maximum /minimum thermometers were not free from certain 

 defects and peculiarities which often lead to erroneous readings. 

 These difficulties are fully discussed in Kidder's paper (Kidder, 

 1887). Baird himself contributed to the technique of temperature 

 observations by designing, in 187 3, a protected thermometer, 

 enclosed in cylindrical copper cases with a hinged door in front. 

 This type was devised for reading water temperatures at light- 

 houses and at shore stations. The instrument is still being 

 used for observations in shallow waters when great accuracy is 

 not needed. 



The thoroughness shown by Baird in every detail pertaining 

 to the operation of the station speaks for his versatility and 

 ingenuity. The equipment of the laboratory and hatchery was 

 designed by Baird with the assistance of Verrill. Both men had 

 considerable experience in that type of work. Verrill was 

 particularly skillful in designing aquaria tanks and tables. Baird 

 was well known by the designs of storage cabinets for the specimens 

 in the National Museum which were made to save valuable museum 

 space and fit exactly between the supporting wall columns. The 

 actual construction and materials used by the contractor for 

 laboratory benches, chemical and office tables, and of other 

 equipment were meticulously scrutinized and personally approved 

 by Baird. 



The new laboratory building was three stories high. The 

 entrance hall on the first floor separated the hatchery, on the 

 south side of the building, from the public aquarium on the north. 

 Large sea-water tanks of the aquarium were mounted along the 

 outside walls, while the center was equipped with cabinets for 

 preserved specimens of fish, invertebrates, and birds. The 

 hatchery equipment consisted of a series of tanks containing 

 floating frames, each frame having the bottom covered with 

 cloth for holding fish eggs (fig. 18), and batteries of McDonald 

 hatching jars. The excellent supply of sea water and good equip- 

 ment insured successful hatching operations. A wide stairway led 

 to the second floor. The northern half of the second floor was 

 occupied by a large laboratory equipped with tables for biological 

 research (fig. 19). The tables were the last word in laboratory 

 furniture. They were covered with thick birch planks painted 

 black, with acid and alcohol-resistant paint. Each table contained 

 a stack of deep drawers on one side. The southern side of the 

 second floor contained three offices, a farily large chemical 

 room equipped with two chemical tables, accommodating eight 

 persons, and a fume hood. There was a small storage room for 

 stationery and office supplies. The third floor was occupied by 

 the library, two large stockrooms (one for chemicals and one for 

 glassware and scientific instruments) and several small rooms in 

 which the fish culturists and janitor lived. In later years these 

 rooms were converted into laboratories. 



36 



