4 o8 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.' ,y, 



Professor Baird died August iQth, 1&88. 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. 



