448 SPENCER FULLERTON BAIRD 
and functions of the various species were an instruction 
also in refinement of mind. Nothing unclean could 
approach him. One main charm of spring’s approach 
was that then would begin our weekly rambles in field, 
meadow, wood, where Baird introduced us to his inti- 
mates. About some of these—especially snakes—most of 
us had indiscriminate superstitions. Occasionally he 
would capture some pretty and harmless snakes, and show 
us with pencillings their difference from the poisonous ones. 
He even persuaded the bolder among us to handle them. 
He kept a small barrel of these pretty reptiles in his house, 
and his little daughter used to play with them.” 
From a Manuscript Note of G. Brown Goode. 
. . There is no name which occupies a more 
honorable place in the annals of American science than 
that of Spencer Fullerton Baird. His personal contribu- 
tions to systematic biology were of vast extent. His 
influence in inspiring and training men for work as natu- 
ralists was very great. Asan organizer working at a most 
fortunate time, by knowing how to utilize extraordinary 
opportunities he has left his impress forever fixed upon 
the scientific and educational institutions of the United 
States, especially those under government control. 
He was one of those rare men, perhaps more frequently 
met with in the New World than elsewhere, who impress 
everyone with the idea of power to succeed in whatever 
they undertake. Although he chose to be a naturalist, 
and because of necessity an administrator, no one who 
knew him could doubt that he would have been equally 
eminent as a lawyer, physician, mechanic, historian, 
business man, soldier, or statesman. 
