1G8 Thirtij-!Secund Annual Meeting 



ment expeditions, selecting commanders, nominating collectors, 

 employing artists, and often editing the zoological portions of 

 the reports, with the immense home and foreign correspondence 

 involved, can only be estimated by an examination of the volumi- 

 nous and systematic records of the institution. 



Thus have I gathered what seems a very meager sketch of 

 the development of the life of Professor Baird up to the time 

 when in 1874 the office of Commissioner of Fish and Fisheries 

 was established, to which office he promptly received the appoint- 

 ment. And what a wealth of knowledge, study, observation, ad- 

 ministrative ability he brought to this most attractive field of 

 research and public utility. There is no need that time be given 

 here to detail the work of the United States Fish Commission. 

 With its three-fold object you are familiar — first, the systematic 

 investigation of the waters of the United States and the biologi- 

 cal and physical problems which they present; second, "the in- 

 vestigation of the methods of fisheries, and the statistics of pro- 

 duction and commerce of fishery products; and third, the intro- 

 duction and multiplication of useful food fishes throughout the 

 country." Tliis annual gathering bespeaks the intelligent inter- 

 est which from all portions of our country centers in this benefi- 

 cent •work. 



It remains that I briefiy sketch a few traits of the noble man 

 who organized this work and in whose memory we are met at 

 this hour. Though these have been often dwelt upon by those in 

 intimate official connection Avith him, the occasion demands a 

 few reminiscences, in wliicli you will ])ardon some allusions of 

 a ])ersonal character. 



It was in connection with the organization and administra- 

 tion of the Chicago Academy of Sciences about 1868 that my 

 acquaintance with Professor Baird first began. I had Ijecome 

 interested in him through his pa])ers on birds, but still more 

 through mv friend, his eminent predecessor in the Smithsonian, 

 Professor Henry; and also through the glowing enconinms of 

 Professor Agassi z. l)oth of whom had visited our city. The first 

 impression made when I came in contact with him was of a man 

 of indefatigable activity of body and mind. This impression 

 was correct, and subsequent acquaintance, whether in the Smitli- 

 sonian, or in his own home in Washington, or in his summer 



