SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 275 



was transplanted east and trout and other fish hatcheries estab- 

 lished all over the country to ensure an adequate supply of food- 

 fishes of all kinds. At the same time vessels searched the sea for 

 new fishing-grounds contiguous to the coast that would be of 

 value to fishermen, and the new bureau made of vital importance 

 and value to the public. 



Professor Baird had the faculty of adapting himself with 

 unusual tact to subordinate positions, and when in command he 

 gave evidence of executive ability equally remarkable. His 

 desire to build up a national museum which should give the 

 United States a standing second to none resulted in the establish- 

 ment and exploitation of a number of expeditions, and by using 

 the government, its consuls and various good offices, he suc- 

 ceeded in sending agents, collectors and expeditions to the four 

 quarters of the globe, which soon resulted in an enormous inflow 

 of matter in every branch of science; no guilty man escaped. 

 Even the author of Home Sweet Home was aided to a consulate, 

 on the suggestion that he would also scour the country to which 

 he was accredited for "bugs" and other things, and when he 

 departed for his station he was taken for a naturalist with cans 

 of alcohol, fishing-nets and various devices. For thirty-three 

 years, from 1850 to 1883, Professor Baird gave his strength and 

 ability to the upbuilding of the Smithsonian Institution, and 

 what it is to-day, is mainly due to his genius for work. For 

 twenty-eight years he was the principal executive officer of the 

 Smithsonian. In training, tastes, line of thought, he differed 

 very materially from his chief, Professor Henry, who in turn 

 had little or no fondness for zoology, being a physicist. The 

 two men represented the antipodes of thought and scientific 

 habit, and it is to the credit of Professor Baird that his work 

 with his chief was harmonious . In 1 8 7 8 upon the death of Henry , 

 he succeeded him as secretary of the Smithsonian. Owing to 

 the diversity of tastes of the two men, many of Professor Baird's 

 ideas had been held in abeyance, but now, having full rein, his 

 marvelous executive and administrative ability became more 

 clearly apparent, and it was never better illustrated than when 



