Obscurity of the Day: Pranks of the Fourpaws

Need to get rid of those pesky bears that are always sneaking into your kitchen? Then look no further than Pranks of the Fourpaws for helpful hints. This series from the Chicago Tribune Sunday section featured animals of various species drawn by the sure and wonderful hand of W.L. Wells (see another of his series here). Not so sure or wonderful are the accompanying verses by one Clarence Patrick McDonald, who apparently could do better. A few of his poems about sports had some popularity, and he produced several books of inspirational verse.

Pranks of the Fourpaws ran in the Trib from December 20 1908 to February 28 1909.

Thanks to Cole Johnson for the scans!