APPRECIATIONS 435 
natural history and natural resources of the United 
States. In 1876 he was a member of the board on behalf 
of the United States Executive Departments at the 
International Exhibition of 1876, and the collections pre- 
pared under his direction were acknowledged to be among 
the most instructive and impressive exhibited on that 
occasion. 
“As Commissioner of Fisheries he rendered a twofold 
service. The scientific work, which was considered by 
him to be of the utmost value as a foundation for the 
practical work which was to follow, has been exceedingly 
extensive and important, and the achievements of the 
United States Government in this direction are recog- 
nized throughout the world as evidence of its enlightened 
and liberal attitude toward scientific research. Fifteen 
years ago less was known in this country of the natural 
history of our waters than perhaps in any other civilized 
country of the world. In 1877, however, it was generally 
conceded by foreign naturalists that the United States 
was further advanced than any other country in this 
department of science. The scientific work of the com- 
mission has always been conducted with reference to 
definite and practical results, and the economic side of 
the work of the Fish Commission is comparatively in a 
still more advanced condition. 
“Tt seems hardly necessary to dwell upon the results 
in fish-culture attained by the commission under Professor 
Baird’s direction. You are thoroughly familiar with the 
manner in which certain fisheries, such as the shad fishery 
of the Atlantic coast, the salmon fishery of the Pacific 
coast, and the whitefish fishery of the Great Lakes, have 
been saved from destruction; how the Asiatic carp has’ 
been planted in the 20,000 or more ponds and lakes in 
