178 Thiviy-^<econd Annual Meciiinj 



three independent ends which could be attained bv different 

 means. He was as well aware as Francis Bacon that it is onl3' 

 in the co-ordination of these three aims, and in the maintenance 

 of a just and equal Ijalanee between them, that science finds its 

 true inspiration, and its very life. It ma}' be that the naturalist 

 is better prepared than other men of science to perceive this. 

 The practical application of natural history to the material needs 

 of mankind is not, commonly, of the sort for which men pay 

 money. It is like the rain and sunshine. It is not thought of as 

 enriching any, because it enriches all. It is, no doul)t, for this 

 reason, that there is more mutual respect and regard and good 

 fellowship between those who devote themselves to research and 

 those who are occupied with its practical application in this 

 province, than there is in other branches of science. 



As Professor Baird was a natiiralist, he was better fitted 

 than most men of science for diffusing and applying natural 

 knowledge, as well as encouraging it and contributing to its ad- 

 vaiicement; and all his undertakings bear witness to the sound- 

 ness of his judgment as to the balance which should be main- 

 tained, in a bureau of our government supported by the people 

 of our country, between these three purposes, and the way in 

 which success in the accomplishment of each of them should be 

 made to contribute to the sound and healthful progress of the 

 others. This is, in my opinion, one of the most instructive les- 

 sons of his life and work, and it is nowhere more clearly illus- 

 trated than in the organization and operation of the Pish Com- 

 mission. It is because of the wisdom and foresight with which 

 the Fish Commission has been so organized and conducted as to 

 bring this about that it has come to be looked upon, by foreign 

 governments as a model to be studied and copied. 



The purpose for which it is maintained by our citizens is the 

 improvement of our fisheries, and it has seemed to some that 

 deep-sea explorations and research in laboratories are no part 

 of its duty to the pul:)lic, but Professor Baird knew that progres- 

 in the expansion and improvement of the economic work would 

 soon come to an end without the aid of the student of pure sci- 

 ence, and that the Commission would quickly degenerate into a 

 mere clerical routine and mechanical round of perfunctory duties 

 without the ins]uration of scientific discovery. 



