1850 TO 1865 317 
History and to include the Patent Office with its models. Whether 
this will go I cannot tell, but it is strongly urged; you shall, however, 
know whenever anything definite is done in reference to this or the 
other projects. 
As to myself, it is unnecessary to say that time does not hang 
on my hands, with the regular Smithsonian business, and that of a 
hundred others besides. I can’t pretend to tell a tithe to you, and 
must wait till you get back, which heaven grant may be before long. 
Natural History progresses amain, every day bringing in something 
new. Your specimens will be highly acceptable when they come. 
I can’t quite make out the name of the vessel. Write on this score 
as soon as you receive this letter. 
My Polly is not very smart at present. She has with her my 
oldest sister. 
Most affectionately yours, 
S. F. Barrp. 
Mrs. Baird’s condition, during the winter of 1853-4, 
grew less favorable. It was decided to spend as much of 
the summer near the seashore as possible. After many 
enquiries for a secluded and quiet place, which would 
also furnish the Professor with facilities for collecting 
and studying fishes, Beasley’s Point, New Jersey, was 
selected. Owing to the inconveniences connected with 
boarding house life for an invalid, the Bairds took a 
house, in January, 1855, and went to house-keeping, the 
Professor’s sister coming to help. The Churchills shared 
part of the house and its expenses. 
From Spencer F. Baird to Louis Agassiz. 
WasuinctTon, March 9, 1854. 
My pear ProFressor:— 
At last after long and to me vexatious delay, I have the gratifica- 
tion of fulfilling some of my many promises by sending a lot of speci- 
mens as per the enclosed list. You must and will pardon the apparent 
neglect hitherto when you realize the immense amount of occupation 
which has been on my shoulders. Industrious as I flatter myself I 
