SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             Washington, D.C. 20549

                                    FORM 10Q

                QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE
                         SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

                         For Quarter Ended June 30, 2000

                           Commission File No. 1-4582


                             RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
           -----------------------------------------------------------
             (Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

           MISSOURI                                   43-0470580
          ------------------------------------------------------------
     (State  of  Incorporation)     (I.R.S.  Employer  Identification  No.)

     CHECKERBOARD  SQUARE,  ST.  LOUIS  MISSOURI           63164
          ------------------------------------------------------------
     (Address  of  principal  executive  offices)     (Zip  Code)

                                 (314) 982-1000
          ------------------------------------------------------------
              (Registrant's telephone number, including area code)



Registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d)
of  the  Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months, and (2)
has  been  subject  to  such  filing  requirements  for  the  past  90  days.

     YES:   X     NO:  _____
          ---

Number  of shares of Ralston Purina common stock, $.10 par value, outstanding as
of  the  close  of  business  on  August  9,  2000: 306,968,656

<PAGE>
PART  I  -  FINANCIAL  INFORMATION


                             RALSTON PURINA COMPANY
                      MANAGEMENT'S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS
                            OF FINANCIAL INFORMATION
                   (dollars in millions except per share data)
        ----------------------------------------------------------------

OPERATING  RESULTS

Net  earnings  for the nine months ended June 30, 2000 were $446.9, or $1.55 and
$1.53  per share on a basic and diluted basis, respectively, compared to $341.2,
or  $1.10 and $1.08 per basic and diluted share, in the prior year.  Included in
net earnings for the current nine months are earnings from continuing operations
of $353.0, or $1.22 and $1.21 per basic and diluted share, respectively, and net
earnings  from  discontinued operations of $93.9, or $.33 and $.32 per basic and
diluted  share.  For  the prior year nine months, net earnings included earnings
from  continuing  operations  of  $297.6, or $.96 and $.94 per basic and diluted
share,  respectively, and net earnings from discontinued operations of $43.6, or
$.14 per basic and diluted share.  Net earnings from discontinued operations for
both  periods  represent  results  of the Battery Products business (Energizer),
which  was  spun off to shareholders on April 1, 2000 in a tax free transaction.
Pro forma comparisons are presented below to reflect the impact of the spin-off.
(See  pro  forma  earnings  from  continuing  operations  in  Note  19.)

Pro  forma  earnings from continuing operations for the current nine months were
$360.7 and include a net pro forma adjustment of $7.7 and several unusual items,
which increased net earnings by $127.5.  The net pro forma adjustment represents
a  reduction  in interest expense due to the change in debt structure associated
with  the spin-off of Energizer, net of an adjustment to income taxes to reflect
the  Company's post-spin-off tax rate.  Unusual items included in the period are
as  follows:  an  unrealized  after-tax  gain  of  $89.3,  or $.31 per basic and
diluted  share,  representing  a  market value adjustment of the Company's stock
appreciation  income  linked securities (SAILS) debt; an after-tax gain of $7.1,
or  $.02  per  basic and diluted share, on the sale of shares of E.I. du Pont de
Nemours  and  Company  (DuPont)  common  stock;  and  capital  loss tax benefits
totaling  $31.1,  or  $.11  per  basic  and  diluted  share.

Pro  forma  earnings  from  continuing  operations for the prior year nine-month
period  were  $310.1,  which  included  a net pro forma adjustment of $12.5, for
reduced  interest expense and an adjustment of income taxes, and several unusual
items  which  increased  net  earnings  by  $96.2,  as  follows:  an  unrealized
after-tax  gain  of  $84.6,  or $.27 per basic and diluted share, representing a
SAILS  market  value adjustment; an after-tax gain of $8.4, or $.03 and $.02 per
basic  and  diluted share, respectively, on the sale of DuPont common stock; and
an  after-tax  reversal  of a prior year's restructuring charge of $3.2, or $.01
per  basic  and  diluted  share.

Pro  forma earnings from continuing operations before unusual items for the nine
months  ended  June 30, 2000 were $233.2, or $.81 and $.80 per basic and diluted
share,  respectively, compared to $213.9, or $.69 and $.68 per basic and diluted
share  in  the  prior  year.  The  $19.3  increase,  or  9.0%,  was  primarily
attributable  to  higher operating earnings from each of the Company's operating
segments,  partially  offset  by  lower  equity  earnings  from  the  Company's
investment  in  Interstate  Bakeries  Corporation  (IBC).

For  the quarter ended June 30, 2000, net earnings were $61.1, or $.21 per basic
and  diluted  share, compared to $57.2, or $.18 per basic and diluted share, for
the same quarter in 1999.  Net earnings for the current quarter include earnings
from  continuing operations of $66.8, or $.23 per basic and diluted share, and a
net  loss  from  discontinued  operations of $5.7, or $.02 per basic and diluted
share.  Net  earnings  for  the  prior  year  quarter  included  earnings  from
continuing  operations  of $61.4, or $.19 per basic and diluted share, and a net
loss  from discontinued operations of $4.2, or $.01 per basic and diluted share.

Earnings  from continuing operations of $66.8 for the current quarter include an
unrealized  after-tax  gain on SAILS debt of $2.5, or $.01 per basic and diluted
share.  Prior  year  third quarter pro forma earnings from continuing operations
were $66.1 and included a net pro forma adjustment of $4.7, for reduced interest
expense  and  an  adjustment  of  income  taxes, and several unusual items which
increased net earnings by $2.9.  These unusual items included the aforementioned
after-tax  gain  on  the  sale  of  DuPont  stock of $8.4, or $.03 per basic and
diluted  share;  the aforementioned after-tax restructuring reversal of $3.2, or
$.01  per  basic and diluted share; and an unrealized after-tax loss of $8.7, or
$.03  per basic and diluted share, representing a SAILS market value adjustment.

Earnings  from  continuing  operations  before  unusual items were $64.3 for the
current quarter compared to pro forma earnings from continuing operations before
unusual  items  of  $63.2 for the prior year quarter.  The earnings increase was
attributable  to  higher  segment  profitability, largely offset by lower equity
earnings  from  the  Company's  investment  in  IBC.

