davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
INDIGESTION
Why the Eggs Don't Hatch.
Poultry M0ntblyl

Poultry Monthlyl
Yes, why they frequently fail TO hatch
has puzzled our oldest breeders fire.
quently, and the trouble arises from
multitude Of causes, some of which we
will call attention to, so breeders can
investigate the matter themselves.
One great cause Of infertile eggs rests
with the male bird, owing to want of
stamina or TO exposure, or overlooking.
1t may, also be constitutional, for We
have seen birds which gave every evil
dence OF power, strength and health,
which proved useless in the breeding
pens, the trouble being inherited in an
intensified degree. This is a point
which is seldom thought Of Too many
hens to cock often produces the same
undesirable results, while oyerfeeding
both the cocks and the hens produces
consequent sluggishness and inability
to produce fertile eggs.
Really good and fertile eggs may be
injured by a sudden jar, by being chilled
or overheated, or by being handled too
much and too roughly. II a good hatch
is desired, none but the freshest eggs
should be selected, and these from stock
known to possess the requisite amount
of stamina, while they should be ham
died just as little as possible and as
carefully as can be done.
Even after the eggs have been set,
they are still liable TO injury in many
ways, and the adage don't count your
chickens before they are hatched," il q
very trite one. The hen may be very
restless one, and may take fancy TO
leave her nest at the most critical time,
leaving the eggs to chill, and thus de-
stroy the young birds; or she may be
clumsy, as many of the Asiatics are, and,
in tumbling in and out of the nest de-
stroy a few of the eggs, the contents of
which coat over and render worthless
the remainder Two hens may seek to
share the honors of one nest, to the
neglect, perhaps, for only single day,
of the other nest, and nest of choice
eggs may be lost in this way.
Owing to being set in very dry
place, with dry nest of straw or other
material raised up so as to constantly
become still drier, aided by the heat
from the hen, many OF the young chicks
are unable TO leave the shell, the sur
rounding skin (of the egg becomes
harsh and dry, adhering to the young
chick and etlectually imprisoning it un-
til it smothers to death. BY making
the nests on the ground, or using a
fresh sod in the bottom of the nesting
box, as well as by sprinkling the eggs
with tepid water, two or three times
during the process OF incubation, gen.
orally remedies this evil.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
Mothers! Mothers!! Mothers!..

Are you disturbed at night and broken
of your rest by sick child suffering and
crying with the eXcruciating pain of cutting
teethl If so, 90 at once and get bottle of
Mrs. Winslow's Soothing Syrup. 1t will
relieve the poor little sufferer Immediately
depend upon it; there is no mistake
about it. There is not mother on earth
who has ever used il. who will not tell you
at once that it will regulate the bowels,
and give rest to the mother, and relief and
health to the child, operating like magic.
1t is perfectly safe to use in all cases, and
pleasant to the taste, and is the prescrip.
ton of one of the oldest and best female
physicians and nurses in the United States.
Sold everywhere. % cents bottle.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
Zebras are very stylish, they wear
striped stockings up to their necks


The Scientific Fd,mer SAYS one Of
the anomalies in American customs is
that of driver Of wagon sitting on
the right hand side, while he always
turns out TO the right when passing an
other team. II matters not whether he
be on a broad, safe thoroughfare or on
narrow lane or crowded city street,
his seat Is the same. Thus situated, it
is very difficult 10 see the exposed
wheels in passing, those which require
the eye OF the driver. Doubtless this is
prominent cause Of the many coils
iohs between passing teams, and the
wonder is that more do not happen.
The custom was brought over by the
pilgrims, but like Dutch sentence the
parts got transposed in the translation.
Across the pond the driver sits on tho
right, but always turns TO the left. In
copying the practice we retained tho
useless part, and changed the essential,
for some unexplained reason. Possibly
our fathers thought TO be consistent in
the matter, and rather than be right
handed in sitting while left handed in
the driving, changed the latter to suit.
At all events, the thing as now prac-
ticed is very inconvenient, and is n
worthy subject Of reform in this year
when reforms are so much in favor.
And since it is easier to change our POI
sition on the seat than altering the GUS
tom of turning to the right, let US
henceforth hand our friends up to the
right side of the wagon while we as
driver take the opposite side.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
A WONDERFUL DISCOVERY.

