary Baird, as it had
done in the case of Secretary Henry. Efforts in this
direction in the past had, however, failed, but though he
had foregone neither the hope nor the intention, the
present time was evidently not opportune to secure such
legislation. ‘There was now no altogether satisfactory
likeness of Secretary Baird. The Secretary desired to
submit to the Board of Regents the propriety of author-
izing the execution of an oil portrait of the late Secretary,

440 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

which, as in the case of the one of Secretary Henry, might
be placed in the Regents’ Room in perpetual remembrance
of him.

Senator Morrill then read the following resolution,
which was adopted:

Resolved: 'That the Secretary be requested to have a
life-size portrait of the late Secretary of the Institution
(Spencer F. Baird) painted by some competent artist,
which, when finished, may be preserved in the room occu-
pied by the Regents for their meetings.

From a Letter of Hon. George F. Edmunds to William H.
Dall.

PasapENA, Cat., Nov. 19, 1913.

For myself “I wish to say that I knew Professor Baird
intimately from the first year of my service in the Senate
until the end of his life. I have never known a man who
largely exercised public duties who combined more than
he, great technical skill and ordered discipline in the sphere
of all his activities with personal gentleness and sympathy,
or who was more readily supported by his subordinates
in hard work and in affectionate and almost reverent
feeling.

‘““T never heard him speak unkindly to or of any of his
official associates, or indeed of anybody else, and he was
always ready to assist people both in and out of his official
career in respect of everything they submitted to his
notice. In all the intercourse of our two families I felt
toward him as if he were an elder brother.

“With his great accomplishments he united great
modesty, and never self-assertion,—a true man in the
best and broadest sense of the term.”

APPRECIATIONS 441

Read by Livingston Stone, before the American Fisheries
Congress, held at Tampa, Florida, Feb., 1808.

A figure which stands out most prominently in my
memory, as I recall the early days of American fishculture,
is that of one who has been called a plain man. He was
a plain man indeed, but one who was made after nature’s
largest pattern. He was large in mental caliber and large
in physical frame, large in his broad sympathies and in
his wide scope of vision, large in his comprehensive grasp
of great aims, and large in his capacity for great under-
takings—large in everything, and small in nothing.

You at once recognize, I know, Prof. Spencer F. Baird,
the first United States Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries.

The mere mention of Prof. Baird’s name strikes a
chord of dear memories in the hearts of all who knew
him. No man of our time has left a purer memory, a
more stainless name or a more animating or enduring
influence over his special field of labor than Prof. Baird.
He was loved by those who knew him when he was living;
he is revered by those who have survived him. Prof.
Baird lived on a higher plane of life and breathed a purer
atmosphere than most men. Quiet and unassuming, with
a nature as gentle as a child’s, his natural superiority
never failed to show itself when he was with other men;
not even when among the distinguished men who gathered
in the winter at the national capital. Yet he was thought-
ful and considerate of his subordinates, and always ready
to give its meed of praise to any work well done by his
humblest employe. Prof. Baird had the enviable gift not
only of endearing every one to him who came in contact
with him, but of inspiring them with his own enthusiasm

4

442 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

and energy. This made congressmen vote him all the
appropriations that he asked for; for it was a common
saying at Washington that Congress gave Prof. Baird
everything that he wanted. Like a good general, he had
the personal welfare of his men at heart while he was
Fish Commissioner, and they in turn wanted to do every-
thing in their power for him, which, doubtless, was one
of the secrets of his great success. It is a fact that his
employes in the Fish Commission would voluntarily
work a great deal harder for Prof. Baird than they would
for themselves. This fact accounts for another saying
prevalent at Washington at that time, that Prof. Baird’s
men were the busiest workers in all the departments. It
was the inspiration of this patient, disinterested, tireless,
kind-hearted and lovable man whose work they were
doing, that made them work so well, and also made their
work a pleasure.

It is unnecessary to say that Prof. Baird possessed
extraordinary mental endowments, but I perhaps may
mention one or two, as they are so rare. He had a quick-
ness of apprehension that sometimes seemed almost super-
natural. For instance, he would glance down a printed
page and comprehend in a moment what would take
others several minutes to read.

He had a marvelous memory, not only retentive of
everything intrusted to it, but quick to call up anything
that was wanted when it was wanted—a quality which
most of us know well how to appreciate. His mind was
also of the clearest type. No complications ever seemed
to confuse him; he never became involved during his
conversation, no matter what were the intricacies of the
subject. His mind, like his placid temper, never seemed

APPRECIATIONS 443

to be ruffled or disturbed. Extraordinary as his mental
faculties were, he had evidently added to their efficiency
by severe discipline, for he possessed that infallible mark
of a well-trained mind, of having all of his great and diver-
sified stores of knowledge classified and grouped together
in his brain according to subjects; so that he could call
up his whole knowledge of any subject at a moment’s
notice. Another remarkable thing about Prof. Baird’s
mental composition was that with a thoughtful, scientific
cast of mind, were united qualities of the most practical
character. Prof. Baird was a scientific man by nature.
He loved science and scientific studies; but at the same
time no man had a sounder judgment or a clearer head
in the management of practical affairs than he. It is
very rare to see scientific and practical qualities of mind
united in such an eminent degree as they were in Prof.
Baird.

Prof. Baird was gifted with still another unusual
mental endowment which reminds one strongly of one of
the traits of the first Napoleon. With that comprehen-
siveness of mind which takes in the broad features and
large general outlines of a great enterprise, he combined,
as Napoleon did, a capacity for close and thorough atten-
tion to all the details of a subject, down to the minutest
item necessary to success. This combination, as we all
know, is a rare one. As an illustration of Prof. Baird’s
wonderfully retentive memory and easy grasp of details,
as well as his gift, also remarkable, for a rapid dispatch
of practical work, I may mention a little incident that
occurred at Calais, Me., where I visited him in 1872,
which has fastened itself on my mind ever since. He had
received twenty-seven letters by the mail of the day before

444 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

—I remember the exact number that he told me he had
received—and the next forenoon after breakfast he called
in his stenographer for the purpose of answering them.
As I very naturally rose to leave the room he kindly
invited me to remain and be seated, and I shall never
forget the impression which the subsequent answering of
those letters left on me.

