PREFACE 
THE present biography was undertaken by the author 
with many misgivings. But it was pointed out by those 
responsible for its publication that most of the persons 
had passed away who had been intimately associated 
with its subject and familiar with the development of the 
Smithsonian Institution, National Museum and United 
States Fish Commission during the greater part of Pro- 
fessor Baird’s activities; and of the few remaining hardly 
any one was so situated as to be able to attempt it. 
Having known him since 1862; having had the benefit 
of his teaching and example from 1865 to the time of 
his too early death; having for years been honored by 
the gracious hospitality of his home; the task has seemed 
to the writer a duty not to be lightly undertaken nor 
hastily refused. 
Miss Baird, after the decease of her parents, had 
thought of preparing and later of collaborating with some- 
one else in the preparation of a biography. Her father’s 
pupil and successor in charge of the National Museum, 
Professor George Brown Goode, eagerly seconded her 
efforts, and, had he lived, would without question have 
assisted in preparing a worthy memorial. However, Miss 
Baird’s health failed; it became clear to her that she 
could not hope to complete her self-imposed task. Her 
latest endeavors were rendered incomplete by the illness 
which terminated in her death. Professor Goode’s work 
progressed no farther than the collection of numerous 
and valuable memoranda of a genealogical nature, of 
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