From the Lawrence Daily Journal-World for Oct. 28, 1911:

• “A. G. Pike, state pure food inspector, was in town today…. Mr. Pike told us interesting stories of his work in the state. ‘I went into one of the largest western towns,’ he said, ‘where there were four grocery stores all in a row. I asked each one to show me the measures they used for selling cranberries. They all gave me their quart measures and none of them was like the other. And they were all supposed to be selling a quart. Some were over, some less, but we insist on the measures not being too small or too little — but just right.'”
• “The Frye family living at 709 Florida has a fine goat for a family pet. When the grass grew too high the goat was turned loose and kept the grass down to the required height. Not only did it save the energy of pushing a lawn mower but the grass was nutritious for the animal…. Broer Gustafson, who lives at 942 New Hampshire street, has probably the most novel idea for keeping his grass cut. The Gustafson family has a large white rabbit for a family pet. Generally these big bunnies are nice to have around, but they are not much good as far as usage is concerned. However, the Gustafson bunny worked industriously. He is kept in a large cage that is moved around in the yard. As soon as Bunny nibbles off the grass in one spot he is moved to another. By this manner the whole yard finally is trimmed down in fine condition. Passersby who know about the pet lawn mower stop and watch it, as everyone in the neighborhood is loud in praise of the work the white rabbit does.”