Assuming his customary attitude, when on his feet,
of holding his hands behind him, one wrist grasped by
the other hand, he leisurely walked up and down the room,
dictating to the stenographer the answers, one after
another, to all his letters. He did not, to my knowledge,
refer to one of the letters he had received, either to ascer-
tain its contents or to get the address of the writer, but
proceeded from one letter to another till all were finished.
And, further, during this time he never showed the slight-
est hesitation, nor did his countenance betray any signs
of mental effort or confusion. It was a remarkable feat
of memory, and a methodical dispatch of business details
which I cannot forbear to. mention.

In our subsequent acquaintance and correspondence,
which was very extended, both personal and official, his
letters were always marked by great kindness of heart
and thoughtful consideration, which, it is needless to say,
warmly endeared him to me. It is a great pleasure to
me now to think that the United States Fish Commission
station, that I located and built up three successive times,
on the McCloud River in California, has kept the name
which I gave many years ago to the little postoffice on the
river, and, as Baird Station, contributes its mite toward
perpetuating the name of the great first United States
Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries.

APPRECIATIONS 445

From Harrison Allen, M.D., to G. Brown Goode.

PuHILaDELpPuia, Mar. 7, 1890.
Dear Sir,

My acquaintance with Professor Baird began
in 1861. At that time I was studying medicine in Phila-
delphia, and, since the study of the Natural Sciences was
recommended, I was in the habit of frequenting the library
of the Academy of Natural Sciences. One day while
reading Griffith’s translation of Cuvier’s Régne Animal
I was approached by a gentleman who asked me what I
was reading. I chanced to be looking over the chapter
which treated of the bats. In the course of the conversa-
tion that ensued he advised me to go to the specimens
rather than to content myself with reading about them.
This was the first notice I had ever received from anyone
and the advice made a deep impression on my mind. I
afterward ascertained that the strange gentleman was
Professor Baird. He was often in Philadelphia, being in
constant communication with Mr. John Cassin, the orni-
thologist, and I had many opportunities of meeting him.
The training in habits of exact observation gained by
studying zoology has been of great advantage to me in
my profession, and I have always felt an indebtedness to
Professor Baird for his advice and encouragement.

During the period that I remained in the army as
assistant surgeon, Professor Baird exerted his influence
to obtain for me posts of duty which permitted me to
pursue my studies in natural history. I remained for
the most part from 1862 to 1865 in close association with
him at the Smithsonian Institution.

446 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Professor Baird impressed me as a great organizer.
His interest in men was much the same as that taken by
a general in the officers under his command. It appeared
to be created by a desire to get certain work done by his
lieutenants, but ended in awakening in his mind an affec-
tionate concern for their happiness. The field before him
was so vast that he had need of all possible collaborators.
Nothing appeared to give him more satisfaction than to
hear of new students coming forward.

It is too soon to estimate the value of his achievements
in perfecting a scheme of a national collection. But this
much can be temperately said, namely that the plan of
the magnificent museum at Washington is entirely of his
own creation. The difficulties which attended the formu-
lation of this plan were greater than is generally known.
On one occasion at least these would have led in any
other man less sagacious than himself to failure of the
entire conception. He came to the Smithsonian Institu-
tion at a time when its policy was not defined. No one
can now estimate, as he did, the obstacles to be over-
come in giving shape to the materials about him, for not
only the apathy of the public but the opposition of men
of influence, both in and out of Washington, had to be
overcome and changed to sympathy at every step.

Professor Baird was optimistic in his views of life;
judicial in temperament; liberal in religion; catholic in his
opinions; wise and shrewd in his conduct of affairs. He
had a genial vein of humor. In his literary tastes he was
singularly free from pedantry; and entertained a sym-
pathy so wide that he was the most approachable of men.
I have often wondered at his patience. Nothing appeared
to excite him. I never saw him in ill temper. To an
extent probably without parallel in the history of science

APPRECIATIONS 447

he combined the functions of administrator and investi-
gator. This combination did not interfere apparently
with his scientific work. This was pursued in a fragmen-
tary way—subject to innumerable interruptions and
revisions, without impairment. He once told me that he
wrote his book on the North American birds in sittings
which could not have averaged over fifteen minutes.
His industry was enormous. He lost no time by mis-
directed efforts—indeed he was a personation of sys-
tematic energy. Thus doubtless it came to pass that the
ends for which he so persistently fought were achieved,
and that his name will be associated for all time with
the first comprehensive plan for the organization of science

in America.
I remain, yours truly,

Harrison ALLEN.

From the Autobiography of Moncure D. Conway,‘ vol. 1,
P- 49, 1904.

“Baird, the youngest of the Faculty, was the beloved
professor and the ideal student. He was beautiful and
also manly; all that was finest in the forms he explained
to us seemed to be represented in the man. He possessed
the art of getting knowledge into the dullest pupil. So
fine was his spirit that his explanations of all the organs

*Moncure Daniel Conway, born at Falmouth, Va., March 17,
1832; in whose autobiography may be found an interesting picture
of life at Dickinson College in the “forties,” from the standpoint of
a student as remembered by him in his later years. He was a student
of Baird’s who became a radical and reformer and had a career both
stormy and picturesque, was much loved and hated, praised and
condemned, but of unquestioned ability and courage.

448 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

and functions of the various species were an instruction
also in refinement of mind. Nothing unclean could
approach him. One main charm of spring’s approach
was that then would begin our weekly rambles in field,
meadow, wood, where Baird introduced us to his inti-
mates. About some of these—especially snakes—most of
us had indiscriminate superstitions. Occasionally he
would capture some pretty and harmless snakes, and show
us with pencillings their difference from the poisonous ones.
He even persuaded the bolder among us to handle them.
He kept a small barrel of these pretty reptiles in his house,
and his little daughter used to play with them.”

From a Manuscript Note of G. Brown Goode.

. . There is no name which occupies a more
honorable place in the annals of American science than
that of Spencer Fullerton Baird. His personal contribu-
tions to systematic biology were of vast extent. His
influence in inspiring and training men for work as natu-
ralists was very great. Asan organizer working at a most
fortunate time, by knowing how to utilize extraordinary
opportunities he has left his impress forever fixed upon
the scientific and educational institutions of the United
States, especially those under government control.