For the speedy cure of consumption and
all diseases that lead to it, such ms stubborn
coughs, neglected colds bronchitis, hay
fever, asthma, pain in the side and chest,
dry hacking cough, tickling in the throat,
hoorscness, sore throat, and all chronic or
lingering diseases of the throat and lungs,
Dr. Kings New Discovery has no equal
and has established for itself n worldwide
reputation. Many leading physicians
recommend and use it in their practice.
The formula from which it is prepared is
highly recommended by all medical jour
nails The clergy and the press have COM
plimcntcd it in the most glowing terms.
Go to your druggist and get trial bottle
free of cost, or regular size for 81. For
sale by Geo. L. O'lIara, Druggist, Cairo,
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS.
CRY CLERK $ OrfIcE,

CITY CLERK OfFICE,
CARO, Ill.,, April 18th, lSsl,
Sealed proposals Will he received at this office,
directed TO the City Council Of the city Of Cairo
until oclockp M of Tuesday May lO.h, 1851 for
furnishing the material and doing the work, or do
ing thu work, necessary for the construction aud
recunstructd Of wood on the westerly side Of
Washington avenue from the norherly end of the
crosswak on Twenty first street to the southcry
end Of the crOsswalk on Twenty.cghth street t.
be constructed Of woot on the south side 0f Twcn
toth street from Washington avenue to connect
with the sidewalk fronting j. II. Reeds property,
between Washington and walnut; also on the
north side Of Twenty sccond street from Walnut to
Cedar streets Az provided for bv ordinance No
60. which IL on file In this Office and subject to ex
animation u. any time Tho right to reject any and
all bids reserved by the city
d. j. FOLEY, City Clerk,
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08

Some one has made up q striking
array of statistics concerning London,
compactly, as follows London covers
nearly 700 square miles 1t numbers
more than 100000 inhabitants. 1t
comprises 100000 foreigners from
every quarter of the globe. 1t contains
more Roman Catholics than Rome itself,
more Jews than Palestine, more Irish
than Dublin, more Scotchmen than
edinburgh, more Welshmen than Car
dill; has birth in every eight minutes
and a death in every eight minutes,
mas seven accidents every day in its
7,OO0 miles Of streets; has 1874 persons
every day and $4,000 annually added
to Its population; has III, 900 habitual
criminals on its police register. md has
SS,OoS drunkards annually brought bo-
fore the magistrates.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
Satisfactory.

Mrs Wallace, Buffalo, N. Y, writes !
have used Burdock Blood Bitters 70,
nervous and bilious beaches, and have rec.
commended them to my friends; believe
them superior to any other medicine l have
used and can recommend them to anyone
requiring cure for biliousness." Price
81 90 trial size 10 cents.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
A Significant Fact.

The cheapest medicine in use is Thomas
Electric Oh, because so very little of it is
required to effect cure. For Group, dhph.
liberia and diseases of the lungs and throat,
whether used for bathing the chest or
throat, for taking internally or inhaling, it
is matchess compound. p, G. Schulz,
agent.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08

WE have just received some copies of
Sunday school library books, published by
David c. Cook, Of Chicago, Tor cents
each, which are n wonder for cheapness.
Schools may now have library of 100
copies for five dollars. Mr.. Cook will send
full catalogue free.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
All is Well That Ends Well.

Grin Catlin, 40 Pearl Street, Buffalo, N.
Y, says; 81 tried various remedies for the
piles but found no relief until used
Thomas Eclectric Oil, which entirely cured
me after few applications" p. G. Schulz,
Agent.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
A Skillful Preparation

Composed of roots, barks and plants, that
act in harmony, and are pleasant and eff.
fective medicine constitute Burdock Blood
Bitters, of which highly commendatory
reports are being constantly received.
Price 81 90, trial size 10 cents.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS.
OrrlcE OF ClrY CLERK

OFFICE or CITY CLERK,
CAIRO, Ills April 2srh1Ssl
Sealed proposals will be received NJ my snlce I'M.
I'll o'clock p. m, Tuesday, May 10th, 1851, for the
removal OF garbage from the different residences
aud hotels In the city for the months Of May, Sep.
temher, October, November, March and April,
twice In each week; for the months Of June, July
and August, six days In each week, and for the
months me OF pecemDer, oahuary ana February, once
ordinances of the city The place of de-
poslte to be not lcss than one mile from the city
limits The right to reject any aud all bids re.
served by the city.
D. j. FOLEY, City Clerk.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
1t Heads the List

Of all other preparations or medicines. In
cases Of nausea, headache, dizziness, or ir-
Irregularities Of the system, Burdock Blood
Bitters have no equal, They never fail in
atiording immediate relief. Price $l00,
trial size 10 cents.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08

BAD blood always causes trouble. 1t
may be family fight or boils, plmpless,
itch, letter, &C.; but no matter, "Dr. Lind
Scy's Blood Searchcr" is the cure all.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
INSURANCE.
GOOD NEWS.
CLAIM YOUR MONEY.

