x PREFACE 
which the present writer has made use. Apart from this 
the material which has been at the present writer’s 
disposal consisted of Professor Baird’s original journals, 
extending from 1838 to 1887, but with a certain number 
of gaps. These journals are mere notes of where he was, 
what he was busy over, and the names of persons met 
during the day. There are few references to the larger 
matters on which he was engaged; rarely any expression 
of opinion; and never any complaint or criticism. More- 
over, the journals are written in a very difficult hand, with 
many abbreviated words, so that, to one unfamiliar with 
work and conditions at the Museum, much would be 
incomprehensible. Next come the letters selected for the 
copyist by Miss Baird. ‘This material, excepting the 
letters of his early life written to his brother William, 
contains hardly half a dozen family letters. Owing to 
the destruction by fire at the Smithsonian of the archives 
prior to 1865, the letters used are almost wholly from his 
correspondents, while Baird’s own official letters of that 
period are nearly all missing. 
Such letters as have been selected for publication in 
this volume are printed verbatim, except for the omis- 
sion of irrelevant matter, correction of the copyist’s 
obvious blunders, and the printing in full of abbreviated 
words when the latter seemed likely to be obscure to 
the reader. 
There were also some pages of precious reminiscences, 
written from Miss Baird’s dictation, which have been 
utilized wherever practicable, after verification of dates, 
etc., and supplying blanks left where she was uncertain 
as to the reliability of her memory. 
Finally, there was a great mass of miscellaneous 
material, accounts, statistics, etc., and relevant notes 
