Vill EXECUTOR’S FOREWORD 
the close friend of Miss Baird to the time of her death, 
I knew of those for whom the family had high personal 
esteem and regard. It was among these that it seemed 
should be found the friend meeting the requirements 
mentioned in Miss Baird’s will; and the executor believes 
that her wishes have been faithfully carried out in the 
selection of Dr. William Healey Dall, whose affection for 
and intimate knowledge of the work of Professor Baird, 
as also of the progress of scientific work in Washington 
and the influence of Professor Baird thereon, make him 
especially suitable and competent as his biographer. 
Dr. Dall, for the completion of this memoir, receives the 
thanks of the members of Miss Baird’s family and her 
executor. 
Hersert A. GILL 