He was one of those rare men, perhaps more frequently
met with in the New World than elsewhere, who impress
everyone with the idea of power to succeed in whatever
they undertake. Although he chose to be a naturalist,
and because of necessity an administrator, no one who
knew him could doubt that he would have been equally
eminent as a lawyer, physician, mechanic, historian,
business man, soldier, or statesman.

GRANITE BOWLDER WITH BRONZE TABLET, ERECTED IN MEMORY OF SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD AT
WOOD'S HOLE, MASSACHUSETTS, IN 1902, BY THE AMERICAN FISHERIES SOCIETY
By Courtesy of U.S. Bureau of Fisheries

APPRECIATIONS 449

Among the more notable of the honors received by
Baird during his lifetime, the following foreign awards
may be enumerated:

Knight of the Royal Order of St. Olaf, received from
the King of Norway and Sweden, 1875.

Silver medal of the Acclimatization Society of Mel-
bourne, Australia, in 1878.

Gold medal of the Société d’Acclimatation de France,
in 1879.

Erster Ehrenpreis der International Fischerei Ausstel-
lung, gift of the Emperor of Germany, in 1880.

With his customary modesty Baird seems to have
kept no list of the multitudinous societies which had made
him Honorary, Corresponding or Foreign Member during
his years of activity.

At Wood’s Hole, the scene of his arduous labors, a
granite boulder lies near the water bearing a bronze tablet
placed there by the American Fisheries Society and in-
scribed as follows:

In memory of
SPENCER FULLERTON Bairp

U. S. Commissioner of Fisheries 1871-1887
Born 1823. Died at Wood’s Hole 1887

The American Fisheries Society places this tablet
in appreciation of his inestimable services to
Ichthyology, Fish Culture and the Fisheries

1902

29

450 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD

Saturday, December 29, 1906, a series of ten portrait
busts of pioneers in American Science, the work of William
Couper, was presented to the American Museum of
Natural History, New York City, by Mr. Morris K. Jesup.
These included Benjamin Franklin, Alexander von Hum-
boldt, John James Audubon, John Torrey, Joseph Henry,
Louis Agassiz, James Dwight Dana, Spencer Fullerton
Baird, Joseph Leidy, and Edward Drinker Cope.

The unveiling was accompanied by appropriate ad-
dresses in the auditorium of the Museum, before a large
audience of members, friends and invited guests.

The address in connection with the bust of Professor
Baird was delivered by Dr. Hugh M. Smith, his present
successor as Commissioner of Fisheries; and an illustrated
account of the meeting, with photo-engravings of the
sculptures and the hall in which they stand, was published
by the Museum in April, 1907.

BUST OF SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD, BY WILLIAM COUPER, IN THE
AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY, NEW YORK CITY
From a Photograph furnished by the Museum

INDEX

Aal, Nicholas, 126,

Agassiz, Alex., 428.

Agassiz, Prof. L., 154, 169, 170, 183, 185,
186, 187, 188; elected Regent of the
S.I., 358, 388, 416; last visit to Wash-
ington, 389; death of, 390.

Albatross, Steamer, 401.

Allen, Dr. Harrison, 445.

Allen, Prof, William H., 40. -

Amazon expedition, 299.

American Fish Culture Association, 426,
427.

American Fisheries Society, 449.

American Museum of Natural History,
450.

Ames, A. A. H., 171.

Ames, Frederick, 401.

Ames, Oliver, 401.

Army Medical Museum collection of
crania, 385.

Audubon, J. J., 85, 88, 90, 93, 121, 124,
155, 160,

Audubon, Victor, 63, 91, 156.

Ayres, W. O., 154.

Bachman, John, 48, 63.

Baird family, French origin, 1; arms of, 2;
spelling of name, 2; settle in Chester
Co., Pa., 3; remove to Cumberland,
Co., 33 burial ground at Rocky Spring,
6; at Pottstown, 5; gathered at Car-
lisle, 25; genealogical diagrams, 17, 18.

Baird Glacier, 433.

Baird, James, 4.

Baird, John, 3; marries Margaret
McLean, 3.

Baird, Lucy Hunter, reminiscences, 14,
21, 35, 38, 65, 117, 143, 164, 230, 233,
235, 356, 367, 394, 412, 416.

Baird, Lydia M., characteristics, 26.

Baird, Lydia S., 5, 25.

Baird, Mary, 42.

Baird, Mary Douglas, 4, 5; removes to
Kentucky, 4, 6; to Indiana, 4, 6;
buried, 6.

Baird, Sir Patrick, 2.

Baird, Rebecca P., 5.

Baird, Samuel (1), 4; marries Rebecca
Potts, 4.

Baird, Samuel (2), born, 4; settles in
Reading, 5; marries Lydia MacFunn
Biddle, 5; children of, 5; dies, 5;
buried, 5, 12, 24, 32, 42.

Baird, Samuel (3), born, 5; dies, 401.

Baird, 8. F., born, 19; infancy, 21; at
dame’s school, 21; death of father, 32;
keeps meteorological record, 37; music,
38; story teller, 38; hunter, 39; enters
Dickinson College, 39; diary, 423; over-
exertion causes heart trouble, 43;
visits Philadelphia, 43; studies chemis-
try, 44; German, 44; copies rare works
on Natural History, 44; finds new
birds, 44; writes to Audubon, 44;
graduates, 46; visits Philadelphia, 47;
daguerreotype taken, 47; uses elec-
tricity, 47; experiments with blue
print photography, 47; shoots wildcat,

451

452

Baird, S. F.—Continued.

