1850 TO 1865 313 



From S. F. Baird to George P. Marsh, Constantinople. 



November 14, 1853. 

 MY DEAR MR. MARSH: 



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 900 

 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.) 



