i8o The Smithsonian Instihttion 



only systematic record of government explorations for this 

 period which has ever been prepared. 



The decade beginning with 1850 was one of great activity 

 in exploration. Our frontier was being rapidly extended 

 toward the West, but in the territory between the Mississippi 

 were immense regions which were entirely unknown. Nu- 

 merous government expeditions were sent forth and enor- 

 mous collections were gathered and sent to Washington to 

 be reported upon. The Institution had been designated by 

 law custodian of these collections, and within its walls as- 

 sembled the naturalists by whose exertions they had been 

 brought together. Professor Baird was surrounded by con- 

 ditions most congenial and stimulating, for he found full scope 

 for his energy in arranging scientific outfits for these expedi- 

 tions, preparing instructions for explorers, and, above all, in 

 inspiring them with enthusiasm for the work. 



To him also fell in large part the task of receiving the col- 

 lections, arranging for the necessary investigations, and the 

 accumulation and publication of the results. 



The natural history portion of the reports of the Mexican 

 Boundary Surveys, the Pacific Railroad Surveys, and the 

 expeditions of Ives, Marsh, Stansbury, McClellan, and 

 others, as well as those of the Wilkes exploring expe- 

 dition, which remained still under investigation, were all 

 prepared with his cooperation, and in large degree under 

 his supervision. 



This, however, was only a small part of his work, for he 

 maintained relationships with numerous private collectors, 

 who derived their materials, their books, and, to a consider- 

 able extent, their enthusiasm from him. The various "In- 

 structions to Collectors," which have passed through several 

 editions, as well as numerous circulars written with a similar 

 purpose, originated with him. 