A General Office of the Life Policy Holders Col
lecti Agency of the United States, for the States
Of Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota and Iowa has
been established In the city Of Chicago. There II
q Cash value In all Life nsnian Policies, whether
lapsed or in force. For further Information re.
spccting the same apply ts Local Agent, II there
II one In Your place, otherwise by letter to
CHARLESG. QUIVEY h CO., General Agents,
- Portland Block Chicago, Illinois.
N. BIO insure attention to your letter inclose
6 cent In Postage and we will give 1t our time and
attention.
Parties DESTROYS of obtaining Local Agencies
please address US at once and INcLosE REFER
ENCEs.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
AGENTS.
COrnwell's System of Dress
Cutting.

LADY CANvAsSERs and LOCAL AGENTS
WANTED EVERYWHERE. Agents never fail to
cell this method. Some make $50 per week. This
IL the only system In the world with a shoulder
measure, and perfect rule for darts, making a
perfect garment without refltng Simple TO
icarn, and worth hundred dollars to every sewing
machlpc owner. What lady will take tho agency
Send for terms. 122D Wabash Ave, Chicago.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
The Positive Cure
For all Female Complaints.

This preparation, It's name signifies consists OF
egetAbe Properties that are harmless 10 tho most del
cate Invalid. Upon one trial the merits OF this Com
pound will be recognized, asrelief Ia Immediate and
when u, useis continued in ninety nine cases In hun
red aperTnanent cure hs Thousands will tes-
NY. On account Of Ia proven merits, II is todayre-
commended and prescribed by the host physicians In
he country
It will cure entirely the worst form Of falling
of the uterus I@ucorrhoa, irregular and painful
henstruAtion all Ovarian Troubles Inflammation and
liberation fl0odings, all Displacemens and the con.
equent spinal weakness, and IL especially adapted 20
Ehe Change Of Life II will dissolve and eIpe tumors
From the uterusin an early stage OF development Tho
tendency To humors there IL checked very
speedily by it, use.
In fact IL has proved 20 10 the great
est and best remedy that has ever been discover.
3D. II permeates every portion Of the system and gives
new life and vigor II removes faintness Atulency de-
sroys craving for s,muants and relieves weakness
Of the stomach
= cures Bloating. Headaches. Nervous Prostra.lon,
General Debility, sleeplessness Depression and Ind
gestion That feeling Of bearing down, causing pain
weight and bankAche, n always permanently cured by
its II will At all times and under all circumstan
Gee, act IN harmony with the law that governs the
feIaaIesyStem
For Kidney Complaints Of either ser this compound
Ia unsurpassed.
Lydia E. pinkham's Vegetable Compound
prepared at xs and rs Western Avenue. Lynn. Mass
Price tloo. Six bottles for $50 Sent by mail In the
form Of pills also In the form Of Lounges on receipt
Of price, $40 per Dor, Tor either. Ns. pTSkHAs
freely answers all hitter. Of inquiry SEND for pam
phlst. Address M above Mention tbs Japer
No family should 10 without LYDIA T. PISRHAM'
LIVER PILLS They cure Constipation, pniousnesa
and Torpidiiy Of the Liver 20 cents per box
RICHARDSON & CO., St. Louis, No.
Wholesale ageuis for LYDIA Z. PINKHAMs
Vegetable Compound.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08

easily made without staying away from
home over night, No risk whatever. Many now
workers wanted at once. Many are making fort.
uncs the business. Ladies' make az much M
men, md Young boys and girls mnRe great pay No
one VINO Ia willing TO work fails 10 mako more
money every day than can be made In awcck nj any
other employment Those who engage n, once
will lind n short rond to fortune. Address III.
IIAlLETT h CO., Portland Maine
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08

Age and diseases
thatlead to Con
sumption lnsani.
ty and an early
grave, or both.
No matter how
shattered tn @
system may be
from excuses OF
any kind, II short
A-a,.A ~ All.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
THREE TOOLS COMBINED FOR $500
Detroit, Mich.
MEDICAL.
To Nervous SuiIerers-The Great Europcan Rem.