48; height at 18, 49; begins medical
studies, 50; goes to New York, 55;
lodgings in New York, 55; lectures at
Bellevue Hospital, 56; nitrous oxide
gas used, 57; drawing lessons, 57, 59;
Fanny Ellsler, 57; visits Philadelphia,
59; returns to Carlisle, 60; walks to
Baltimore, 70; reaches Washington, 71;
meets Audubon, 73; seeks position in
National Institute, 77; returns to
Carlisle, 81; elected a member of the
Philadelphia Academy of Sciences, 81;
and of the National Institute, 82; de-
cides against medical career, 82; in-
vited by Audubon to go to the Yellow-
stone, 84; offers paper on new birds to
the Philadelphia Academy for publica-
tion, 94; begins teaching, 94; open-air
classes, 94; joins the Musical Society,
94; receives his degree of A.M. from
Dickinson College, 94; visits Sterrett’s
Gap and the Juniata valley, 101; blue
print photographs of leaves, 102; prep-
aration of bird skins, 103; collects
specimens of local woods, 103; weather
observations, 103; goes to Baltimore,
105; reaches Washington, 106; meets
J.D. Dana,106; returns to Philadelphia,
107; snowy owl in the city, 107; visits
Reading, 109; 21st birthday, 109;
enrolled in militia, 110; parades with
his Company, 111; elected member of
the Boston Society of Natural History,
113; meets Dr. Morris, 112; visits Dr.
Melsheimer, 115; politics at Carlisle,
114; blue print photographs, 117;
votes for Clay and Frelinghuysen, 117;
makes collection of trees and shrubs of
Cumberland Co., Pa., 118, 119; goes
to New York, 121; visits Audubon, 121;

INDEX

Baird, S. F.— Continued.

elected honorary professor at Dickinson
College, 122; visits Haldeman, 123;
elected a member of the Entomological
Society of Pennsylvania, 123; erects
new workroom, 125; rescues body of
drowned child, 125; notes apples baked
by the sun’s heat, 125; makes a list of
Cumberland Co. birds, 125; trip to
Sulphur Springs, 125; foreign exchange
of specimens, 126; experiments with
rattlesnake, 126; work proposed with
Dr. Houghton on Lake Superior, 127;
weight and height at 23, 130; elected
member of New York Lyceum of Nat-
ural History, and the American Asso-
ciation of Geologists and Naturalists,
130; visits Philadelphia, 131; attends
Miss Churchill in Philadelphia, 132;
goes to New York and visits Le Conte
and Audubon, 132; visits Boston, 132;
meets Dr. Storer, Amos Binney, Dr.
Siedhoff, Dr. A. A. Gould and Asa Gray,
132; visits Boston Museum, 132; notes
on Boston, 133; visits New Haven, 134;
notes on New Haven and Hartford
R. R., 134; meets the Sillimans, 134;
returns to New York, 134; Audubon’s
gift of birds, 134; goes to Philadelphia,
135; returns to Carlisle, 135; deposits
his collection in the College Museum,
136; early draft of plan for a history
of North American birds, 137; he builds
improved cabinets, 139; is made a full
professor in Dickinson College, 140;
engaged to Miss Churchill, 141; marries,
142; removes to Mrs. Churchill’s with
his wife, 144; notes on his courtship,
144; open-air methods of teaching, 145;
housing snakes and its consequences,
146; theory of aversion to snakes, 147;

INDEX 453

Baird, S. F.—Continued.

pedestrian habits, 147; anecdotes, 148;
relations with children, 148, 150; per-
sonal appearance, 149; liking for fiction,
149; Little Lord Fauntleroy, 149; Mrs.
S. F. Baird, 150; he begins researches
on fishes, 151; hours of teaching, 152;
receives letter from Dana urging him
to apply for the curatorship of the
Smithsonian Museum, 156; he makes
application, 157; anatomical studies,
164; visits Westport, N. Y., and Adiron-
dack woods, 169; ascends Mt. Marcy,
169; goes to Burlington, Vt., 169; to
Boston, 169; meets Agassiz, Desor,
Rufus Choate, Jeffries Wyman and
Dr. John Warren, 169; returns to
Carlisle, 169; his students, 170; offered
a professorship in the University of
Vermont, 176; a daughter born, 178;
explores Carlisle cave, 178; the
Churchills move to a new house, 179;
hunting salamanders, 179; salary in-
creased, 181; western collecting tour,
182; meets Professor Joseph Henry,
182; visits Dr. Kirtland, 182; Caleb
Atwater, 182; meeting of the American
Association, 183; projects of Prof.
Agassiz, 183; caves, 186; honorary
degree of M.D., 186; very illin Virginia,
189; last lecture at Dickinson College,
210; elected assistant secretary of the
Smithsonian Institution, 211; visits
Reading, Pa., 213; journey to Lake
Champlain, 213; collecting tour in
Canada, ‘214; meeting of American
Association, 214, 217; elected-Perma-
nent Secretary of the Association, 214;
leaves Carlisle, 220; arrives in Wash-
ington, 220; goes to housekeeping, 227;
‘builds new house, 227; characteristics

Baird, S. F.— Continued.

of Washington in 1850, 227; Smith-
sonian building, 228; the Capitol, 229;
negro service, 229; Mrs. Baird’s anec-
dote, 229; hospitality, 229; students at
the Smithsonian, 230; effects of the
civil war, 232; economy, 233; Baird
deposits his collection at the Smith-
sonian, 235; organizes International
exchange of literature, 236; performs
much manual labor, 236; promotes
collecting by U. S. Surveys and Army
officers, 236; correspondence, 237;
inspires others, 238, 240; vacation
work, 239, 240; wide scientific know]-
edge, 241; request of George W. Childs,
242; contributes to periodicals, 243;
the Harper Brothers, 244; Mrs. Baird’s
coéperation, 244; inventiveness, 245;
economical in expenditures, 246; rela-
tions with subordinates, 247; relations
to Government expeditions, 248; Pacific
Railroad reports, 249; Cincinnati meet-
ing of American Association, 257;
Baird acts as treasurer, 257; visits New
York, 260; attends Commencement at
Dickinson . College, 260; Regents ap-
prove his plans for International ex-
change of publications, 271; visits
Emerson and Thoreau, 272; he edits
book on bayonet exercises by George
B. McClellan, U. S. A., 271; visits Mrs.
Biddle, 271; salary raised, 271; journey
through New England, 272; studies
reptiles, 272; trouble with delinquents,
278; Wisconsin expedition, 285; attends
Cleveland meeting of American Asso-

ciation, 286; hopes for a National

Museum, 305; makes will, 306; sum-
mers at Beesley’s Point, N. J., 326;
summers at Elizabethtown, N. Y., 326;

454 INDEX

Baird, S. F.—Contenued. Baird, S. F.—Continued.

