The sun. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1833-1916, 1899-06-04
DOCS USED As BAROMETERS.
They Arc Also Useful to Shippers of Lake
Craft in Case of Fog.


Craft in Case of Fog.
BUFFALO. June 3.-Masters OF steamers and
tow barges on the lakes have a fondness for
dogs. and on dozens OF the boats running be-
tween Lake Erie ports and upper lake ports
logs are carried. Sailors generally show an
inclination for pets. but the dog Is something
more than pet on the lakes He is a valuable
member OF the crew he is considered as
trustworthy as a barometer In giving notice OF
an approaching storm. Most OF these dogs are
towards In storms. Occasionally Captain
finds dog that is not afraid OF heavy weather
and seems to enjoy the rolling or pitching OF
the boat but as a rule dogs are afraid OF a
gale as woman passenger. and at the first
sign Of a storm hunt for a hiding place.
Il had dog that was as much like woman
as It was possible for an animal to be-" said a
Captain who has carried dog with him for
nearly quarter Of a century. He could tell
a storm was coming long before could notice
1t. and often before the barometer would
change. He would come to me whining and
crying. and couldn't keep him away from my
heels. He seemed to be asking me to put him
ashore or to find a comfortable place for him.
used to feel sorry for him. he'd carry on So
When tho storm would strike us he would be
out OF sight. and we often found HIM hiding
under the hunks and In corners where he could
not see anything and could not be easily seen.
believe that II he could have done 1t he would
have jumped into bed and pulled the covers
over his head
I'VE wero always very careful that he didn't
get hurt in loading or unloading. for he was
worth good deal OF money to US. Many
time. when we had a thick fog. I'd hunt for
that dog and keep him near ma, He was bet
away than man could see IL In fair weather,
and all Of us kept close watch on him during
a fog. IL he jumped up and down as though
something pleased him very much you could
be certain that we were getting close TO land.
remom Der one time we were coming down
We had had fog all the way up and Jackson
that was his name, was pretty tired OF sailing
when we reached Duluth and tried 10 Jump us
but we couldn't spare him and he stayed with
us. We didn't have as many lights in those
days as we do now and II was no easy thing to
take boat from the upper end OF Lake Superior
20 Sault Ste Marie in afog that was with you all
the time.
jackson was so disgusted that he lost all
interest In the boat and spent the time sleeping
on deck. When We were about abreast White
fish Point was figuring that we were outside
far enough to be safe. and was not the least bit
nervous. Suddenly Jackson jumped up and
ran to tho rail and put his paws up as though
he expected to look right over to dock.
saw him and at once gave the engineer
the signal to check and jackson barked as
though he was INN ensely pleased, | signaed |
TO stop and yelled to the first mate to get out
the lead. Just than ! saw a lumber schooner |
loom up in the fog and III tell you we were so |
close together W hen she passed that could |
almost touch her booms. That dog had smelled |
that boat. sure as you're horn. and i hadn't |
checked there would have been collision and |
then a suit. and would have had hard work to |
explain why was not sounding fog signal"