euV-Dr J' Is. simpson sSpecihc Medicine.
DR.. D b. Simpson q Specific Medicine ia posi-.
tive cure for Spcrmatorrhea, Impotency, Weakness
and all diseases resulting from Self Abuse, az Ner.
yous Debility, lrrabillty, Mental Anxiety Ianguor,
Lasritude, Depression ofSpirits and functional dc
engagements OF the Nervous System generally Pains
In Back or Side. Loss Of Memory, Premature Old
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08

course OF this medicine will restore tue lost func-
tions and procure health and happiness, where be-
Medicine Is being used with wonderful suc.
GEES.
Pamphlets sent free to all. Write for them and
get full particulars,
Price Specific: SlCO per package, or rM pack
ages for $500. VIII be sent by mail on receipt Of
money. Address all orders,
j. Is. SIMPSONS MEDICINE CO.,
Nos. lO4 and LOG Main ST.. Buffalo, n. Y.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08
HARM ESS.
A STYLISH OUTFIT!
TIE RACINE HARNESS.

II Is the best harness made for the money. II IA
not stuffed with paper nor any spongy stuff. Sad.
dies OF same all our own make aud viii not gall the
horse. The entire harness In made of good No
Leather, stylish and durably made. Case loops
on Brides and Breast Collars,
Sent G. 0. ID. Subject to Inspection.
PRICES:
Single Harness, Black Trimmings ..""'"""s,s ~
c. Plate Trimmings. " w
Nickel Trimmlngs"..,..,,., 10 w
+" Bon Ton or Black Gold Lined -,
Trimmings. ....,,, ..''.'.'' 10 w
Double Z" Black Trimmings.;"...'.9c;.;;;; 70 w
hon Ton, Nickel or Gold 80
Lined TrimmiDgs....".... w w
when ordering, mention the kind OF trmmnes
70 want, also, whether side or over check. black
or ruasct hand cccs for icins; also whether trace
bnclina nre wanted on breast collar llamo or
BreSat Collars furnished with double HARNESS AZ
ordered huur'ss a. D, Dbl,
Liberal Discounts for Liberal Orders, and Clubs.
For reference see editor Of this paper.
The daily Cairo bulletin. (Cairo, Ill.) 1878-1???, 1881-05-08

IN ~ Ont6t sent free TO those who wish to on
lllb - gage In the most pleasant and profitable
~ \busincss known, Everything new.
ON DCapi,al not required will furnish
NU - everything sl0a day and upwards Ia yet
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18
A Civil Question.

"Mr. O'Raferty," said the recorder,
"why did you strike Mr.. Murphy ?"
because Murphy wouldn't give me
a civil answer to civil question, yer
honor"
"What was the civil question you
asked him ?"
I" L asked him as polite as you please,
"Murphy, amt your own brother the
biggest thafe on Galveston island, ex-
cepting yourself and uncle, who is alb
sent at the penitentiary in Huntsville p
"And what rude answer did he give
to such very civil question p''
d" He said to me, 'Av course, pIisint
company excepted so said, Murphy,
you are another and I sthruck him
wild me fist"
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18
Effective Speeches.

One of those individuals who are in
the habit of inflicting twaddle on the
Sunday Schools they visit, if invited by
too credulous superintendent to speak,
once received back set follows:-
Children" he said, "My name is
John Smith. 1 am from New York,
and am on my way to Chicago, and
thought would stop and tell you that
if you did not love the Lord Jesus, you
would all go down to hell. Now let US
see if you remember what 1 have told
you. What is my name? ?'
"John Smith,"
"Where did come from ?"
"New York"
'Where am going?"
To he'll" the children shouted. 1t
will be seen from the above it is well to
be perfectly clear in yonr illustrations,
especially to the infant class. Said
speaker, Children, there was little
boy who used to swear and fight, who
learned to love Jesus and by and by died
and went to heaven. Now children
what must we do to go to heaven ?"
"Swear and fight" was the instant
reply.
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18
A Mixed Politician.

