Dictionary.net

A distinguished American naturalist; born at Reading, Pa., Feb. 3, 1823; died at Wood's Holl, Mass., Aug. 19, 1887. He became professor of natural sciences at Dickinson College, Carlisle, Pa., 1845; United States commissioner of fish and fisheries, 1871; secretary of the Smithsonian Institution, 1878. A very prolific writer, among his more important works may be named: a "Catalogue of North American Reptiles" (1853); "Birds of North America" (with Cassin and Lawrence, 1860); "Mammals of North America" (1858); "History of North American Birds" (with Brewer and Ridgeway, 1874-84); etc. His writings cover nearly every branch of natural history.