The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1892-08-18

1g-A s9"sePe55 <S, in response ns's to
the toast "The Shillalah in the
School Room and at the Fireside. -
He said
/ The Shillalah in the school, mathe-
matically expressed is the root of the
/ backbone raised to 'steenth power.
/ As as exponent it can be raised to any
degree. In the right angle triangle
represented by the letters a, B and C.,
y standing for teacher, B, the Shil-
lalah, c, the pupil, it forms the most
active factor. While the Shillalah Is
often used in the school to describe a
circle, its most popular use is in form
ing an arc. In the rule of three give
1t the first three terms and it is sure to
! hnd the fourth to make out the correct
proportion.
1t never stands in algebra for X, Y
or L, for its quantity is known, neither
is it used in fractions, for it is always
employed as a whole number.
AS a part of speech the ShillaIah
can be a noun, verb, or an inter
jcction. As noun it should always
be spelt with capital and, if possible,
employed in the singular. Its gender
is neuter although often expressed in
the masculine.
The Shillalah is a verb because it
expresses an assertion, as, "The boy
Shillalahs;" "The teacher Shillalahed
/ Jim" 1t is as singular a verb as it is
a noun. Active, first, second or third
person to suit convenience; used in
the present tense but remembered in
the future. 1t is also found in the
imperative mode, singular, present
tense, as, second person, "Shilallah
you," third person, 'sLet him be Shil-
lahed." AS an inteDection it ex-
presses sudden emotion, as, ooh, Shil-
lalah!"
In the school the Shillalah is essen
TALLY a leader. While it does not
enter into the pleasures of the school
room, it is a quiet observer. 1t always
takes part in debates and is convincing
in its arguments. Naturally of a Sc
riOus nature, yet it enters with spirit
into all song and dance games, where
the teacher and pupil take part. AS
one of the many objects found in
schools, it is more respected than all
the others. OF quiet disposition,
retiring, non-communiCative, it some
how becomes acquainted with nearly
every pupil.
The Shillalah in the school is more
of companion to the teacher than a
friend of the scholars.
The Shillalah is the In hoc signo
0inces OF the flreside. 1t is both use
full and ornamental. 1t is known to
every one in family, yet is never rec
ognized as a friend. While usually a
companion of the head of the house
hold, the Shillalah often follows some
of the younger members, unsolicited
on their part, accompanying them to
remote portions of the house, some
times even into the woodshed. The
Snillalah is strict home ruler 1t is
not much of talker but is very con-
vincing in its arguments. At some
flresides it is quiet and seldom seen,
while at others it is always in the fam
lily circle.
The Shillalah possesses some re-
markable medicinal properties, which
make it invaluable at the fireside. In
some childish disorders, if quickly ap-
piled the trouble can be dispelled
inside of one minute. In some dis
eases the mere sight of it has worked
wonders, causing lameness to disap-
pear, all pain to cease. In cases of
hills, while it removes the chill, it is
likely to produce fever
The Shillalah is natural heat pro-
fucer. Its heat IS OF a lasting quality.
There is no sham about it, and once
,eit it Will be long remembered.
At the hreside the Shillalah is an
olject of respect and veneration among
he young.
Among those older it recalls many
sad memories while to those who have
come to be its master, it produces a
Tariety of emotions only to be felt by
PERSONAL experience. Coming gener
atoms like unto those which have
passed away, in the school and at the
1rcslde, can appreciate and love ths
Shillalah only by coming into Close
contact with II