120 



Missouri Agricultural Report 



Harry B. Hawes. 



DOGS AND A SUGGESTION. 



(Hon. Harry B. Hawes, St. Louis.) 



Fellow farmers, I practice law to support a farm; some here 



may conduct a farm to support a lawyer. 

 There is an old Irish adage, "When 

 all fruits fail welcome haws." I at- 

 tribute my invitation to speak to a 

 partial failure in the fall crop of 

 orators. 



Together with a living every man 

 is entitled to at least one hobby. 



An old-fashioned lady told me her 

 hubby was her hobby, but times have 

 changed; the new woman most fre- 

 quently has hobby for hubby, not 

 hubby for hobby. 



My hobby came to me in my 

 eighth year in the person of a terrier dog, part Skye, part Scotch, 

 but all dog. A fussy, fuzzy fellow who, contrary to rules, slept 

 under my bed, fought his way to school with me each day, took 

 a keen interest in marbles, played ball Saturday afternoons, 

 swam the river, a companion in all youthful adventures, a con- 

 fidential friend, shared all my joys and gave sympathy for my 

 sorrows. Drawing a homemade wagon in summer he was 

 harnessed to a sled in winter. 



A considerate, courteous, chivalrous gentleman who died 

 like a soldier on the field of battle. Locked in a death struggle 

 with a larger dog he was about to gain new laurels for his proud 

 friend when crushed by the wheels of a fire engine. We gave 

 him a christian burial, and for many years the little mound 

 which held poor Toby's remains was visited by devoted friends, 

 who, appreciating his sterling worth, kept green his memory. 

 This was thirty-six years ago, and each year since has 

 found me either the part or whole owner of at least one dog and 

 at times as many as thirty. Some were presents, some five- 

 dollar dogs and others cost more than a blue-ribbon gaited 

 saddle horse. 



There are more different breeds of dogs than of horses, 

 cattle, sheep or poultry. He is the oldest domesticated animal, 

 and assisted his master to procure food and defend against his 