337; writes 3050 letters, 336; Civil War
breaks out, 337, 352; death of Kennerly,
337; visits Montreal, 337; illness of
family, 337, 338; Churchills go to
Carlisle, 337; death of Mrs. Churchill,
357; of General Churchill, 357; sum-
mers at Wood’s Hole, 363; fire at
Smithsonian, 378; elected member of
National Academy of Sciences, 384;
aversion to public speaking, 384;
summers at Eastport, Me., 3865; ill
health increases, 385; tries exercise at
a gymnasium, 385; confers with State
Fish Commissioners, 388; assumes con-
trol of the National Museum, 389;
summers at Eastport, Me., 389; meets
G. Brown Goode for the first time, 389;
offered the Directorship of the Chicago
Academy of Sciences, 389; begins shad
hatching, 390; summers at Portland,
Me., 390; serves on Polaris investi-
gating committee, 390; hospitality,
390; Centennial Exposition of 1876 at
Philadelphia, 390; summers at Noank,
Conn., 390; confers about a seaside
laboratory, 391; plans a new house, 391;
introduces the German carp, 391; sum-
mers at Wood’s Hole, 391; begins the
hatching of cod eggs, 391; summers at
Philadelphia, 391; serves on juries of
award, 391; meets Huxley and Dom
Pedro, 391; sister Lydia dies, 392; F.
B. Meek dies, 392; begins use of
spectacles, 392; plans new National
Museum building, 392; trip to Florida,
392; summers at Gloucester, Mass.,
392; expert witness before the Halifax
arbitration, 392; new house completed,
393; church attendance, 393; death of
Professor Henry, 393; visits old school,

393; at Havre de Grace, Md., 393;
elected Secretary of the Smithsonian
Institution, 393; excursions to hatch-
eries, 396, 398; summers at Gloucester,
Mass., 396; cod hatchery established
there, 396; he visits Windsor, Vt., 396;
member of committee on Government
Geological Surveys, 396; elected first
President of the Cosmos Club, 397;
granted house rent by the Smithsonian
Regents, 397; National Museum build-
ing authorized by Congress, 397;
steamer Fishhawk, for the Fish Com-
mission, authorized by Congress, 397;
placed on committee on ventilation of
the halls of Congress, 397; terminates
work on the Science Record for the
Harper Brothers, 397; organizes Fish-
eries Census, 398; summers at Province-
town, Mass., 398; seriously ill, 398;
death of Thomas M. Brewer, 398;
ornithology of California, 398; Berlin,
Germany, Fisheries Exposition, 398;
an assistant Commissioner of Fisheries
appointed, 398; Baird awarded highest
prize, 399; summers at Newport, R. I.,
399; visits Carlisle, 399; hears Sarah
Bernhardt, 399; new quarters for the
Fish Commission, 400; summers at
Wood’s Hole, 400; steamer Albatross
authorized, 400; reorganizes the Smith-
sonian and Museum staff, 400; plans
permanent station for the Fish Com-
mission at Wood’s Hole, 400; gives
special attention to carp-breeding, 400;
deaths of H. E. Rockwell, S. S. Cutting,
G. W. Hawes and Mrs. Henry, 400;
seaside school of biology planned, 401;
a weekly periodical devoted to science
planned, 401; summers at Wood’s Hole,

INDEX

Baird, S. F.—Continued.

401; dredging in the West Indies, 401;
the Fish Commission steamer Albatross
explores the Gulf Stream, 401; New
Orleans exposition, 401; Samuel Baird
dies, 401; a dormitory at Wood’s Hole
authorized by Congress, 401; charges
made against the Assistant Commis-
sioner, 402; Baird seriously ill, 402;
new administration troubles, 402;
personal attacks on Baird, 404; he
demands an investigation, 404; pro-
mulgator of scandals forced to “eat
humble pie,” 405; Baird consults
medical specialists in New York, 405;
relinquishes the management of the
carp ponds, 405; goes to Wood’s Hole,

, 4053 reception to the staff, 405; returns
to Washington, 405; receives honorary
degree of doctor of laws from Harvard
University, 406; returns to Washing-
ton, 406; recommends appointment as
assistant secretary of S. P. Langley and
G. Brown Goode, 406; visits the Adi-
rondack region in search of health, 406;
superficial improvement, 406; last
letter, 407; death, 408; funeral services,
408; interment, 408; his interest in
fishes, 416; collaboration with Agassiz,
416; his report on fishes of New Jersey,
416; first visit to Wood’s Hole, 416;
grant for fish investigation by the
Smithsonian, 417; the first plan for the
Fish Commission, 417; his visit to
Eastport, Me., 418; his History of
North American Birds, 418; his state-
ment of his relations to the Fish Com-
mission, 429; financial sacrifices for the
Fish Commission, 430; an appropria-
tion by Congress for his widow, 432;
portrait ordered, 440.

455

Baird, S. F., appreciations of by: Memo-
tial Meeting, 433; in the Smithsonian
report, 433; by G. B. Goode, 433, 448;
S. P. Langley, 434; Geo. F. Hoar, 437;
John S. Billings, 438; Smithsonian
Regents, 439; George F’. Edmunds, 440;
Livingston Stone, 441; Harrison Allen,
445; Moncure D. Conway, 447; Hugh
M. Smith, 450; foreign honors, 449;
American Fisheries Society erects
tablet at Wood’s Hole, 449; bust pre-
sented to American Museum of Natural
History in New York by Morris K.
Jesup, 450.

Baird, Thomas
Douglas, 3.

Baird, Thomas (2), 8.

Baird, Thomas (3), 5, 42.

Baird, William M., born, 5, 41; marries,
174; dies, 389.

Bannister, Henry M., 377.

Bardstown, Ky., 4.

Bartlett, J., 254.

Beardslee, Capt. L. A., 390.

Bell, A. Graham, 400.

Bell, John J., 89, 91.

Berlandier, Dr. Louis and his collection,
295, 296, 321.

Berrien, John, 13.

Berrien, John M. (1), 13.

Berrien, J. M. (2), 13.

Bibb, Geo. R., 176.

Biddle, Charles, autobiography, 16.

Biddle, Edward, 14.

Biddle, Henry J., marries Mary Baird, 42;
dies, 42.

Biddle, Lydia S., 13, 14.

Biddle, Mary, 14.

Biddle, Mrs. M. D., 407.

Biddle, Valeria, 14.

Biddle, William, 9, 14.

(1), marries Mary

456

Biddle, William MacFunn, 9, 12, 35.

Bill, Mary, 42.

Billings, Dr. J. S., 438.

Bird’s egging, 407.

