Tarboro High School - Tar Bo Rah Yearbook (Tarboro, NC)

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But the signs are that with the evolution of these bacteria the scientist will lose his faithful helper. I draw this conclusion from the observation of certain things such as: rides to Rocky Mount, Sunday afternoon strolls, American Beauty roses, etc. But I wander. I am an historian, not a prophet; so I must return to the recounting of the incidents in the lives of our homo sapiens bacilli. I will now attempt to trace the colonies through their succeeding four years of pleasures, trials and tribulations. During these four years they were, as I have said, constantly under the care of trained persons who were to see that all conditions were made as nearly perfect as possible for their natural growth and development. Every month they were tested and biennially they were examined thoroughly; so their lives became a series of examinations. Through this process a gradual weeding of the less desirable species was car- ried out, until, by the end of the third year, nineteen superb genera were sepa- rated, specimens whom the scientist thought that he could, after one more search- ing test, pass on to humanity. This last year was to be the most pleasant of their career, yet one in which much hard work had to be done. It was during this eventful last year that the scientist noted the alarming symptoms of a terrible disease in one of the bacteria. These symptoms observed were eruptions about the ends of several branches growing near the top of the filament. The eruptions somewhat resembled Pear Blight. The ravages of this malignant disease could not be stopped except by strong and expensive drugs, such drugs as green soap and sulphur. Although the disease was very contagious only this one bacillus was affected. It was a touching sight to see the joy with which the affected one was welcomed back by his fellow members after his recovery. But enough of diseases, — let us turn to happier occurrences. I have heard it said that there is nothing more interesting to those animals called Human Beings than to observe the eccentricities and individual charac- teristics of their fellow-men. So why would not an account of the striking char- acteristics of these nineteen species of homo sapiens bacilli be interesting to them, — individualities that could be seen even by the most casual observer? For instance, one species grew to a surprising length, but was very slender and had a peculiar growth near the top which resembled a rose thorn. Another was tall but very fleshy, and frequently changed from white to red and back again. Two other species exhibited these same changes of color. Several species strong, healthy-looking and virile, had enlarged growths around the base which, reminded one of Charley Chaplin ' s feet, while others had large growths, on the top which reminded one of billiard balls (ivory domes). It was in the fourth year that the scientist became very much interested in one of his most desirable species. It was healthy-looking and of sufficient length, but it did not have breadth. He tried many different methods to make the bacillus grow in the desired direction, but without avail. He even transferred the bacillus to a raw egg culture medium. Even this infallible flesh-giver failed. The climax in the history of the bacilli was to be reached at the 25

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Senior Class History Years and years ago, in a secluded spot in Edgecombe, a great scientist dis- covered a very peculiar breed of bacteria (homo sapiens bacillus). There were only a few of these bacteria, but they exhibited such extraordinary properties that the scientist decided to give them his personal care and attention. Under his wise provisions the few developed into strong and virile colonies. They were, in those days, housed in a large wooden structure; but they were not destined to remain so secluded. They multiplied so rapidly that at the end of six years, it became necessary to transfer them. The scientist said, I have seen the mighty ant feed his louse, I have seen the ferocious mosquito suck the blood from the veins of weakly human beings, but never have I seen such growth as this. They can no longer be held within these narrow walls. They must have a home more suitable to their natural ca- pabilities. So a better and greater home was erected, and the many little ba- cilli were transferred to it. At the end of two years it was the whim of the supporters of the scientist that these bacilli should undergo a rigid test to prove that they were strong, yet gentle; cultured and refined, yet sensible; cultivated, yet able to endure the hard- ships of severe conditions and altogether fitted to enter into newer and broader fields of endeavor. Although this test was most severe and minute, every colony passed with high credit. However, the colonies were not as yet sufficiently cultivated to do their best work. Before the scientist would consent to let them be taken from his care they must pass through four years of severe study and inspection. The scientist alone could not care for these species. He must have some one who would take an interest in them and who had been especially trained for this service. He had waited seven long years for the right one to appear, one upon whom he could place this mighty privilege. He must have some one who would sacrifice everything for them, one who would give up the pleasures of life just to be with these bacteria and give them some litt le aid. At this point in their history the great master found the one for whom he had been waiting so long. I can see her now in my mind ' s eye — tall and dark complexioned, with stern, gray eyes, a sharp chin, and a Grecian nose. Her distinguishing feature, however, was those magnetic eyes. Many are the times I have seen a bacillus turn to a spirillum under her withering gaze. Part of her work, aside from caring for the needs of the bacilli, was the keeping of the records of their growth and develop- ment. This afforded her much pleasure, as one could see by the gleam from those magnetic eyes. Promptness in completing them and promptness in having them returned after inspection, was her infallible rule. 24

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end of this fourth year, when they were to pass through a thorough and searching examination. For nine long months these bacteria basked in the sunlight, absorbed food, and enjoyed life in general; but as the calm precedes the storm, as the pigs are fattened for the slaughter, so they were being prepared for their last and final test. On this eventful day they were to be proclaimed either good bacteria and sufficiently developed to be turned loose as preservers of humanity or they were to be doomed to a period of further preparation. As the results of the said examination would mean so much to humanity as well as to the bacteria, it was fitting that the test should be most severe and mi- nute, covering every point of the growth and development of the various species. If the scientist decided that the results showed the bacteria to be 70 per cent perfect, they were then to be taken from his care and given to humanity to do life ' s work alone. And it came to pass on the last day, that the scientist had the various spe- cies of bacteria placed on a large platform and a great multitude gathered to observe his handiwork, and they said, It is good. And the scientist was pleased, and turning to the audience, he said: Ladies and gentlemen, you see before you the result of eleven years of hard work. These bacteria are the product of the school system for which you spend so much of your money. Do you consider the result as worthy of the effort and resources consumed? I do not see how you can answer otherwise than in the affirmative. You have admitted by your ap- plause that their appearance is good. I consider them to be good as shown by the strong recommendation which I give in passing them on to you; but time alone will prove whether they are worthy or unworthy of the work we have ex- pended upon them. It has been said that a prophet is without honor in his own country; but we have a prophet that has honor in his own country. Under a great flood of inspiration he prophesied the future of these colonies, and it an- swered my highest hopes and anticipations; so I have no fear in giving my full assurance that these colonies of homo sapiens bacilli will prove an honor both to the institution which has reared them and to myself, who have spent so many efforts in their behalf. As the scientist retired, the audience applauded again and again. The bac- teria were then carried from the platform, and passed from the care of the scientist. This incident closes that phase of the lives of the homo which I am to relate. There are many other interesting incidents in their lives of which I could tell you. As the material is so fresh in my mind I could write volumes, but I feel that it would be a waste of energy; because I am sure that I have written enough of their history to make me and them famous. I am confident now that my name will be hailed from the housetops, written in the highest halls of fame, and passed from mouth to mouth as are the names of such famous men and women as Jess Willard, Mrs. Pankhurst, and Miss Council. So I conclude my history with this one little message to you: If my efforts on this work please you not, my friend, Cheer up! you will be glad to know that I have reached THE END Historian 26