Spencer JT. Bairti. 



Just as this book is about to be issued, information has been re- 

 ceived of the death of Professor Baird, at "Wood's Holl, Massachusetts. 



It is unnecessary here to make more than passing reference to 

 Professor Baird's eminence as an ornitliologist, — an eminence attained 

 through the inherent excellence of his published works rather than 

 their extent. His influence in the development of American ornithol- 

 ogy has been greater than that of any other person, and no one else 

 has commanded so fully the respect, admiration, and confidence due 

 to his high attainments, the sterling qualities of his mind and heart, 

 and the integrity of his character. Indeed, it may with truth be said 

 that every naturalist of eminence in the United States owes much of 

 his success to a personal acquaintance with Professor Baird, whose 

 sound advice, ready sympathy, and uniform kindness are reverently 

 and afiectionately remembered by all who are so fortunate as to have 

 enjoyed the privilege of his acquaintance. 



Special reference has been made in the Preface and Introduction 

 to Professor Baird's intimate connection with the " Manual of North 

 American Birds," a work planned by him many years ago, but w^hich 

 he was prevented, by engrossing public duties, from personally exe- 

 cuting. In spite of physical sufiering and harassing cares, he retained, 

 almost to the last moment, a lively interest in the work, which was 

 completed but a short time previous to his death. 



R. E. 



Washington, August 20, 1887. 



