198 The Smithsonian Institution 



since the study of the natural sciences was recommended, I 

 was in the habit of frequenting the library of the Academy of 

 Natural Sciences. One day, while reading Griffith's transla- 

 tion of Cuvier's " Regne Animal," I was approached by a gen- 

 tleman who asked me what I was reading. I chanced to be 

 looking over the chapter which treated of the bats. In the 

 course of the conversation that ensued he advised me to go 

 to the specimens rather than to content myself with reading 

 about them. This was the first notice I had ever received 

 from any one, and the advice made a deep impression upon 

 my mind. I afterward ascertained that the strange gentle- 

 man was Professor Baird. He was often in Philadelphia, 

 being in constant communication with Mr. John Cassin, the 

 ornithologist, and I had many opportunities of meeting him. 

 The training in habits of exact observation gained by study- 

 ing zoology has been of great advantage to me in my profes- 

 sion, and I have always felt an indebtedness to Professor 

 Baird for his advice and encouragement. 



" During the period that I remained in the army as assis- 

 tant surgeon, Professor Baird exerted his influence to obtain 

 for me posts of duty which permitted me to pursue my stud- 

 ies in natural history. I remained for the most part from 

 1862 to 1865 in close association with him at the Smithsonian 

 Institution. 



" Professor Baird impressed me as a great organizer. His 

 interest in men was much the same as that taken by a gen- 

 eral in the officers under his command. It appeared to be 

 created by a desire to get certain work done by his lieuten- 

 ants, but ended in awakening in his mind an affectionate con- 

 cern for their happiness. The field before him was so vast 

 that he had need of all collaborators. Nothing appeared to 

 give him more satisfaction than to hear of new students com- 

 ing forward. 



" It is too soon to estimate the value of his achievements in 

 perfecting a scheme of a national collection. But this much 

 can be temperately said — namely, that the plan of the magnifi- 

 cent museum at Washington is entirely of his own creation. 

 The difficulties which attended the formation of this plan 



