1850 TO 1865 313 
From S. F. Baird to George P. Marsh, Constantinople. 
November 14, 1853. 
My pear Mr. Marsu:— 
You must not tell anybody that I have done, what unfortunately 
I do too often, namely, written this letter on Sunday, though, follow- 
ing your example, I date it a day later. I fear, however, unless I 
wrote you on Sunday, that you would not get many epistles from me 
as (on) week days my head and hands are in such a whirl that I never 
know which is which. 
I had a delightful and instructive trip last summer, which was 
only too short for full satisfaction, although nearly three months 
were spent away from Washington. The sum total of it is, miles 
traveled 5062. Collections fill twelve barrels, kegs, or cans. More or 
less complete series of fish, reptiles, etc. made in many localities. I 
have just finished assorting my collections, and it takes some goo 
bottles to contain the specimens, especially as each species from every 
locality is kept separate. You see I have at last found something 
a little likely to keep me busy instead of idling my time as heretofore. 
Especially as, in addition to my own collections, those of the Pacific 
Rail Road parties have begun to come in and by spring will be here 
in a perfect rush. Among other batches already arrived is one con- 
sisting of twelve boxes of skulls of fossil rhinoceros, anoplotherium, 
palaeotherium, etc. from the Mauvaises Terres of Nebraska, collected 
by Gov. Stevens’ party. 
I wish you could see the drawings of snakes, fishes, etc. made for 
the Mexican Boundary Survey by two artists I have at work. They 
are stupendously grand. The finest by far ever done in this country, 
and never beaten anywhere. We have about 60 quarto plates done 
and shall probably have 300. A new era has dawned in reference 
to the patronage of Natural Science in this country by Government. 
The coming session of Congress is going to be a stirring one. I 
would not be much surprised to hear of attacks being made on the 
Smithsonian by persons dissatisfied with the administration of its 
funds. The great question of a National Museum will probably be 
brought forward. The Commissioner of Patents has reported he must 
have the whole Patent building and proposes to Congress to give 
the Smithsonian $10,000 to take care of (the collections now in it.) 
