While I was outstanding in a field, I see Mr. Lecuyer has farmed us out to greener pastures. This was just, as we had wandered far and wide with those Rock Island puns.
Far too broad a topic for a two foot forum!
But, while we're out here, I don't know if many folks are aware that the Rock Island's scientific approach to heavy grass right of way stabilization had an unforeseen benefit for poultry farmers adjacent to it's branch lines.
Seems that these chicken farmers had a big problem with foxes raiding their coops. This was severely effecting their profits. One strand of tough right of way grass that had been developed by the Rock's horticultural department (every respectable railroad should have one) happened to be irresistible to young foxes. They absolutely loved the stuff, especially the roots. Unfortunately this grass caused a nasty rash to develop on their tender skin, causing great misery for the little fellows. Ultimately the local fox population declined and with it the poultry farmers distress.
The Rock Island was justifiably proud of their accidental accomplishment and sought to capitalize on this by emblazing a slogan on the sides of their locomotives.
It read..........
"Root of the Raw Kits"