During  its fourth quarter ended June 3, 2000, IBC reported that one-time events
for  work  stoppage,  worker's  compensation  and  start-up  costs  reduced  its
operating  income  by  $23.6, or $.22 per diluted share.  The Company's share of
these  one-time  charges included in equity earnings for the current quarter and
nine  months  was  approximately  $4.3.

Earnings from continuing operations before unusual items were $.22 per basic and
diluted  share  for  the  current quarter compared to $.20 in the prior year, an
increase  of  10.0%.  A reduced number of shares outstanding in the current year
quarter  favorably  impacted  earnings  per  share.

RESULTS  OF  CONTINUING  OPERATIONS

Net  sales increased 4.0% and 2.8% in the nine months and quarter ended June 30,
2000, respectively.  In the nine months, sales increased on higher sales in each
of  the  Company's  operating  segments.  In  the  quarter,  sales increased for
International  Pet  Foods  and  Golden Products, while sales were flat for North
American  Pet Foods.  See the following section for comments on sales changes by
operating  segment.

Gross  profit  increased $114.6, or 10.1%, in the current nine months and $20.8,
or  5.6%, in the current quarter due to increases in all operating segments.  As
a  percentage  of  sales, gross profit was 59.7% in the current year nine months
compared  to  56.3%  a  year  ago.  In  the  current  quarter,  the gross profit
percentage  was  58.9%  compared  to 57.4% in the prior year third quarter.  The
increased  percentage  in both current year periods reflects margin improvements
in  North  American  Pet Foods, and International Pet Foods for the nine months,
partially  offset  by  decreased  margins  in  Golden  Products.

Selling,  general and administrative expenses increased 3.8% in the current nine
months  and  1.4% in the quarter.  The increase for the nine months is primarily
attributable  to  increases  in  North  American Pet Foods and International Pet
Foods.  Selling,  general and administrative expenses were 17.7% of sales in the
current  and prior year nine-month periods.  For the current year third quarter,
these  expenses  were  19.0%  of  sales  compared  to  19.2%  a  year  ago.

Advertising and promotion expense increased 13.4% in the current nine months due
to  increases  in  all  operating  segments.  In  the  quarter,  advertising and
promotion expense increased 4.9% due to increases in International Pet Foods and
Golden  Products.  As  a  percentage of sales, advertising and promotion expense
was  21.7% and 21.0% in the current nine months and third quarter, respectively,
compared  to  19.9%  and  20.6%  in  the  same  periods  a  year  ago.

Income  taxes  include federal, state and foreign taxes.  Pro forma income taxes
excluding  the  aforementioned unusual items in each period were 34.4% and 33.5%
of  pre-tax  pro forma earnings before equity earnings for the current and prior
year  nine  months,  respectively.   Income  taxes  before unusual items for the
current  quarter  were 34.0% of pre-tax earnings before equity earnings compared
to  pro  forma income taxes before unusual items in the prior year third quarter
of  33.4%.

OPERATING  SEGMENTS

See Note 3 of the Notes to Condensed Financial Statements for a table of segment
sales  and  profitability for the quarters and nine-month periods ended June 30,
2000  and  1999.

Sales  for  North  American Pet Foods increased 1.9% in the nine months and were
flat in the quarter.  The sales increase for the nine months was attributable to
branded  pet food volume increases and a favorable product mix, partially offset
by  the discontinuance of lower margin products.  In the third quarter, slightly
lower  volumes,  primarily  driven  by the continued elimination of lower margin
products,  were offset by a favorable product mix.  This segment's super premium
pet  food business continued to report sales and volume increases in the quarter
and  nine  months.

Profitability for North American Pet Foods increased 9.1% in the nine months and
6.8%  in  the  quarter.  The nine-month profitability increase resulted from the
sales  increase  and  lower  ingredient  costs,  partially  offset  by increased
advertising  and  promotion expense.  The increased profitability in the quarter
was  a  result  of  lower  ingredient  costs.

International  Pet  Foods'  sales increased 7.2% in the nine months and 11.4% in
the  quarter.   These  increases  are  the  result  of  volume  increases in all
regions,  partially  offset  by  unfavorable foreign exchange and an unfavorable
product  mix  in  certain  South  American  markets.

Profitability  for  this segment increased 17.4% in the nine months and 36.4% in
the  quarter.  These increases are due to the sales increases, increased margins
for  the  nine  months, and a one-time adjustment related to foreign value-added
taxes  in the prior year quarter.  These favorable effects were partially offset
by  increased  advertising  and  promotion  expenses,  and  selling, general and
administrative  expenses, as well as expenses associated with expansion into the
Asian  market.

Sales  for  Golden  Products increased 18.4% in the nine months and 16.0% in the
quarter  due  to  significant  volume  increases  in scooping litter, as well as
increased  conventional  litter  volumes,  and  new product introductions in the
third  quarter.  During the quarter, the Company introduced secondnatureTM brand
dog  litter  and  Tidy  Cat  CrystalsTM,  a  synthetic  cat  litter.

Profitability  for Golden Products increased 14.0% in the nine months due to the
sales  increase,  partially  offset  by  increased  product  costs and increased
advertising  and  promotion  expenses.  In  the quarter, profitability decreased
4.2%  as  increased  sales  were more than offset by increased product costs and
higher  advertising and promotion expenses, primarily related to the new product
introductions.

FINANCIAL  CONDITION

The Company's primary source of liquidity is cash flow generated from continuing
operations.  The  Company's investments in DuPont, IBC and Conoco, Inc. B common
stock  provide  additional sources of liquidity.  For the nine months ended June
30,  2000, cash flow from continuing operations was $191.0 compared to $281.0 in
the  nine  months ended June 30, 1999.  The decrease in cash flow in the current
nine  months  results from changes in working capital items, primarily increased
accounts  receivable  and  decreased  current  liabilities.

Current  liabilities,  which  includes  $217.0  of  SAILS debt, exceeded current
assets by $309.2 at June 30, 2000.  (For further information on the SAILS, refer
to SAILS Maturity below.)  Current liabilities exceeded current assets by $967.4
at  September  30, 1999.  The improved working capital position at June 30, 2000
results  primarily  from  a  decrease in notes payable and current maturities of
long-term  debt.