Birds of Cumberland Co., collection
of, 41.

Birds of Cumberland Co., list of, 83, 106.

Bischoff, Ferdinand, 377.

Blake, Wm. P., 412.

Blaney, William, 14, 65.

Bluelight, steamer, 390.

Blue print photography, 47.

Boardman, Geo. A., 379.

Bonaparte, Charles, 159.

Brainerd, Rev. David, 11.

Brainerd, Rev. John, 11.

Brevoort, J. Carson, 388.

Brewer, Dr. Thomas M., visits Carlisle,
III, 210, 398.

Brockhaus, Bilder Atlas, 184.

Brown, Solomon G., 358.

Bryant, Dr. Henry, 233, 382.

Bryant, Wm. Cullen, 121.

Brydges, Townsend, 47.

Buffalo, Clark’s views on the, 333.

Bureau of Ethnology, 387, 388.

Burr, Aaron, 12.

Caldwell, Merritt, 181.

Carleton, General, 364.

Carlton, Lieut., 52.

Carlisle Barracks, 35.

Carlisle, borough of,
churches in, 34.

Carpenter, Dr. Philip P., 339.

Cassin, John, 61, 120, 132, 166.

Centennial Exposition, preparations for,
391.

Centennial Exposition, 410, 411; national
exhibits at, 412; donations from exhibi-
tors, 413.

described, 32;

INDEX

Chicago Academy of Sciences, 357;
Museum, 373, 374, 377; destroyed by
fire, 388.

Chickasalunga, 116.

Chickies Rock, 116.

Choate, Rufus, 169.

Churchill’s Army Manual, 356.

Churchill’s family arrive at Carlisle,
117.

Churchill family go to housekeeping in
Carlisle, 130.

Churchill, Charles, 117, 130, 174.

Churchill, Frank, 121, 300, 307.

Churchill, Mary Helen, 67, 117, 135.

Churchill, Col. S., 67, 130, 135, 137,
353. :

Churchill, Wm., death of, 174.

Clark, Adam, 276.

Clark, John H., 170, 171, 260, 276.

Clay, Henry, 13.

Conrad, T. A., 60.

Cooper, Susan Fenimore, 252.

Cosmos Club, 72, 396, 397.

Conway, Moncure D., 170, 445.

Corvus cocolotle, 48.

Couch, Gen. D. N., 294, 299.

Coues, Elliott, 234, 363, 418.

Couper, William, 450.

Couthouy, J. P., 72, 80.

Creswell, J. A. J., 170.

Culbertson, Dr. Joseph, 207.

Cumberland valley described, 36.

Cutting, Rev. S. S., 187, 367, 368,
400.

Dall, W. H., 377.

Dana, J. D., 106, 107, 131, 160.
Dawes, H. L., 419, 420.

Deane, Ruthven, 44.

De Kay, J. E., 48.

Deep sea dredgings, 428.

INDEX

Dickinson College founded, 34; rules of,
39; fire at, 118,

Dolly Madison house, 72.

Donaldson, Thomas, 413.

Downing, A. J., 273.

Drexler, H., 346.

Duncan, Harriet, marries John Olyphant,
117.

Durbin, Rev. John Price, 40.

Eagles of Pennan, legend of, 2.

Eatton, Joanna, 12.

Eatton, John, 11.

Eatton, Margaret, 13.

Eatton, Thomas, Io.

Eatton, Valeria, 13.

Edmunds, Hon. G. F., 417, 419, 423,
440.

Edwards, Jonathan, 11.

Elliott, H. W., 377.

Emmons, Ebenezer, 271.

Emory, Robert, 181.

Ethnology, North American, 387.

Evans, Dr., 299.

Farlow, Dr. W. G., 425.

Fauna, destruction and changes of, 254.

Ferguson, T. B., 398.

Ferry, Hon. T. W., 410.

Fire in Garrigue’s printing office, 271.

Fish Commission, U. S., genesis of, 388;
at Wood’s Hole, 388; establishing it,
423; successes of, 427, 428, 435; deep
sea researches, 428; vessels of, 428;
attacks on, 428.

Fligel, Felix, 256.

Fossils near Carlisle, 53.

Foster, Alfred, M.D., 45.

Fox, George, 10.

Frogeatcher, professional, 328.

Fullerton, Mrs., 41.

457

Gale, Dr. L. D., 331.

Gambel, Wm., 131, 135.

Garfield inaugural ball, 400.

Garrigue, Chas. Rudolph, 184.

Gas lighting new, 43.

Gauss, Prof., 303. ;

Geological Survey, U. S., 387, 396, 397.

Geological Surveys in rivalry, 387.

Gibbs, George, 171, 386.

Gill, Herbert A., 393, 395.

Gill, Theodore N., 385, 418, 424.

Gillis, Lt., 296, 315.

Gilman, D. C., biography of J. D. Dana,
71.

Girard, Charles, 257.

Girard College, 107.

Giraud, J. P., 57, 58.

Goadby, Dr., 256.

Gold, native from Virginia, 131.

Goldsmith, Dr. Middleton, 56, 63.

Goode, G. B., 13, 15; on genesis of the
National Museum, 72, 226, 398, 399,
406, 412; scheme of museum organiza~
tion, 413; meets Baird, 414; comes to
Washington, 414; appointed Ass’t
Secretary in charge of the National
Museum, 415; in charge of Fish Com-
mission, 415; dies, 415, 433.

Gould, Dr. A. A., 72, 80.

Gould’s Principles of Zoology, 162.

Gray, J. E., 113.

Green, Seth, 427.

Griffiths, John, 131.

Gunn, Donald, 344, 349, 350, 352

Guyot, Arnold, 183.

Haldeman, S. S., 81, 116.
Hale, Dr. S. E., 356.

Hale, W. W., 62.

Hall, James, 121.

Hallowell, Dr. J. E., 131, 135.

458

Hamilton, Alex., 12.

Hammond, Richard, 130, 137.

Harris, Edward, 91.

Hausmann, Prof., 303.

Hawes, G. W., 400.

Heermann, Dr. A. L., 135, 280, 281.

Heevener, Jacob, 19.

Henry, Miss Caroline, 352.

Henry, Joseph, his views on collections,
201, 224; suggests his successor, 394;
dies, 393, 394; memorial services, 397;
statue authorized by regents, 399;
statue installed, 401; relations to
a National Museum, 409.

