davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
aSherif's Sale.

DY VIRTUE OF A WRIT. OF FIERI FA
ID GAS issued out of the Court Of Common Pleas
of Wyoming County, to me directed, will expose to
public sale, at the Court House. in the Borough Of
Tunkhannock, On
SATURDAY, THE 18th DAY OF JANUARY,
A. D. 1867 at one O'Clock P. NJ all bat piece or
parcel of land situate in the Township Of Windham,
in the County of Wyoming aud State of Pennsvlva-
MIA, bounded and described follows to wit tIe
East by lands of Charles Fassett and Keihine's
estate, North by Ambrose Garey's estate, the
West by lands of Penjanin Stephens Jr., South by
land, Of Royal Carey and others, containing about
hundred and ssventy-one acres, be tho same
more or less, with about fifteen acres thereof i'm
proved"
Seized and taken In execution at the suit of Clark
Hayden. assigned to III, K Fren ch against Jos. s.
hayden and Jos T. Jennings.
And will be sold for cash only by
E M. W DswITT, Sheriff.
Sheriff's Office, Tunk. Dec. %. 1866.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Congress has adjourned till the Sd of
January. The county would rejoice to find
better spirit among the members of that
august body on their re-asscmbling Their
course SD far this session can br looked
upon as nothing more nor less than reVolu-
tionary, Their Legislation has been en-
tirely against the peace and harmony OF
the countiy. When will the people learn
wisdom. and sci, ct other and better men
than fools aud fanatics to make our laws !
We fear it Will be when it is too late
Viewing things As We find them, we may
as well prepare f,r the worst, as there are
no hopes for any god TO come out Of the
deliberations Of the present Rump Con-
gIess.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

AN EXCELLENT SPlR1r.-The Memphis
Post tells story greatly to the honor of a
son of General Lee. At dinner party in
Richmond, one of the guests proposed a
toast, "The Fallen Flag" Colonel Lee
pre- emptori!y placed his hand upon the
glass and arose. "Gentlemen," said he,
this will not do. We are paroled priso-
ners. We now have but one flag and that
is the flag of our whole country the glo-
rious old stars and stripes can recog-
nize no other, fight tor nc other, and will
drink to no other.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

ATTEMPTED GRAVE RoBBERY.-The on
ly daughter cf a wealthy'resident ofCleve-
lard, Ohio, last week under very peculiar
circumstances, being suddenly seized with
dizziness and languor, and in an instant af-
ter falling down and expiring. A party of
medical students, whose curiosity had be
come greatly excited by the circumstances
attending her death made preparations to
resurrect the body. Rumors of this inten
ton reached the father of the young lady,
who. although scar cely crediting the report
stationed himself near bis daughters grave
on the night IN question. Shortly after,
three mn approached the grave and COM
mcnced digging, when the father discharg
ed both barrels of fowling piece, with
which he had armed himself. One of the
would be body sna chers was badly woun-
ded, but the whole party managed to make
their escape. The affair has caused great
excitement in that vicinity.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Dedication. 1.-the Baptist Church at Mehoops
ny vii dedicate their new house of worship. on
Wedne sday, the 10th of Jan. inst. Sermon by Rev.
Isaac Bevan, Of Scranton. Exercises to commence
at l0t o'clock A. NJ. -.
cordial invitation to b o present is extsndsd n
all. .....
Tickets, If You Please .''--The act of As
sembly, approved the 30th of MARCH, last, requires
the names of all candidates to be printed written
or partly printed and partly writ ten, on one piece
or pm Fer, similar to the tickets voted last fall In
the tow nships, the tickets must be headed "Town-
ships" and the names Of all the candidates follow,
with the ticket folded that the word Township,
appears the outside. The tickets in the bor-
oughS are to be the same, with the exception, that
Borough" is substituted for Township" Tho
election will be held on the I'd Tuesday, (9th) of
this month.
Destructive Fire In Towanda. ION wednes-
day evening Of las week, at about o'clock, the
extensive stabIng of the Ward House was discover
ed to be fire, and far it progressed-which was
in the loft was impossible to stay lis progress
1t was entirely consumed, with horses, several
rriAges and buggies, harness. &C.. &c. There were
Ia horses in tho barn at the time but through the
efforts of individuals. all but five were rescued Mr.
John E. Goodrich, of Troy, lost horses, carriage
and harness Mr. Wittenhail, of this place. Eest
horses, carriage and harness E. B. Parsons ESQ,
of Troy, lost horse, buggy and harness, robes te;
F, Walker, Of Athens lost buggy, engineering ap-
paratus &c; and Nj. Durham, of Laporte, lost bug
gy and harness.
An Oyster Supper WAS given to the members
Of the Band at this place, on Friday evening last,
by B, ,Brliwin, the gcntlemanly proprietor OF Bald
wins Hotel The ladies sustaining martial and
other intimate relations with its members were also
included in the ''nvite." The party SAT- dNwa to q
very excelleutly prepared stew" of the bvalves
with anu idance of cakes cheese coffee and other
goodies, to which they Individually and collectively
paid their earnest derOurS. As each had provided
himself, beforehand. with his horn, necessity for
further Refreshments existed From the dining room
the party retired to parlor No. l5-a rather fnely
fitted up band-room they thought and gave vent
TO their 'feeliDks in sundry and inon-
tai airs TO which their kind host and family were
attentive listeners, About the time well regulated
husbands expected to report at quarters the par
ty broke ranks and dispersed to their homes with
many kind wishes for thsir hosptable entertainers:
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

