1850 TO 1865 323 
From John Cassin to Spencer F. Baird. 
PuiLaDELPula, I Feby. 1855. 
Dear Proressor, 
I really do not like the idea of calling any bird after 
» he knew nothing about natural history nor never made any 
exertions in his life at all relating to the matter—there is no reason 
whatever that he should be complimented with the honors of a natu- 
ralist—no more than that you orI should be complimented by military 
men in a military manner—say with the title of colonel;—Col. Baird 
or Major Cassin would look very well, but would not be without 
some drawback unless fairly earned and ought not to be accepted 
otherwise, by such just men as you and I,—so with the bestowal of 
a zoological compliment on a mere military man,—Col. McCaul and 
I held a council on this subject and were unanimous in our conclu- 
sion;—as the Col. says was undoubtedly a gallant fellow, an 
excellent officer and man both professionally and socially, but no 
naturalist whatever, nor ever demonstrated a fondness for nor en- 
couragement of zoological operations. Don’t like to do it, Pro- 
fessor,—you and Leidy are particularly alike in this one respect,— 
very reasonably ungentlemanly generally, but when you get a kink 
in your heads, it is very hard for to straighten,—that’s all on this 
subject. 
T intend to proceed with the owls soon,—my 8th no. unfortunately 
did not get printed—Collins’ steam boiler busted or something of 
that sort happened, which he fully explained to me, but I don’t 
pretend to remember—the biler busting is near enough for practical 
purposes and was enough to hinder my printing, at any rate—will be 
ready in a few days. 
What has become of Gillis? Boyne wants a chance at the 
balance of his plates—what is Gov. Stevens’ name? You have 
it printed both I I and J J—which is right, proper, convenient or 
expedient? 
Please commend me to Mrs. B. and Lucy. 
Very truly yours, 
_J. Cassin. 
