122 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
Mary had returned from Charleston, South Carolina, 
the day before and were at Mrs. Biddle’s. 
Political changes in Washington resulted in retiring 
Mr. Penrose from his position as Solicitor of the Treasury, 
so a useful source of influence should a Government 
appointment be desired was lost to his nephew. The 
Pinegrove iron furnace having been sold to Mr. Watts 
by the Penrose interest, Baird made a collecting trip 
to the place in May. 
At the Commencement exercises of the college July 
10th Baird was elected Honorary Professor of Natural 
History and Curator of the Cabinet of Dickinson College. 
He records it in his Journal with the comment “No 
salary and nothing todo. Received many congratulations 
thereupon.” His grandmother writes: 
From Mrs. Lydia S. Biddle to Spencer F. Baird. 
Deat, Monmouts Co., N. J. 
July 25, 1845. 
My pear SPENCER,— 
I do not know that I should write to you at this time, were it 
not to express my gratification in the honour you have received in 
the appointment of your professorship in Dickinson College, for 
although at present there is no Salary attached to the situation, 
yet as the institution rises in fame and importance, which I doubt 
not i will under your guidance, and that soon, there will be ample 
compensation made for the support of its professor. Besides, dear 
Spencer, the appointment is so honourable to a young man of your 
age, that the fame and credit is almost worth a principality to a 
young man who wishes to establish himself scientifically in the world; 
indeed I think this beginning of your career most excellent and 
promising, especially if you have patience to wait until your turn 
comes, and mind the opinion of the Poet who says, 
“Heroes must rise by small degrees to glory, 
*Tis stairs that lead them to the attic story.” 