AS UsUAL.-The first bill called up in
tn Rump Senate, was to establish negro
suffrage in the District of Columbia. Sum
per called it. The first bill in the Rump
House was to repeal that portion of the
act of 1862, which empowered the Presi-
dent to grant pardon and amnesty. An
other Massachusetts fellow, Elliot; intro
dnced the bill. The first state that tried
TO get out Of the Union was this same
Massachusetts. She is always ahead when
treason and plunder are the reward,
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02


L 0NG- DECkEE-On Wednesday, Dec. l9'h, by
d Ball Esq, Elisha Long, OF Falls, and Angelins
Decker, of Tunkhaanock.
CAREY-W ELCH-On Dec. 3lst by the Rev ], L.
Legg, Jahez W. Carey to Miss Hattie L, Welch,
all of Tunkhannock
Our friend Jabe' was not unmihdfuI even in
the first dazzling light of the "Honey-moon," that
tn, re such person as the priater. The sub
stlntal token of remembrance received by u.s. shows
that, under the most tying Circumstance,
Jabe keeps lis wits about him.. The parties have
our sincere thanks.
List Of Persons Drawn to Serve as Jurors
for Jan. Term of Court 1861.
TRAvERsE JUR1Rs.
Monroe, Jas. Phenix, Elijah Myers, Chas D
Remer, JAS B met.
Falls, Fuller Sickler.
Northumberland, Henry Burgess.
Forkston, Griffin Lott,
Clinton. John Wilson, s. e, Reynolds Jas Frear
Wright
Meshoppen, Michael Clinton, S. Jenkins.
Washington RIPeter Lypham, Saml b. Adkins.
Tunk twp. Clement Haynes, John FlummerteIt;
Nicbnlson. Elijah Ball. Hiram Marcy, Wm,
Stevens Lemuel Harding, c W. jackson
WIndham, Andrew Carey, Jacob kithlne.
Tunk Bro, John Stser, Geo. Williams, Henry
Shoemaker.
Eaton, E. ". Brake, John Lee Jacob Garrison,
Lysa nder Harding. James Stevens.
Mehoopany Conrad Arnst.
0verfeid, Chauncey Sh rwood,
Lemon, B, D. Jaques.
Braintrim II W., Dowdney.
GRAND JURORS.
Washington, John D. Harvey.
Falls Dan1 c. Post.
Nicholson, John Steel, H. u omead'
North Branch, henry Chsmpn
Porkson, John G spauldng' Riley AthertOn'
Perry Wnsow, A. P Burgess,
Monroe. Reuben Parks, Miller Patterson.
Overfeld C. NJ Daily, Lawrence Ager.
Meshoppen Nelson R Allen, g N. Koon-
Tunk twp, Paul Billings, Abram Ace. Martin
Dewitt.
Northumberland, Levi Winters.
Clinton; David Armstrong
Lemon John P Avery.
windham, Stephen Taylor,
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
PRoGREss OF AN HuxEsr BoY.-T