Henry, Mrs., 400.

Hoar, Hon. G. F., 437.

Holbrook, Dr. E., 61.

Holmes, Robert, 41.

Hoy, Dr. P. R., 285.

Hudson Bay Co., 375.

Hunt, Major E. B., 320.

Hutchinson, Ann, 10.

Huxley, Thos. H., on fishery replenish-
ment, 424, 436.

Hyatt, Alpheus, 425.

Iconographic Encyclopedia, 184-5, 202.
Instructions for collecting, 207.

Jay, Dr. J. C., 56.

Jeffreys, J. Gwyn, 388.

Jenks, J. W. P., 425.

Jesup, Morris K., 4g0.

Jewett, C. C., 165, 226, 274, 300.
Jordan, D. S., 414.

Kane, Dr. E. K., 298.
Kennerly, Dr. C. B. R., 170, 171, 269,

338.

INDEX

Kennicott, Robert, 231; comes to Wash-
ington, 333; explorations of, 334, 357,
367, 369, 371; death of, 378.

Kidder, Dr. J. H., 426.

King, Clarence, 387, 400.

Kingsbury, C. A., 79.

Kirtland, J. P., 182, 253, 285.

Knox, George, 141.

Laboratory at Wood’s Hole, gor.
La Fresnaye collection, 382.
Langley, Dr. S. P., 406, 434.
Lapham, Dr. I. A., 300.
Lawrence, Geo. N., 56, 121.
Lawson, Alexander, 123.
Lawson, Helen, 123.

Lea, Dr. Isaac, 50, 60, 107, 120.
Le Conte, John, 13, 95, 136.

Le Conte, J. L., 13, 95.

Le Conte, Joseph, 13, 95, 140.
Le Conte, Major, 56, 58, 63, 77.
Leidy, Dr. Joseph, 123, 250, 301.
Le Tort’s spring, 32.

Letters from Baird, S. F., to:

Agassiz, L., 317, 324, 329.

Audubon, J. J., 45, 76.

Baird, Lucy H., 355.

Baird, Samuel, 28.

Baird, W. M., 50, §2, 54, 57, 60, 64, 66,
68, 83, 86, 94, 95, 98, IOI, 103, 104,
107, ILO, 111, 114, 118, 127, 128, 136,
139, 141, 152, 167, 174, 198, 202, 216,
305, 327, 352.

Biddle, Mrs. M. D., 407.

Biddle, Thos., 301.

Boswell, W. L., 355.

Buchanan, James, 157.

Cassin, John, 315.

Churchill, Sylvester, 356.

Clark, J. H., 276, 306.

Committee on Appropriations, 420.

INDEX 459

Letters from Baird, S. F., to—Continued.

Couch, D. N., 296.

Dana, J. D., 203.

Darlington, W., 273.

Dawes, H. L., 419.

Farragut, D. G., 278.

Gale, L. D., 331.

Gardiner, Mrs. J. W. T., 330.

Gibbs, George, 338.

Gillis, I. N., 296.

Hallowell, J. E., 319.

Haven, E. O., 311.

Henry, Joseph, 157, 158, 187, 190, 205.

Hoy, P. R., 308.

Hubbard, Samuel, 338.

Kennicott, R., 307, 342, 346, 348, 350,
351.

Leidy, Joseph, 200, 206, 250, 251, 269.

Marsh, G. P., 255, 257, 260, 263, 272,
274, 297, 304, 313, 315.

McClellan, G. B., 282.

Pickering, Charles, 163.

Spangler, John, 324.

Wilson, T. B., 137.

Winchell, Alex., 291.

Letters to Baird, S. F., from:

Agassiz, Louis, 171, 190, 268, 340.

Audubon, J. J., 44, 48, 78, 79, 84, 88,
89, 90, 92, 93, IOI, 124, 126, 129, 130,
154, 155.

Audubon, Victor G., 155.

Baird, Lydia M., 30, 205.

Baird, Samuel, 28, 30.

Baird, W. M., 73, 74, 75, 76, 81, 82,
318.

Biddle, Lydia M., 30, 205.

Boardman, G. A., 379.

Brewer, T. M:, 254, 279.

Bryant, Henry, 335, 341, 382.

Cassin, John, 96, 98, 100, 123, 166, 258,
280, 281, 314, 323, 326, 327, 328.

Letters to Baird, S. F., from—Continued.

Clark, J. H., 266, 332.

Class of 1848, 354.

Couch, D. N., 294, 321.

Cooper, Susan F., 252.

Coues, Elliott, 364, 365, 381.

Cutting, S. S., 369, 370, 371.

Dana, J. D., 156, 162, 174, 189, 203,
204.

Easter, J. D., 293, 302.

Elwyn, A. L., 278.

Farragut, D. G., 284.

Haldeman, S. S., 175.

Henry, Joseph, 163, 180, 185, 188, 196,
199, 207, 209, 210, 212, 219.

Hunt, E. B., 320.

Jewett, C.C., 211.

Kane, E. K., 282.

Kirtland, J. P., 253.

Marsh, G. P., 165, 168, 177, 178, 179,
180, 181, 183, 184, 214, 260, 269.

Richard, J. H., 311.

Wilson, John, 270.

Winchell, Alex., 287.

Letter from:

Baird, M. H. C., to Jewett, C. C., 194,
195, 199; to Marsh, G. P., 165.

Jewett, C. C., to Baird, M. H. C.,
195.

Kennicott, R., to McFarlane, R., 358,

372.
McFarlane, R., to Baird, L. H.,

378.
Marsh, G. P., to Baird, M. H. C., 165,
167.
Penrose, Valeria, to Biddle, Mrs. L.S.,
19.
Locofoco party, 114, 116.
London Fisheries exhibit, 401.
Longacre, Mr., 131.
Lyell, Sir Charles, 135.

460

Macaulay, Rev. Clay, 393.
MacFunn, William Biddle, 9, 12.
Maguire, J. C., 264.

Marcy, Capt., 299.

Marsh, Hon. Geo. P., 164, 418.
Maynard, G. W., 377.

Mazeppa, sloop, 417.

McFarlane, R., 358, 372.
McClellan, G. B., 271, 282.
McGill, Rev. Alex., 35.

McGraw, Dr., 32.