In  connection  with  the  spin-off  of  Energizer on April 1, 2000, the Company
received  $478  from  new  borrowings  during the second quarter ended March 31,
2000,  and  then  assigned this debt to Energizer.  The majority of the proceeds
from  the  borrowings  were used by the Company to pay down its short-term debt.
During  the  third  quarter  ended June 30, 2000, the  Company made a payment of
$19.5  to  Energizer,  representing  a  post-spin-off  adjustment  required  in
connection  with  the  spin-off  agreement.

The  Company  used cash of $398.0 during the nine months ended June 30, 2000 for
share  repurchases.  As of August 9, 2000, approximately 762,000 shares remained
under  the  Board  of  Directors'  authorization dated December 20, 1999 for the
purchase of 8,000,000 shares of RAL Stock.  A new authorization for the purchase
of  8,000,000  additional  shares  of  RAL  stock  was  approved by the Board of
Directors on May 25, 2000.  These authorizations are in addition to a continuing
authorization  permitting  the  Company  to  acquire,  from  time to time and at
prevailing  market  prices,  shares of RAL Stock that may be offered for sale by
the  trustee  of the Company's Savings Investment Plan as a result of investment
directions  from  participants  in  the  plan.

SAILS  MARK-TO-MARKET  ADJUSTMENT

Results  for the current nine months and quarter include an unrealized after-tax
gain of $89.3 and $2.5, respectively, or $139.5 and $3.9 pre-tax, representing a
market  value  adjustment  of  the  Company's  stock  appreciation income linked
securities (SAILS) debt.  On a per share basis, this gain was $.31 per basic and
diluted  share  for the nine months and $.01 per basic and diluted share for the
quarter.  During  the  prior  year  nine-month  period,  the Company recorded an
unrealized  gain  on  the  SAILS  debt  of  $84.6 and $132.2 on an after-tax and
pre-tax basis, respectively, or $.27 per basic and diluted share.  For the prior
year  quarter, there was an unrealized after-tax loss of $8.7, or $.03 per basic
and  diluted  share.

At June 30, 2000, the cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain since the debt issuance
is  $263.0,  representing the difference between the debt's value at issuance of
$480  and  the  current  cash  settlement value of the debt, based on 15,498,000
shares  of  IBC  common stock and an IBC stock price of $14.00 per share at June
30,  2000.

For  accounting  purposes,  terms  of the SAILS require them to be marked to the
cash value of the underlying IBC common shares into which they may be exchanged.

The  Company's investment in IBC is included in Investments and Other Assets and
is  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method of accounting, which results in a
carrying  value  different  from  the  current  market  value of the investment.

SAILS  MATURITY

At maturity on August 1, 2000, the SAILS (Ralston Purina Company 7% Exchangeable
Notes)  were settled in cash for $243.0, pursuant to the provisions of the SAILS
and  the  Trust Indenture. Those provisions provided that the amount of cash for
settlement  be  based  on  15,498,000 shares of IBC stock and an average closing
price  on  the New York Stock Exchange of IBC stock on the 20 trading days prior
to  maturity.  The  settlement amount reflects a final market loss adjustment of
$26.0  pre-tax,  or  $16.7  after-tax, recorded in the Company's fourth quarter.

IBC  COMMON  STOCK

On  August  1,  2000,  the Company sold 2,551,020 shares of IBC stock to IBC for
$40.0.  Pursuant  to  a  share  purchase  agreement with IBC, the Company will
sell an additional  12,946,980  shares  of  IBC stock to IBC for approximately
$204.0 by September  1,  2000.  These  transactions  will  result  in an after-
tax gain of approximately  $25.0.

Upon  completion  of  the sale to IBC on September 1, 2000, the Company will own
14,848,154  shares  of IBC stock.  Under the shareholder agreement with IBC, the
Company  is required to reduce its stake in IBC to no more than 15% as of August
1,  2004  and  to  no  more  than 10% as of August 1, 2005.  During the 12 month
period following August 1, 2005, IBC has a call to purchase any IBC shares owned
by  the  Company  at  110%  of  the  market  value, as defined in the agreement.

ESOP  CONVERSION

At the end of December 1998, the Company converted all of the outstanding shares
of Series A 6.75% Preferred Stock (Redeemable Preferred Stock) into RAL Stock in
accordance  with  terms  of  the  Redeemable  Preferred  Stock.  To  effect this
conversion,  the Company issued 13,505,609 shares held in Treasury and 2,209,192
authorized  but  previously  unissued  shares  of  RAL  Stock.

MARKET  RISK

The  market  risk  inherent  in the Company's net foreign currency investment in
foreign  subsidiaries  and  affiliates  translated  into  U.S. dollars decreased
significantly  as  a  result of the spin-off of the Battery Products business on
April  1,  2000.  Using  exchange  rates  at  the  end of the current year third
quarter,  this  net foreign currency investment was approximately $167, compared
to  $736  at  the  end  of  fiscal  year  1999.


RECENTLY  ISSUED  ACCOUNTING  RULE

On  May  18,  2000,  the  Emerging Issues Task Force of the Financial Accounting
Standards  Board  (EITF) reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-14, "Accounting for
Coupons, Rebates and Discounts."  This issue addresses the accounting and income
statement  classification  for  rebates  and  other discounts.  The consensus is
effective for the Company's fourth quarter of fiscal year 2001.  The Company has
not  completed  its  evaluation to determine the impact of EITF No. 00-14 on its
financial  statements.

FORWARD-LOOKING  STATEMENTS

Statements  in  this  document  that  are  not  historical  are  forward-looking
statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of
1995.  The  Company  cautions  readers  not  to  place  undue  reliance  on  any
forward-looking  statements,  which  speak  only  as  of  the  date  made.

The  Company  advises  readers that various risks and uncertainties could affect
its  financial  performance  and  could  cause  the Company's actual results for
future  periods to differ materially from those anticipated or projected.  These
risks  and  uncertainties  include  those  detailed  from  time  to  time in the
Company's publicly-filed documents, including its Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the  period  ended  September  30,  1999.