PRoGREss OF AN HUNEsr BoY-The
Miners journal, speaking of two gaadu-
ateS at West Point belonging to Pottsvil'e,
Pa, says; Fred u. Farquhar, of this
borough graduated with honor, and ranked
No in his class at West Point, last week
No. graduate was poor Irish boy named
Peter O'Rourke, who at the age Of sixteen
did not know his letters. This lad saved
the lives of several persons on Lake Erie,
who, out of gratitude, otfcred i'm a CON
saIer:hi" sum of m rney, which h DECLINED
on Edition that they would secure him
an cluc,tion. They complied with his re-
quest, sent him to school, and afterwards.
secured him position at West Point,
where he has ust graduated with the ,Iigh-
est honors. This poor, rough Irish boy
bears him,cIfa perfect gentleman, and We
fee! contid!nt that he will make his mark.
J. is out of such stuff that the great men of
this country are made
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
EF Miss Alice Kingsb. ry, the actress

EF Miss Alice Kingsb; ry, the actress,
went to the Baptist Church in San Frau
cisco recently and volunteered to teach a
class in the Sunday School. The offer
was accepted, and the superintendent com
plImented the lady on the manner in which
she performed the duties. He, however
when lecturing to the children on their
duties, warned them to shnn the theatre,
for it as ''light house of hell and all ac-
tors and actresses were emmissarics of the
devil" Miss klngsbuIy got up and stated
that she was an actress and member oil
the church, and in short speech defended
the profession in manner that placed
hors 9u combat the man who had opened
the war.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

IMIrArIoN.-The dead duck, in imitation
of his former master,h has issued aproclama-
ton from his seat in the Rump Senate
calling npou the loyal in this State to
employ every means to secure the election
of Thad. Stevens to that body. Forney
would have TO employ more wenches than
he doe. now, ii. lhad. would happen to 60
to that place, or there would soon be q
".loyal" rumpus in the Senatorial closets.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
HARRISBURG.
State Pensions IT, Soldiers Of 1919.

HARR1sBuRG, Dec. 28.-State Treasur,
er William B. Kemble has directed to be
prepared at once a list of the soldiers OF
1912 entitled to pensions from the State OF
Pennsylvania. Separate lists for each
county will, as soon AS they are completed
be forwarded by Mr.. Krmhle to the Treas
urers thereof which officers will paw the
semi-annual pensions due on the lst of
January, 1867. ..- ..... ...
Massachusetts has three negroes in her
Legislature and three hundred and thilty-
four in the State Prison.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
A Romantic Story.

= The Detroit DAILY Union relates q
strange story about a. Scotchmans named
James Henry McGregor, who came to this
country in 1900, and in 1912 enlisted as q
soldier. Becoming disgusted with SOL
dier's life, he deserted at the end of five
months, and removed Vest from Massa-
chnsetts. where he had previously lived,
dropping part of his own name and call
ing himself James Henry. His wife whom
he had married in 1908, was the only per-
son knowing of this circumstance. He
was the second son of a nobleman, and
would, of course, succeed TO the family es-
tates if his brother died bachelor This
actually happened unknown to the young
er brother, and search was everywhere
made for the latter, an agent having bees
sent over tothis country for the purpose.
He could be traced no further than Ohio,
and recourse was had to advertising. He
chanced to see the advertisement, and sup
posing it to be an attempt of the United
States officers to arrest him for hisod
orime of desertipn, he destroyed all the
papers and records which could establish
bis identity. OF this circumstance his wife
was kept in ignorance untl just. before his
death, which occurred week ago last
Monday. Since his death his wife has as
certained the true position Of affairs, but a
lawyer, whom she has consulted, is of
opinion that she cannot establish the iden-
-tity necessary to claim the property, which
will probably reyert to, the crown. Of Eng
|, Iand, the, old mans. ctildishness. having
thus deprived bis wife and children of
their lawful inheritance. -..'...... =. =.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

= The Bumpers have actually organized a
prayer meeting in the House hal at Wash
ington, bereft of.all sectarianism. The de
spatcher might have added "and religion
TOO. Thirty members and senator's par
ticipated the first night 1t is run by Req
resentative Dodge, of New York, on the
part of the House, and Senator Wilson, of
Mass, on the part of the Senate. The
former ;s the man that ousted MIR Brooks
from his seat, through bribery and corrup-
ton. Three checks were produced before
the committee dated on Sunday, signed by
Dodge, and drawn in favor of the drinking
houses He and his brother, during the
war. imported large amount of lead stat
uary, upon which there was no duty, and
cut them up and sold the lead. This is
the way he supported the Govern
ment-made thousands of dollars by cheat
ing it out of its revenues. A pretty Dodge!
Senator Wilson rushed from the Senate
Chamber in May, 1861, secured colo
nePs commission, went TO Massachusetts.
raised a. regiment got back to Washington
about the time somebody got licked at
Bull Run, handed back his commission to
Cameron, and never afterwards crossed the
Potomac. 1t is reported that he lately
ioined the Church. New converts are
often like young bees, biggest when first
hatched; hence his enthusiasm. No two
men could BE- found better suited to run a
Rump prayer-meeting, than the loyal
Dodger and the sanity Wilson. The for
mer is knave, the latter coward.-Ex
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

