278 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



From Spencer F. Baird to Capt. D. G. Farragut, 9 Norfolk, Virginia. 



WASHINGTON, 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. BAIRD. 



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. 



PHILA. June 10, 1852. 

 MY DEAR PROFESSOR: 



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. 