<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                         RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                           CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF EARNINGS
                                       (UNAUDITED)
                           (IN MILLIONS EXCEPT PER SHARE DATA)


                                                     QUARTER ENDED JUNE 30,         NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                   --------------------------      ---------------------------
                                                     2000        1999                2000           1999
                                                   ----------  --------            ---------     ----------
<S>                                                   <C>        <C>                  <C>            <C>
Net Sales                                            $668.3     $650.1              $2,087.4      $2,006.8
                                                   ----------  --------            ---------     -----------
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold                                 274.5      277.1                 842.0         876.0
Selling, general and administrative                   126.8      125.1                 369.4         356.0
Advertising and promotion                             140.2      133.7                 452.4         399.1
Interest expense                                       39.7       43.9                 131.1         136.8
Restructuring reversals                                 -         (3.2)                  -            (3.2)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on SAILS debt                   (3.9)      13.6                (139.5)       (132.2)
Gain on sale of DuPont stock                            -        (13.1)                (11.1)        (13.1)
Other (income)/expense, net                            (6.8)      (5.4)                (23.7)        (25.3)
                                                   ----------  ---------           -----------   -----------
                                                      570.5      571.7               1,620.6       1,594.1
                                                   ----------  ---------           -----------   -----------

Earnings from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings                97.8       78.4                  466.8        412.7

Income Tax Provision                                  (33.3)     (25.6)                (129.9)      (140.9)

Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                           2.3        8.6                   16.1         25.8
                                                   ----------  ---------           -----------   -----------

Earnings from Continuing Operations                    66.8       61.4                  353.0         297.6

Net Earnings/(Loss) from Discontinued Operations       (5.7)      (4.2)                  93.9          43.6
                                                   ----------  ---------           -----------   -----------

Net Earnings                                           61.1       57.2                  446.9         341.2

Preferred Stock Dividend, Net of Taxes                  -          -                      -            (2.6)
                                                   ----------  ---------           -----------   -----------

Earnings Available to Common Shareholders             $61.1      $57.2                 $446.9        $338.6
                                                   ==========   =========          ============   ===========

Cash Dividends Declared per Common Share             $ -          $0.10                  $0.17         $0.30
                                                   ==========   =========          ============   ===========

Earnings Per Share
Basic
Earnings from continuing operations                    $0.23      $0.19                  $1.22         $0.96
Net earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations       (0.02)     (0.01)                  0.33          0.14
                                                   ----------    --------              ---------     ---------
Net Earnings                                           $0.21      $0.18                  $1.55         $1.10
                                                   ==========   =========          ============   ===========

Diluted
Earnings from continuing operations                    $0.23      $0.19                  $1.21          $0.94
Net earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations       (0.02)     (0.01)                  0.32           0.14
                                                   ----------    --------              ---------     ---------
Net Earnings                                           $0.21      $0.18                  $1.53          $1.08
                                                   ==========    =========             =========     =========

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.

</TABLE>

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                      RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                            CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEET
                             (CONDENSED AND UNAUDITED)
                               (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)

                                                               JUNE 30,      SEPTEMBER 30,
                                                            ------------  ---------------
                                                                2000           1999
                                                            ------------  ---------------
<S>                                                             <C>             <C>
ASSETS

Current Assets
Cash and cash equivalents                                       $53.7         $56.6
Receivables, less allowance for doubtful accounts
of $4.7 and $4.7, respectively                                  216.7         203.6
Inventories
Raw materials and supplies                                       48.3          45.2
Finished products                                                81.3          74.0
Other current assets                                             29.7          38.8
                                                             ----------    ----------
Total Current Assets                                            429.7         418.2

Investments and Other Assets                                  2,097.7       2,403.8

Investment in Discontinued Operations                             -         1,323.7

Property at Cost                                              1,210.4       1,164.2
Accumulated depreciation                                        600.8         574.7
                                                             ----------    ----------
                                                                609.6         589.5
                                                             ----------    ----------
Total                                                        $3,137.0      $4,735.2
                                                             ==========    ==========





LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS EQUITY

Current Liabilities
Current maturities of long-term debt                           $222.0        $370.1
Notes payable                                                   158.2         572.0
Accounts payable                                                127.4         177.2
Other current liabilities                                       231.3         266.3
                                                              ---------    ---------
Total Current Liabilities                                       738.9       1,385.6

Long-Term Debt                                                1,251.7       1,249.9

Deferred Income Taxes                                           340.1         435.2

Other Liabilities                                               418.5         407.5

Shareholders Equity
Common stock                                                     32.9          32.9
Capital in excess of par value                                  183.0         172.8
Retained earnings                                             1,265.4       1,871.7
Common stock in treasury, at cost                              (508.8)       (493.7)
Unearned portion of restricted stock                             (0.7)         (2.9)
Value of common stock held in Grantor Trust                    (370.5)       (199.6)

Cumulative translation adjustment                               (18.4)        (98.4)
Net unrealized holding loss on available-for-sale securities   (193.8)        (24.5)
Minimum pension liability                                        (1.3)         (1.3)
                                                              ---------    ---------
Accumulated other comprehensive income                         (213.5)       (124.2)
                                                              ---------    ---------
Total Shareholders Equity                                       387.8       1,257.0
                                                             ----------   ----------
Total                                                        $3,137.0      $4,735.2
                                                             ==========   ==========

See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                        RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                         CONSOLIDATED STATEMENT OF CASH FLOWS
                               (CONDENSED AND UNAUDITED)
                                 (DOLLARS IN MILLIONS)


                                                                NINE MONTHS ENDED JUNE 30,
                                                                --------------------------

                                                                      2000      1999
                                                                      ----      ----
<S>                                                                   <C>        <C>
Cash Flow from Operations
Net earnings                                                         $446.9    $341.2
Unrealized gain on SAILS debt                                        (139.5)   (132.2)
Net earnings from discontinued operations                             (93.9)    (43.6)
Gain on sale of DuPont stock                                          (11.1)    (13.1)
Non-cash items included in income                                     101.9     137.8
Changes in assets and liabilities used in operations                  (78.8)     30.4
Other, net                                                            (34.5)    (39.5)
                                                                    --------  --------
Cash flow from continuing operations                                  191.0     281.0
Cash flow from discontinued operations                                214.4     200.6
                                                                    --------  --------
Net cash flow from operations                                         405.4     481.6
                                                                    --------  --------