eItis stated that the name of the French
man who engaged with Weichman in
teaching in ashington, and who furnish
ed the information leading to the arrest of
John II. Surratt, is Santa Farara- least
that is the name by which he then passed.
He is a tall, good-looklng man, with black
hair and moustache, and manners somewhat
dignifed. -...s .'. .... ,..... q. .... p.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Thad Stevens says he never believed
that Jefferson Davis could be tried for trea-
son, and he does not believe he was guilty
Of treason. His offence" says Thad,
''was that of bclligerent, not of a traitor" "
The object of the great commoner," in
taking this position, is to secure a recogni
ton of his territorial scheme He wants
to let Davi, escape, under his theory that
secession WAS successfully completed and
the Union dissolved in order to increase
the strength Of the Radical party by keep
Ing the ten Southern States unrepresented
in Congress.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

The Editor of the Boudoir says ga
millionaire of this city recently gave din
ner at bis elegant residence to which folty
guests were invited, one-half of whom were
ladies'. With very questionable taste, a
present worth five hundred dollars was laid
beside the plate of each Of the lady
guests"
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Prentice speaks of bawling Kentuck-
ian, who was Dragging about how loyal he
felt, and who. being asked what be meant
by 1t, replied Il feel as if should like to
shoot somebody, steal something, or betray
my neighbor" This is abont the best def
milton of loyalty we ever saw.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

GREAT FIRE AT ELM aA.-On Sunday
morning fire broke out in Greggs drug
store, Elmrra, and before the flames were
stayed every building on Lake ST., from
Hathaway to Water streets,wss consumed
The Hathaway house was on FIRE once or
twice, but was saved from total destruction.
The loss is estimated at Sl,00O,OO9. The
wind was blowing fcrcely at the. time.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

@ 1t is reported in New York that a
number of prominent R4dcaIs,among them
Horace Greelv and Ward Bercher, have
made petition to Plesi 'ent Johnson for
the release or immediate trial of Jefferson
Davis.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
NOTICE,

TIE Stockholders of the Wyoming National Bank,
arc requested to meet at the Banking Cfice in the
Borough of TunkhannOck, on Tuesday the 6th day
January 1867, at o'clock P. M. for the purpose OF
Eecting nine persons for direc of said Bank for
the ensuing year. n
- zaSAMUEL STARK, Cas-.
Tunkhannock, Dec 10, 1866 -v6nl9 If e..
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
LICENSE NOTICE.

Notsee is hereby given that the following named
persons have filed their Petitions and Aill apply for
Tavern Lscenses at the next term of Court of Quar-.
ter Session for Wyoming County and will be heaed
on TUESDAY % ut one o'clock P. NJ
Al. Falls, Lewis Ayers. -.
Clinton, christopher Maihewsop.
Eorkston, Thos P Hitchcock
Monroe, N. W. Carpenter, ~p
ea Z" Reuben Parks,
Dec. 27, 1866. EJ. KEENBY,
Ylerk.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
Local and Personal.

Explanation 1.-The date on the colored al,
dress label on this paper indicates the time I'm IA
which, as appears ON books, the subscriber ba.
paid for his paper ANY error, in this label will h,
promptly CORE ected. when brought to our notice
Those of our Subscribers, who wish to know how
they stand with u.s. will consul. the label on tbar
papers. Don't let it get too far back into the by.
gone days---somethiDg mi ght happen
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Artemus Ward says there are no daily
papers published in his town, but there is
a ladies' sewing circle, which answers the
same purpose. ...
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

g. The records of the War department
show that l69,624 colored men enlisted in
the service of the United States. Ofthese
2O.236 have been discharged chiefly for
disability 81 ,S66 died in service, 1887
deserted, and 1914 were killed in battle.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Two Years ago churches were closed for
not praying during service for the Presi-
dent. But now it IS changed. This is a
Radical change. ':a "
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Neither Chief Jrstic" Chase nor George
Underwood were t. Richmond on tn 29th,
the dav for the mmcucpment of the Uni
ted States Circuit Court; consequently
the trial Of Jefferson Davis must 60 over
til tie Nav term in 1867. . s.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
HARVEY SICKLER, Editor.
TUNKHANNoCK. PA
Wednesday. Jan. 2, 1867

