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. BAIRD. 



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, an d 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. 



WASHINGTON, March 9, 1854. 

 MY DEAR PROFESSOR: 



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 