Cash Flow from Investing Activities
Property additions, net                                               (78.2)    (71.0)
Proceeds from the sale of DuPont stock                                 88.6     124.5
Other, net                                                            (25.0)     (2.8)
                                                                    --------  --------
Cash from (used by) investing activities - continuing operations      (14.6)     50.7
Cash used by investing activities - discontinued operations            (1.6)    (35.6)
                                                                    --------  --------
Net cash from (used by) investing activities                          (16.2)     15.1
                                                                    --------  --------

Cash Flow from Financing Activities
Net cash payment of debt                                             (411.6)   (285.9)
Dividends paid                                                        (77.8)   (101.1)
Treasury stock purchases                                             (398.0)   (115.6)
Other, net                                                             18.6      28.6
                                                                    --------  --------
Cash used by financing activities - continuing operations            (868.8)   (474.0)
Cash from (used by) financing activities - discontinued operations    478.1      (4.5)
                                                                    --------  --------
Net cash used by financing activities                                (390.7)   (478.5)
                                                                    --------  --------

Effect of Exchange Rate Changes on Cash                                (1.4)     (1.4)
                                                                    --------  --------

Net Increase/(Decrease) in Cash and Cash Equivalents                   (2.9)     16.8

Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period                         56.6      40.5
                                                                    --------  --------
Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period                              $53.7     $57.3
                                                                    ========  ========


See Accompanying Notes to Condensed Financial Statements.
</TABLE>

                     RALSTON PURINA COMPANY AND SUBSIDIARIES
                     NOTES TO CONDENSED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
                                  JUNE 30, 2000
                   (Dollars in millions except per share data)


NOTE  1  - The accompanying unaudited financial statements have been prepared in
accordance  with  the  instructions  for Form 10-Q and do not include all of the
information  and  footnotes required by generally accepted accounting principles
for  complete  financial  statements.  In  the  opinion  of  management,  all
adjustments  considered  necessary  for  a fair presentation have been included.
Operating  results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results
for  any other quarter or for the full year.  These statements should be read in
conjunction  with  the  financial  statements  and notes thereto included in the
Ralston  Purina Company (the Company) Annual Report to Shareholders for the year
ended  September  30,  1999.

NOTE  2  -  On  April  1,  2000,  the Company completed the tax-free spin-off to
shareholders  of  its  Battery  Products  business (Energizer).  This segment is
accounted  for  as  a  discontinued  operation  in  the financial statements and
related  notes  for  all  periods  presented.

NOTE  3 - Segment sales and profitability for the quarters and nine months ended
June  30,  2000  and  1999  are  as  follows.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                      Quarter ended June  30,      Nine Months ended June 30,
                                                  ------------------------       ----------------------------
<S>                                                     <C>        <C>                <C>          <C>
NET SALES                                                2000       1999               2000        1999
                                                       -------     -------           -------     -------
North American Pet Foods                                $493.4     $495.3           $1,570.7    $1,540.9
International Pet Foods                                  113.9      102.2              332.6       310.4
Golden Products                                           61.0       52.6              184.1       155.5
                                                        -------    -------          ----------  ----------
TOTAL                                                   $668.3     $650.1           $2,087.4    $2,006.8
                                                        =======    =======          =========   ==========

PROFITABILITY
North American Pet Foods                                $109.5     $102.5             $356.5      $326.8
International Pet Foods                                   10.5        7.7               35.0        29.8
Golden Products                                           11.4       11.9               41.6        36.5
                                                        -------    --------          ----------  ----------
TOTAL SEGMENT PROFITABILITY                              131.4      122.1              433.1       393.1
General corporate income/(expenses) (a)                    6.6        1.8               27.4        20.3
Amortization of goodwill and other intangible assets      (4.4)      (4.3)             (13.2)      (12.4)
Unusual items (b)                                          3.9        2.7              150.6       148.5
Interest expense                                         (39.7)     (43.9)            (131.1)     (136.8)
    EARNINGS FROM CONTINUING OPERATIONS BEFORE          -------   --------          ----------  ----------
     INCOME TAXES AND
     EQUITY EARNINGS                                     $97.8      $78.4             $466.8      $412.7
                                                       ========     =======           ========    ========

(a)     Primarily  includes  general  corporate  expenses,  mark-to-market
adjustments  on  liabilities  denominated  in share equivalents, net unallocated
pension  income  and  investment  income.
(b)     Includes  unrealized  gains/losses on SAILS debt for all periods; a gain
on the sale of DuPont stock for the nine months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999 and
for the quarter ended June 30, 1999; and restructuring reversals for the quarter
and  nine  months  ended  June  30,  1999.

</TABLE>

NOTE  4  -  During  the nine months and quarter ended June 30, 2000, the Company
recorded an unrealized after-tax gain of $89.3 and $2.5, respectively, or $139.5
and  $3.9 pre-tax, representing a market value adjustment of the Company's stock
appreciation  income linked securities (SAILS) debt.  On a per share basis, this
gain was $.31 per basic and diluted share for the nine months and $.01 per basic
and  diluted  share  for  the  quarter.  For  the  prior  year  nine months, the
unrealized  after-tax  gain was $84.6, or $.27 per basic and diluted share.  For
the  prior year quarter, there was an unrealized after-tax loss of $8.7, or $.03
per basic and diluted share.  The prior year nine-month pre-tax gain was $132.2,
and  the  prior  year  quarter  pre-tax  loss  was  $13.6.

At June 30, 2000, the cumulative unrealized pre-tax gain since the debt issuance
is $263.0, representing the difference between the debt's value at issuance of
$480 and the current cash settlement value of the debt, based on 15,498,000
shares of Interstate Bakeries Corporation (IBC) common stock and an IBC stock
price of $14.00  per  share  at  June  30,  2000.

For  accounting  purposes,  terms  of the SAILS require them to be marked to the
cash value of the underlying IBC common shares into which they may be exchanged.

The  Company's investment in IBC is included in Investments and Other Assets and
is  accounted  for  using  the  equity  method of accounting, which results in a
carrying  value  different  from  the  current  market  value of the investment.

