160 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 



general. With this view I have consulted all the Catalogues, great 

 and small, of England, France, Germany, Holland, &c. which I 

 could find. I have had the honor of being called on to assist in per- 

 fecting the great Bibliographia Zoologica of Prof. Agassiz, and to 

 furnish various lists of desirable books in different branches of Zoology 

 and Natural History to different persons in societies. 



You will, I hope, pardon me for having said so much about myself 

 and for repeating what I wrote to you before. May I hope for speedy 

 information as to what are the possibilities of success, and whether 

 any election has been decided on to take place shortly. I have the 

 permission of the writers of the accompanying letters, Dr. Morton, 

 Mr. Cassin, J. J. Audubon, James D. Dana, and of others as Dr. 

 Gray, Major LeConte, &c. to use their names as reference. 



Very respectfully 



SPENCER F. BAIRD. 

 The testimonials follow: 



Copy of Testimonial from James D. Dana. 



NEW HAVEN, Feb. 7, 1847. 



I take pleasure in giving my unreserved recommendation to 

 Prof. Spencer F. Baird of Carlisle, Penn. for the Curatorship of 

 the Smithsonian Institute. To a general acquaintance with Natural 

 Science and a thorough knowledge of some of its departments, he 

 unites a character of the highest excellence. He is habitually accu- 

 rate in investigation, and is well acquainted not only with specimens 

 in his favorite branches, but also with the literature of science. In 

 the situation of Curator, I cannot doubt that he would give perfect 

 satisfaction and prove an honorable addition to the scientific corps 



at Washington. T T\ T-V 



JAMES D. DANA. 



Copy of Letter from John J. Audubon to S. F. Baird. 



MINNIE'S LAND, Feb. n, 1847. 

 MY DEAR FRIEND: 



I have great pleasure in answering your letter desiring me to 

 give my opinion as to your qualifications for the post which several 



