APPRECIATIONS 447 
he combined the functions of administrator and investi- 
gator. This combination did not interfere apparently 
with his scientific work. This was pursued in a fragmen- 
tary way—subject to innumerable interruptions and 
revisions, without impairment. He once told me that he 
wrote his book on the North American birds in sittings 
which could not have averaged over fifteen minutes. 
His industry was enormous. He lost no time by mis- 
directed efforts—indeed he was a personation of sys- 
tematic energy. Thus doubtless it came to pass that the 
ends for which he so persistently fought were achieved, 
and that his name will be associated for all time with 
the first comprehensive plan for the organization of science 
in America. 
I remain, yours truly, 
Harrison ALLEN. 
From the Autobiography of Moncure D. Conway,‘ vol. 1, 
P- 49, 1904. 
“Baird, the youngest of the Faculty, was the beloved 
professor and the ideal student. He was beautiful and 
also manly; all that was finest in the forms he explained 
to us seemed to be represented in the man. He possessed 
the art of getting knowledge into the dullest pupil. So 
fine was his spirit that his explanations of all the organs 
*Moncure Daniel Conway, born at Falmouth, Va., March 17, 
1832; in whose autobiography may be found an interesting picture 
of life at Dickinson College in the “forties,” from the standpoint of 
a student as remembered by him in his later years. He was a student 
of Baird’s who became a radical and reformer and had a career both 
stormy and picturesque, was much loved and hated, praised and 
condemned, but of unquestioned ability and courage. 