NOTE  5  -  At  maturity on August 1, 2000, the Company's SAILS debt (see Note 4
above)  was settled in cash for $243.0, pursuant to the provisions of the SAILS
and the Trust Indenture.  Those  provisions  provided  that  the amount of cash
for settlement be based on 15,498,000  shares  of IBC stock and an average
closing price on the New York Stock Exchange of IBC stock on the 20 trading days
prior  to  maturity.  The settlement amount reflects a final market loss adjust-
ment of $26.0 pre-tax, or $16.7 after-tax, recorded in the Company's fourth
quarter.

On  August  1,  2000,  the Company sold 2,551,020 shares of IBC stock to IBC for
$40.0.  Pursuant  to  a  share  purchase  agreement with IBC, the Company
will sell an additional  12,946,980  shares  of  IBC stock to IBC for
approximately $204.0 by September  1,  2000.  These  transactions  will  result
in an after-tax gain of approximately  $25.0.

Upon  completion  of  the sale to IBC on September 1, 2000, the Company will own
14,848,154  shares  of IBC stock.  Under the shareholder agreement with IBC, the
Company  is required to reduce its stake in IBC to no more than 15% as of August
1,  2004  and  to  no  more  than 10% as of August 1, 2005.  During the 12 month
period following August 1, 2005, IBC has a call to purchase any IBC shares owned
by  the  Company  at  110%  of  the  market  value, as defined in the agreement.


NOTE 6 -  During the nine months ended June 30, 2000, the Company sold shares of
its  investment in E.I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (DuPont) common stock for
$88.6  and  recorded  an  $11.1, pre-tax, or $7.1, after-tax, gain on this sale.
The cost basis of these shares was determined using the average cost method.  On
a  per  share basis, this gain was $.02 per basic and diluted share.  During the
quarter  and  nine months ended June 30, 1999, the Company sold shares of DuPont
common  stock  for  $124.5 and recorded pre-tax and after-tax gains of $13.1 and
$8.4,  respectively.  On  a  per  share  basis, this gain was $.03 per basic and
diluted  share  for  the  quarter and $.03 and $.02 per basic and diluted share,
respectively,  for  the  nine  months.

NOTE  7  -  During  the  nine  months  ended June 30, 2000, the Company recorded
capital  loss  tax benefits totaling $31.1, or $.11 per basic and diluted share,
related  to  the  sale  and reorganization of two of the Company's subsidiaries.

NOTE  8  -  During  the quarter and nine months ended June 30, 1999, the Company
recorded a $3.2 pre-tax and after-tax reversal of restructuring charges recorded
in  a  prior  year.  On  a per share basis, this reversal was $.01 per basic and
diluted  share.

NOTE  9 - Sales and advertising and promotion expense for the prior year quarter
and  nine months have been restated to conform to the current year presentation.

NOTE  10  -  The  components  of  total comprehensive income for the quarter and
nine-month  periods  ended  June  30,  2000  and  1999  are  as  follows:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


                                                   Quarter Ended          Nine Months Ended
                                                   -------------          -----------------
<S>                                                  <C>        <C>          <C>        <C>

                                                  6/30/00    6/30/99      6/30/00    6/30/99
                                                 ---------  ---------    ---------  ---------
Net Earnings                                       $61.1       $57.2       $446.9     $341.2
Other Comprehensive Income, Net of Tax
  Foreign currency translation adjustments          (2.2)        1.4         (4.6)      (9.2)
  Effect of Energizer spin-off on cumulative
    translation adjustment                          84.6          -          84.6         -
  Unrealized gains/(losses) on available-for-
    sale securities                                (95.4)      149.3       (162.2)     174.6
  Reclassification adjustment                        -          (8.4)        (7.1)      (8.4)
                                                  -------     --------    ---------  --------
Total Other Comprehensive Income                   (13.0)      142.3        (89.3)     157.0
                                                  -------      ------      --------  --------
  Total Comprehensive Income                       $48.1      $199.5       $357.6     $498.2
                                                 =========   =========    =========  ========
</TABLE>

NOTE  11  - Other (income)/expense, net, for the nine months ended June 30, 2000
and  1999,  consists  of  the  following:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                                              Nine  Months  Ended  June  30,
                                              -----------------------------
<S>                                                   <C>            <C>
                                                      2000           1999
                                                     ------          -----
        Net translation and exchange loss/(gain)      $2.7          $(0.2)
        Dividends on available-for-sale securities   (20.2)         (23.2)
        Return on other investments                   (3.2)          (0.8)
        Miscellaneous (income)/expense                (3.0)          (1.1)
                                                    -------        -------
                                                    $(23.7)        $(25.3)
                                                    ========       ========
</TABLE>

NOTE  12  -  At  the  end  of  December  1998,  the Company converted all of the
outstanding  shares  of  Series  A  6.75%  Preferred Stock (Redeemable Preferred
Stock)  into Ralston Purina Company common stock (RAL Stock), in accordance with
terms of the Redeemable Preferred Stock.  To effect this conversion, the Company
issued  13,505,609  Treasury  shares  and  2,209,192  authorized  but previously
unissued  shares  of  RAL  Stock.

NOTE  13  -  The following table sets forth the computation of basic and diluted
earnings  per  share for the quarters and nine-month periods ended June 30, 2000
and  1999.

<TABLE>
<CAPTION>



                                                       Quarter  Ended       Nine Months Ended
                                                         June 30,           June 30,
                                                      ---------------     --------------------
                                                        2000     1999       2000          1999
                                                        ----     ----       ----         ----
<S>                                                       <C>     <C>       <C>           <C>
Numerator:
  Earnings from continuing operations                   $66.8      $61.4     $353.0     $297.6
  Preferred stock dividends                               -          -         -          (2.6)
                                                      -------- ---------    --------   --------
  Numerator for basic earnings per share -
    Earnings from continuing operations
    available to common shareholders                    $66.8      $61.4     $353.0     $295.0

Effect of dilutive securities:
    ESOP stock                                              -        -       -             2.4
                                                      -------  ---------    --------   --------
Numerator for diluted earnings per share -
    Earnings from continuing operations
    available to common shareholders                    $66.8      $61.4     $353.0      $297.4
                                                      -------  ---------    --------   --------
    Net earnings/(loss) from discontinued
     operations                                         $(5.7)     $(4.2)     $93.9       $43.6
                                                       -------  ---------   --------    --------

