408 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
J. W. Powell at the Memorial meeting of the scientific 
societies of Washington, in January, 1888. 
“He returned to his work by the seaside that he'might 
die in its midst. There, at Wood’s Hole, he had created 
a great biologic laboratory; and at that laboratory, with 
the best results of his life-work all around him, he calmly 
and philosophically waited for the time of times. Three 
days before he died he asked to be placed in a chair 
provided with wheels. On this he was moved around the 
pier, past the vessels which he had built for research, 
and through the laboratory, where many men were at 
work at their biologic investigations. For every one he 
had a word of good cheer, though he knew it was the last. 
At the same time, along the pier and through the labora- 
tory, a little child was wheeled. ‘We are rivals,’ he said, 
‘but I think that I am the bigger baby.’ In this supreme 
hour he was playing with a child. Then he was carried 
to his chamber, where he soon became insensible, and 
remained so until he was no more. 
““*Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see 
God.’”’ 
Professor Baird died August 19th, 1888. On the 
following day services were held by the Rev. H. H. Neals. 
The remains were transferred to Washington and placed 
in the vault built by him at Oak Hill Cemetery, where 
now repose the Churchills, the Professor’s widow, and 
his only daughter; the former dying Dec. 22, 1891, and 
Miss Lucy Hunter Baird, June 19, 1913. 