Meek, F. B., 234, 362, 392.
Megatherium Club, 231.

Meigs, Gen. M. C., 413.
Melsheimer, Dr., 115, 123.
Mercer, General, 13.
Mesopotamia Female Seminary, 287.
Mexican Boundary Survey, 299.
Montgomery, J. B., 13.

Morris, Rev. J. G., 106, 123.
Morris, Robert, 9, 15.

Morton, S. G., 47, §2, 109, 120, 160.
Museum, U. S. National, 313, 409.

National Academy of Sciences, chartered,
384.

National Institute, 72, 73, 74, 75, 79,
80.

National Museum, 313, 409, 410, 411.

Neals, Rev. H. H., 408.

Newberry, Dr. J. 8., 233, 331.

Niblack, A. P., 433.

Nisbet, Rev. Chas., 34.

Noank, Conn., 390.

Nuttall, Thomas, 47, 59.

O’Neall, Charles, 170.

Ord, George, 120.

Osten Sacken, Baron, 337.
Owen, Robert Dale, 162, 225.

INDEX

Packard, A. S., 388.

Palmer, Dr. Edward, 424.

Payne, John Howard, 238.

Peake’s Island, 390.

Peale, T. R., 56, 106.

Pease, Charles, 377.

Peck, Rev. Jesse E., 181, 277.

Penikese Island, 425.

Pennington, John, 107.

Penrose, Chas. B., 14.

Periodical Library Association, 49.

Perkins, Isaac, 10.

Perkins, Lydia, 10.

Pickering, Dr. Chas., 156, 162.

Pierce, Frank, 162.

Pitsligo, Lord, 3.

Polaris Expedition, 390.

Potts, John, 4, 6.

Potts, Thomas (1), of Colebrookdale, 6,
7, 8.

Potts, Thomas (2), 18.

Pottsgrove, 4, 6.

Pottstown, 4, 6.

Poulsen, C. A., 107.

Powell, J. W., 387, 397, 400, 401, 408.

Raveret-Wattel, 436.
Reptiles of the U. S. Exploring Expedi-
tion, 257.
Reynolds, John N., 71.
Rich, W., artist, 106.
Richard, J. H., 310, 311.
Ridgway, Robert, 418.
Rivoli Collection, 139.
Rockwell, H. E., 400, 417.
Rogers, Prof. Henry D., 40.
Rose, Prof. H., 304.
Roszel, Rev. Stephen G., 32.
Rothrock, Dr. J. T., 377.

Salmon, Pacific coast, 427, 428.
Salmon, in Susquehanna river, 175.

INDEX 461

Schaum, Dr., 176.

Schénborn, August, 231.

Science (periodical), gor.

Schlegel, F., 159.

School at West Nottingham, 393.

Scudder, S. H., 4or.

Scull, Nicholas, 8, 32.

Sears, Montgomery, 401.

Sergeant, John, 13.

Sergeant, J. D., 16.

Sergeant, Thomas, 13.

Shumard, Dr. B. F., 283.

Sitgreaves’s explorations, 299.

Smith, Hugh M., 450.

Smith, Sidney I., 425.

Smithsonian Institution, origin and his-
tory, 221; functions, 222; a private
trust, 222; trustee for other agencies
of the U. S., 222; organization, 223;
Joseph Henry first secretary, 223; rela-
tions to a National Museum, 226; fire
at, 234; destruction of archives, 234;
library transferred to the Library. of
Congress, 384; herbarium transferred
to Department of Agriculture, 385; col-
lection of insects transferred to Depart-
mentof Agriculture, 385; building, plans
for enlarging, 392.

Speedwell, steamer, 392.

Spencer, Rev. Elihu, 11.

Spencer, Gerard (or Jared), 11.

Spencer, Joseph, 11.

Spencer, Lydia, 9, 12, 13.

Spencer, Samuel, 11.

Squier and Davis, 386.

Stimpson, Dr. W., 231, 298, 388.

St. Omer, Miss., 43.

Stone, Livingston, 441.

Story, W. W., 399.

Stowe, bought by Samuel Baird, 4;
description of, 6.

Strickland, Hugh, 159.

Sturm, Jacob, 126.

Suckley, Dr. Geo., 328, 339.
Summer school of Biology, 4o1.
Sumner, Gen. E. V., 35.
Swainson’s theories, 124.
Symmes’ Hole, 71.

Tanner, Capt. Z. L., 399, 401, 428.

Telegraph Expedition to Alaska and
Siberia projected, 367.

Tiffany, Chas. C., 170.

Torrey, Dr. John, 57, 339.

Townsend, J. K., 41, 52, 75, 76, 106,
142.

Trowbridge, Lieut., 299.

Trudeau, Dr., 121.

Turner, Miss Jane, 231.

Turner, W. W., 230, 386.

Union Philosophical Society of Dickinson
College, 40.

Van Vliet, Capt., 284, 294.
Varden, J., 379.
Verrill, Prof. A. E., 425, 428.

Walker, Edw. L., 133.
Walker, Geo. C., 373.
Waltershausen, Baron von, 294, 303.
Wardell, Eliakim, ro.
Wardell, Joanna, 11.
Wardell, Thomas, to.
Warren, Rev. John, 169.
Washington, Gen., 13.
Washington, Mrs., 8.
Watts, Juliana, 14.
Watts, Marcia, 141.
Watts, William, 128.
Weber, Prof. H., 304.

462

Wheeler, Rev. Dr., 176.
Wheelwright, John, 10.
Whitman College, 433.
Whitney, J. D., 388, 398.

Wilkes, Chas., U. S. N., 72, 80, 107.

Wilkes Exploring Expedition, 71.
Wilson, J. O., 400.

Wilson, Thos. B., 137.

Winchell, Alex., 311, 312.

Wing, Jerusha, 11.

Wislizenus, Dr., 180, 258, 265.
Wohler, Prof., 294, 302, 303, 304.

INDEX

Wood’s Hole, Biological laboratory at,
401, 426; private subscription for, 401;
land bought for, 426.

Wood’s Hole, Mass., visited by Baird,
416; Fish Commission station estab-
lished in 1871, 423, 424. :

Woodworth, J. W., 337,343, 346, 350, 352.

Wyman, Jeffries, 169.

Xantus, J., 344.

Ziegler, Dr., 123.