Denominator:
  Denominator for basic earnings per share -
    weighted average shares *                           285.9      312.3      288.7       308.6

Effect of dilutive securities:
    ESOP stock                                            -           -          -          5.4
    Stock options                                         2.3        2.9        3.1         3.1
                                                         --------  -------  --------   --------
Dilutive potential common shares                          2.3        2.9        3.1         8.5

Denominator for diluted earnings per
    share - adjusted weighted average                   -------  ---------    --------   --------
    shares and assumed conversions                      288.2      315.2      291.8       317.1
                                                       ----------   -------  --------   --------

Basic earnings per share:
  Earnings from continuing operations                   $0.23       $0.19     $1.22        $0.96
  Net earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations      (0.02)      (0.01)     0.33         0.14
                                                       --------    --------  --------     --------
Net earnings                                            $0.21       $0.18     $1.55        $1.10
                                                       =======      =======    =======     =======

Diluted earnings per share:
  Earnings from continuing operations                   $0.23       $0.19     $1.21        $0.94
  Net earnings/(loss) from discontinued operations      (0.02)      (0.01)     0.32         0.14
                                                         --------  -------  --------   ----------

  Net earnings                                          $0.21       $0.18     $1.53        $1.08
                                                       =======    =======    =======     ========

*   Weighted average shares used for the computation of basic earnings per share
    exclude  21,694,000  and  13,683,000 shares  of  common  stock  held by the
    Company's Grantor Trust at June 30, 2000  and  1999,  respectively.
</TABLE>



NOTE  14  -  At  June  30,  2000,  there were 285,061,000 shares of common stock
outstanding,  exclusive  of  21,825,000  shares  held in treasury and 21,694,000
Grantor  Trust  shares.  At September 30, 1999, there were 297,673,000 shares of
common  stock  outstanding,  exclusive of 17,149,000 shares held in treasury and
13,733,000  Grantor  Trust shares.  On March 30, 2000, the Company exchanged its
commercial  paper  with  a  maturity of approximately 30 days for the RAL common
shares  then  held by the Grantor Trust.  Upon maturity of the commercial paper,
the Company exchanged with the Grantor Trust the commercial paper for 21,535,675
RAL  common  shares  with  a  value  of  $367.5.

NOTE  15  -  Investments  and  Other  Assets  consist  of  the  following:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


                                                   June  30,   Sept. 30,
                                                      2000      1999
                                                   --------    --------
<S>                                                   <C>         <C>
        Goodwill                                     $281.3      $294.9
        Other intangible assets                       131.8       120.9
        Investments in affiliated companies           379.0       363.7
        Available-for-sale securities                 843.4     1,185.5
        Deferred charges and other assets             462.2       438.8
                                                   --------     --------
                                                   $2,097.7    $2,403.8
                                                   ========    =========
</TABLE>

NOTE 16 -  Available-for-sale securities at June 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999
consist  primarily  of shares of DuPont common stock and Conoco, Inc. (Conoco) B
common stock.  Available-for-sale securities are carried at fair value, based on
quoted market prices.  The difference between fair value and cost basis of these
securities,  net  of  tax,  is  shown as a separate component within Accumulated
Other  Comprehensive  Income  in  the  shareholders  equity  section  of  the
Consolidated  Balance  Sheet.  The  table  below shows the aggregate fair value,
gross  unrealized holding loss, tax benefit, and net unrealized holding loss for
these securities as of June 30, 2000 and September 30, 1999.  The changes in net
unrealized  holding  loss,  net  of tax, for the quarters and nine-month periods
ended  June 30, 2000 and 1999 are included as a component of Other Comprehensive
Income  as  shown  in  Note  10,  above.



<TABLE>

<CAPTION>


<S>                  <C>             <C>                       <C>                <C>
                     Aggregate   Gross Unrealized                             Net Unrealized
                     Fair Value     Holding Loss          Tax Benefit           Holding Loss
                    -----------  ----------------        ------------         --------------
June 30, 2000          $843.4       ($302.8)                 $109.0               ($193.8)
September 30, 1999   $1,185.5        ($38.3)                  $13.8                ($24.5)

</TABLE>


NOTE  17  -  In  fiscal  year  1997,  the Company changed its method of
computing foreign tax credits  and,  as a result, the Company recognized tax
benefits of approximately $24  related  to  a  foreign  tax credit refund claim
for the years 1993 through 1995.  The  Internal  Revenue  Service  has denied
this refund claim.  On July 3, 2000, the Company filed a petition in the United
States Tax Court in order to pursue  its  refund  claim.  The Company believes
that its claim is meritorious. While  it  is  difficult to quantify with
certainty the potential impact of this claim, based upon the information
currently available, the Company believes that the  ultimate resolution of this
claim, if adverse to the Company, should not be material  to  its  financial
position.  An unfavorable resolution of this claim could,  however,  be
material to results of operations or cash flows for a particular  period.



NOTE 18 - On  May  18,  2000,  the  Emerging Issues Task Force of the Financial
Accounting Standards  Board  (EITF) reached a consensus on Issue No. 00-14,
"Accounting for Coupons, Rebates and Discounts."  This issue addresses the
accounting and income statement  classification  for  rebates  and  other
discounts.  The consensus is effective for the Company's fourth quarter of
fiscal year 2001.  The Company has not  completed  its  evaluation to determine
the impact of EITF No. 00-14 on its financial  statements.



NOTE  19 - The table below presents pro forma results from continuing operations
for  the nine months ended June 30, 2000 and 1999 and the quarter ended June 30,
1999.  These  pro  forma  results reflect a reduction in interest expense due to
the  change  in  the  debt structure associated with the spin-off of the Battery
Products  business,  and  an adjustment to income taxes to reflect the Company's
post-spin-off  tax  rate.

The  pro forma consolidated statements of earnings present the Company's results
as  if  the  distribution  had  occurred  as  of  the  beginning  of the periods
presented.  Pro  forma  financial  statements  may  not  necessarily reflect the
consolidated  results of operations that would have existed had the distribution
been  effected on the dates specified nor are they indicative of future results.


