Baird, Spencer Fullerton

Spencer Fullerton (1823-1887), a noted American naturalist. He was born at Reading, Connecticut. He held various positions in connection with the Smithsonian Institution, becoming its secretary in 1878. His writings on North American reptiles, birds, mammals, and fishes are standard works of reference in the department of natural history. Few men have been privileged to handle so much material new to science. Few men have had as adequate facilities, and few have done their work with equal enthusiasm and fidelity. Much credit for the success of the Smithsonian and its standing in the scientific world is due to Professor Baird. See Smithsonian