GOoD At Ir.--The toadyism lately lis
played by that political hummer, torney,
towards Ihad Stevens, exceeds his best
.caorts during the days he basked in the
81 adow of James Buchanan. He will ruin
that corrupt old miscegenator as s"re as
the world, If he don't keep his eye cock, d.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

RIVER HEAD, L. l., Dec. 28,-The
Sound steamer Commodore has gone
ashore one mile uorth of Horizons Point,
and now lies with her bow out of water,
the tide having fallen. Three boat loads
of passengers have been landed, and the
steamer Is fast breaking up. No lives
were lost all on board were safely land
ed. A portion of the freight ard all the
baggage may be saved. The steamer will
bela total wreck. The passengers have
all gone inward to New York. The YES
sci was valued at.Sl5o,0O0, and was in
surrd for $4,000. The accounts furnish
eddy the Passengers of the sunken steamer
show that their escape from. death was mi
raculous. The vessel caught fire during
the storm, but the flames were extinguiSb-
60, Itis reported that two emigrants
lost ,Lei, ives, hut this is not confirmed.
The steamboat plymouth Rock will take
the place of the Commodore on the llne'
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

i, Impeachment does not appear to be a
very popular measure with the most saga
cious Republican leaders.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

Said gentleman On presenting assiace
collar to his idolitrada, "do 10: let any one
rumple it" mo dear, Ill take it of"
said the naughty beauty,
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

George Peabn,lv'has giEans sg5, 600 to
the Five Points House OF Industry in New
York. - s.. .s-.- lr. -. Is
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

A steel corset saved the life of a lady
IN Louisville who was accidently shot by
her son.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

A brother Of President Pierce is max
ing temperance lectures in New Hamp-
shire.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02

A man in England was lately beaten to
death while boxing with gloves on.
North Branch democrat. [volume] (Tunkhannock, Pa.) 1854-1867, 1867-01-02
THE STORM.
The Greatest storm Gin Twenty Years.
z Trains Bloeksded--vessels Ashore etc.

- -
Trains Bloeksded--vessels Ashore etc.
ALBANY. Dee. .2S.- The storm of yes.
terday WAS the most severe since 1835.--
twenty inches otsnow fell and drifted ter
ribly, so that railroad communication IS
entirely suspended. The train due here
/. at 4:30 ran into snow drift a few miles
west OF here. An effort was made to reach
the train from this city with SIX iocomo-
! tives aud two coaches, but could not pro-
ceed beyond. the city limi 8. The snow
4. bad .drifted higher than the tops .fof the
locomotives. No trains have arrived or
been dispatched to day, nor is it likely any
will be tor some time. -. ss.-.
TRoY, N. Y, Dec. 28-Two feet Of
snow has fallen here and the streets are ali
blockaded. Several trains of cars are with
in few miles Of the city, but cannot
reach here No trains have arrived since
yesterday noon, ard none have left. 1t is
| the greatest storm that has occurred for
twenty years, and still continues .e.E
NEW York, Dec. 28.-A fresh wind
from the southwest prevailed since even-
ing, causing very low water in our rivors.
The ferry navigation is very difficult on
all sides of the city on this account. Three
schooners are reported ashore inside of
Sandy riook. I.."a ... z.
HUDsnN, Dec. 2S.-The storm of last
night was the most severe ever known 10
this city, every avenue IN the city being
blockaded. The Hudson and Berkshire
Railroad is completely closed. - Four pas
seuger cars of the Hudson River Road
were blown from the track last evening,
but without serious damage. Trees and
fences, in all directions, are blown down,
and the damage done will be very great.
BrFFALo, Dec 2s.-Thc wind is stormy
and clustering. There is dreadful storm
between Hamburg and Dunkrk, and the
snowdrifts are from five to twelve feet deep
in places. The hands have stopped work
en- the road until the storm abatrs. Two
freight trains collided to day ON the Mag
ara Falls Railroad, near Knowlesville =
The two locomotives were mashed up, and
sixteen cars were badly broken, The
Lake Shore Road is completely blockaded
of Dunkirk, and passengers from the West
are ferlied as Dunkirk to the Erie Road.
The Central Railroad sent out regular
trains to-day. The through train from
Schenectady has arrived. The road will
be all right in day or two. The trains
on the Great Western Road are running
regularly. ,s. .. ..... .........