<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                         PRO  FORMA  EARNINGS  FROM  CONTINUING  OPERATIONS

                                               NINE  MONTHS                  QUARTER ENDED
                                                ENDED JUNE 30,                JUNE 30,
                                                2000       1999                  1999
                                                ----        ----                 ----
<S>                                              <C>       <C>                    <C>
Net Sales                                      $2,087.4   $2,006.8               $650.1
Costs and Expenses
Cost of products sold                             842.0      876.0                277.1
Selling, general and administrative               369.4      356.0                125.1
Advertising and promotion                         452.4      399.1                133.7
Interest expense                                  116.6      118.1                 37.6
Restructuring reversals                             -         (3.2)                (3.2)
Unrealized (gain)/loss on SAILS debt             (139.5)    (132.2)                13.6
Gain on sale of DuPont stock                      (11.1)     (13.1)               (13.1)
Other (income)/expense, net                       (23.7)     (25.3)                (5.4)
                                               --------   ----------           ---------
                                                1,606.1    1,575.4                565.4
Earnings from Continuing Operations
before Income Taxes and Equity Earnings           481.3      431.4                 84.7
Income Tax Provision                             (136.7)    (147.1)               (27.2)
Equity Earnings, Net of Taxes                      16.1       25.8                  8.6
                                               --------   ----------           ---------
Earnings from Continuing Operations              $360.7     $310.1                $66.1
                                               ========   ==========             ========

Earnings Per Share from Continuing Operations
Basic                                              $1.25      $1.00                $0.21
Diluted                                            $1.24      $0.98                $0.21

</TABLE>

The  pro  forma  results presented above reflect the following after-tax unusual
items:

<TABLE>

<CAPTION>

                                               NINE MONTHS ENDED                 QUARTER ENDED
                                                   JUNE 30,                        JUNE 30,
                                                2000      1999                       1999
                                                ----     -----                       ----
<S>                                              <C>       <C>                       <C>
Unrealized gain/(loss) on SAILS debt             $89.3    $84.6                   $(8.7)
Gain on the sale of DuPont stock                   7.1      8.4                     8.4
Capital loss tax benefits                         31.1      -                       -
Restructuring reversals                            -        3.2                     3.2
                                                ------    -----                    ------
                                                $127.5    $96.2                    $2.9
                                                =======   ======                   ======

Earnings Per Share for Total Unusuals
Basic                                             $0.44    $0.31                   $0.01
Diluted                                           $0.44    $0.30                   $0.01

</TABLE>


<PAGE>
PART  II  -  OTHER  INFORMATION
There  is  no  other  information required to be reported under any items except
those  indicated  below.

Item  1.          Legal  Proceedings
                  ------------------
In  fiscal  year  1997,  the Company changed its method of computing foreign tax
credits  and,  as a result, the Company recognized tax benefits of approximately
$24  million  related  to  a  foreign tax credit refund claim for the years 1993
through  1995.  The  Internal  Revenue Service has denied this refund claim.  On
July  3,  2000,  the  Company filed a petition in the United States Tax Court in
order  to  pursue  its  refund  claim.   The  Company believes that its claim is
meritorious.  While  it  is  difficult  to quantify with certainty the potential
impact  of  this  claim,  based  upon  the  information currently available, the
Company  believes  that the ultimate resolution of this claim, if adverse to the
Company,  should  not  be  material  to  its  financial position. An unfavorable
resolution of this claim could, however, be material to results of operations or
cash  flows  for  a  particular  period.

Item  6.     Exhibits  and  Reports  on  Form  8-K.
             -------------------------------------

          (a)    Exhibits  filed  with  this  Report:
                 (2)   Aircraft  Joint  Ownership  Agreement dated April 1, 2000
                 between Ralston  Purina Company, Eveready Battery Company and
                 Agribrands International,  Inc.  (Exhibit  D to the Agreement
                 and  Plan  of Reorganization between Ralston Purina
                 Company and Energizer Holdings, Inc. filed as an exhibit
                 to  the  Company's  8K  dated  April  1, 2000)*
                 (27).(i)  Financial  Data  Schedule  for the nine month period
                 ended June 30,  2000
                 (27).(ii)  Restated  Financial  Data  Schedule  for the nine
                 month period  ended June  30,  1999

          (b)     Reports  on  Form  8-K:
                  A  Current  Report  on  Form  8-K  dated  April 1, 2000 was
                  reported in the Company's  Form  10Q  for  the  quarter
                  ended  March  31,  2000.

                  A Current Report on Form 8-K dated July 24, 2000 was filed by
                  the Company  to  announce  its  decision  to  exchange  for
                  cash its  7% Exchangeable  Notes  ("SAILS")  due
                  August  1,  2000, pursuant  to  the provisions  of  the
                  SAILS.  The  Report  also disclosed  an  amendment  to the
                  Shareholder  Agreement  with Interstate  Bakeries  Corporation
                  ("IBC")  and a  Share  Purchase Agreement  with  IBC
                  regarding the  sale  by  the  Company of  a  certain  amount
                  of  shares of  IBC  Common  Stock  to IBC.

*  The Company agrees to furnish a copy of any omitted schedules with respect
to this  agreement  upon  request  by  the  Commission.



                                   SIGNATURES

Pursuant  to  the  requirements  of  the  Securities  Exchange  Act of 1934,
the Registrant  has  duly  caused  this  report  to  be  signed on its behalf by
the undersigned  thereunto  duly  authorized.



     RALSTON  PURINA  COMPANY
     ------------------------------------------
     Registrant


     By: \s\ James R. Elsesser
         ---------------------------------------
         James  R.  Elsesser
         Vice  President,  Chief  Financial  Officer
         and  Treasurer


Date:  August  11,  2000


<PAGE>
EXHIBIT  INDEX
---------------------


Exhibits
----------

EX-2            Aircraft  Joint  Ownership Agreement dated April 1, 2000
                between Ralston  Purina  Company,  Eveready  Battery  Company
                and Agribrands  International,  Inc.


EX-27          Financial  Data  Schedules
               (27).(i) Financial  Data  Schedule  for  the nine month
               period ended June 30, 2000  (provided  electronically)

               (27).(ii) Restated  Financial  Data  Schedule  for  the  nine
               month period  ended  June  30,  1999  (provided  electronically)





Exhibit  27.(i)
         27.(ii)
(Documents  prepared  on  Edgar)