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. 



HERBERT A. GILL 