A Texas minister, who used to be a
circuit-rider, reformed and became
politician, but he found it very hard to
get rid of his clerical habits. During
the canvass he lost his diary, which was
found, and is now in the hands of
Galveston News reporter. One of the
extracts, which goes to show how hard
it is to teach old dogs new tricks, reads
as follows:
Dallas-Much religious interest is
felt here. Addressed a large congrega-
ton last night. 1 preached a sermon
on, " What shall the Greenbackers do
to be saved" which was frequently in
terrupted by cheers for Hancock and
English. During the sermon cast out
two devils who were opposed to my
election. There was meeting in the
vestry-room afterward-beer, 1915; Sc
gars, $lS5. A great many have asked
me to loan them money, but am afraid
they are not in earnest. have exhort-
ed a number privately, not to allow the
ticket to be scratched, and to see that
nobody tampers with the colored breth-
rem. II I had q few more campaign
funds think could make my calling
and election sure"
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18

BS'" say, boy, whose horse is that
you're ridingp'
"Why, it's daddy's
"Who is your daddy 2"
"Don't you know Why, Uucle
Peter Jones'"
"So-you are the son of your uncley"
"Why, yes, calculate 1 am. You see
dad got to be widower, and married
mothers sister, and now he's my
uncle"
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18

B-"Do you pretend to have as good
judgment as haveY" exclaimed an
enraged wife to her husband. Well,
no." he replied, slowly tour choice of
partners for life shows that my 'judg-
ment is not to be compared to yours"
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18

BT" Tom, where can get good
two-foot ruler Y' 81 can give you one
on the spot, John" "Well, let's have
it." "Don't wear tight shoes That
rule applies to both feet"
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18
Nj o H H A U'S
Medicated extract of
MALT AND BEEF.

CURES Consumption Diabetes, Brght's Disease,
Epilepsy tSt Vtus's Dance, ScrOfula, IL destruc-
tion is not carried too far, and builds up constiu
LIONS rulnea 9y excesses oi w1ateNet .ist naIure.
already obtained, For sale by all druggists.
Price 81 OU
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18

tB-A youth who was trying to mas
ter bicycle, when asked his age, said
he had seen fifteen summers and about
one hundred and fifteen falls.
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18
DfscOvERER OF
LYDIA 4. PINKHAM'S
VEGETABLE COMPOUND.
The Positive Cure
For all Female Complaints.


This preparation, as its name signifies, consists of
Vegetable Properties that harmless to the most del
cate invalid Upon trial the merits of this Com
pound will be recognized, as relief Is Immediate and
when It's Is continued in ninety mine in hun
dred permanent effected thousands will tes
tify On account OF its proven mcrit II Is to-day
commended and prescribed by the best physicians in
the country.
1t will cure entirely the worst form OF falling
OF the uterus, Lcucorrhna, Irregular and painful
Menstruation, all Ovarian Troubles, Inflammation and
liberation, F1oodings all Dspncements the con-
sequcn spinal Weakness and Is especially adapted 20
the Change of Life. 1t will dissolve aud expe tumors
from the uerusin early stage OF development The
tendency to humors there Is checked very
speedily by its use.
In fact 1t has proved to be the great.
est End best remedy TINT has ever been discover
cd 1t permcates every portion Of tho system and gives
now lifcand vgor. Itremovcs faintncss ntulcncy
stroys craving for stulans and relieves weakness
OF the stomach
1t cures Blcatlng Headaches, Nervous Prostration,
General Debility, Sleeplessncss, Depression and Ind
gcstion. That feeling of bearing down. causing pain
weight and baclnche, is always permanently cured b.
its 1t wilint all times and undero circumstar
ces, act in harmony with the law that governs the
femalosysten.
For Kidney Complaints of either sex this compound
is unsurpassed.
Lydia E. Pinkham's Vegetable Compound
Isprepared at 23 and rs Western Avenue Lynn Mass
Price $780, Six bottles Tor $500 Sent by mail in the
form of pills also In the form Of Lozenges receipt
of price, s1.oo, per box for either. Mrs. PINKHAM
freely answers all letters Of inquiry Send for nam
phlet. address as above Mention this paper
No family should be without LYDIA f PINKHAM
LIVER PILLS. They Constipation. Dlliousnesa
andTorpidity of the Liver IS cents per box.
AA- GEO. A. KELLY& CO., General Agents
Pittsburgh, Pa. Also for sale by Jacob Strick
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18

RgThe gatekeeper of Western toll
bridge was discharged, recently, because
he always allowed his sweetheart to pass
over free. He never tolled his love.
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18

rB-" DO fishes go crazy ?" is conun-
drum proposed by Seth Green. Some
times they get In seine.
The New Bloomfield, Pa. times. (New Bloomfield, Pa.) 1877-188?, 1881-01-18

DEMNANTS OF PRINTS--ot these we have
HI large quantity in good styles.
In addition 20 the above goods we have a nice
assortment Of Ladies' Neckties, C0rsets German
town Yarn, Zephyrs, Shoes for Ladies and Chill
dren, and thousands OF other articles.
+. MORTIMER,
New Bloomfield, Pa