davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
OOMMIssIONERs' NOTICE.


ESTATE OF MAbIlN A. bAHE.
The undersigned, having been appointed by the
Hon. Probate Court for the District of Marlboro,
commissioners to receive examine and adjust all claims
and demands of persons against the estate Mason
A. Sage late of Wardsboro IN said district, deceased,
and all claims exhibited In Offset thereto, hereby
give notice that will meet for the purpose aforesaid
at the hall Of A. j. Dexter In Wardsboro, on the last
Tuesdays Of September and October next. from 10 A.
II. till p. NJ. on each Of said days, and that SIX
months from the 18th day Of August, A. d. 1884,
is the time limited by said Court for said credit
to present claims to us for examination and
allowance.
Dated at Wardsboro this 25th day of August, 1884.
LYMAN NJ. NEWELL, | C,,,,,tssio,,ors
80 DELEVAN c. DEXTER,l ''
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

-Windham County Pomona Grange will
hold meeting with Broad Brook grange Of
Guilford next Thursday The afternoon
meeting will be public. Subject for discus
sion GLOW can we best educate the sons
and daughters of the farm for practical farm
ers p MBs. G.. II. HoUGHToN, Ssc'y.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
BIRTHS.
Dfaths.

In Brateboro Aug, 20, Alice daughter Of winthrop
Adams.
In Brattleboro, Aug. 20, Oracle l., twin daughter
Of ID. l.. Herrick.
In Bratteboro, Aug. &c, Frances T.. wife of Wesley
Il. Phillips.
In Dummerston, Aug. 90 Mrs. Anna stockwell,
aged 80 yrs, II mos II days.
In Putney, Aug. "a, Judith Hunt Mason wife Of the
late Mark Crawford, aged n.
In East Dover, Aug "a, Albert H. Halliday, aged 20.
In Westmoreland N. H., Aug. q, Betsey Aidricb,
wife of Ebenezer Leach, 80.
In Chicago, Aug. 10, Eliza Phelps, wife Of Thomas
Cook, s..
In Watertown, n. Y, Aug. II, at the residence Of
her father Geo. W. Knowlton, Maria G. wife Of John
II. Rice Of Albany formerly Of Bratteboro.
In Minneapolis MINI, Aug. TO- Mrs. Asenath Jefts,
g.
In Bellows Falls, Aug. a. infant daughter Of Erwin
Heath.
In Bellows Pals, Aug. %, Hepsipher Slade, rs.
In Bellows Falls, Aug. &c, Emma c., So. widow OF
Lyman Hapgood.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
NorshaeId, MASS.
NVHWWH1N'INH1 11-TN-""s
THREE OF MR.. MooDY's boys DROWNED.

Three orphan boys, James Hill of STAN
ford, Conn, and George Tobin and Austin
Morris of Manchester, Eng, ~ and 10 years
old and members of Mr.. Moody's Mt. Har-
mon school at Mortified, were drowned
while bathing in the Connecticut Monday
They were all bright, promising ladF, the
English youths being among number of or
phans brought over by Evangelist Moody
The bathing was done in disobedience of
school rules, The bodies were found by an
Indian pupil of the school some hours after
life was extinct. The funeral services which
were held Tuesday afternoon, were largely
attended
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
PATENTS.
r. FL. EDDY,


No. 40 State st., opposite Kilby, Boston,
Secures Patents in the United States; also in Great
Britain, France and other foreign countries. Copies
of the claims of any Patent furnished by remittng
one dollar. Assignments recorded at Washington.
No Agenoy in the United States possesses superior "a
cilss for obtaining Patents or Gseertdining The pat
entdbiRtg Of Intentions. R. II. EDDY,
Solicitor of Patents.
TESTIMONIALS.
81 regard Mr. Eddy as one of the most capable and
SUCCESSFUL practitioners with whom have had official
intercourse CHAs, MASON, Commissioner Of Patents
Inventors cannot employ person more trustwor-
thy, or more capable of securing for them early
and favorable consideration at the Patent Office.
EDMUND BURKE, late Commissioned Patents"
Boston, Oct. 10, 1870.
h. II. EDDY, Esq.-Dear Sir: You procured for
me, in 1910, my hrst patent. Since then yon have
acted for and advised me I'm hundreds of cases. and
procured many patents reissues and extensions.
have occasionally employed the best agencies in New
York. Philadelphia and Washington, but still give
you almost the whole of my business In your line
and advise others to employ you. Yourstruly,
GEORGE DRAPER.
Ian
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
Market Reports.

NEW YORK. Aug. 20. Flour-superane westerp
and state, 260a3.20 extra do 9.65a6OO patent Min
nesota, .l6a6 90. Wheat-No. 2winterred 09O; Mol,
white, LOO. Rye, 72a73 c. Barley, O82 Corn
No. 2, o1aG2Hc; No. 2 white, a7OHc. oats-No. q
95a38; do. white, agar. Butter firm state,
lGa22; Western, 8a22%. Cheese-state, 6alOk.
CHICAGO, Aug. 90. Wheat-No. 2 Chicago sprinR
I6aISc. Corn 5OAa5lc. Oats, Csc. Rye, 5TaOOc.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

F. D. Corlss's infant child at st. Albans
was blown into a we'll and drowned during a
heavy storm Tuesday. The storm was &C
compsnied by hail and did great damage to
corn and buckwheat.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

The Unitarian society have accepted Rev.
DIR. Moors's resignation, to take effect Oct.
LIST 1t is the desire of the parish that DR..
Moors shall retain some connection with the
society and therefore no will be asked to oc-
cupy the position of senior pastor-assuming
no responsibilities and receiving no salary.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
GlenWOOd Classical Seminary,
WEST RRATTLEBoRo. VT.

The Fall Term of u weeks will begin on Wednesday,
Sept Sd. Teachers of long and successful experience
Glasses will be formed to meet the wants Of all stu
dents. Every facility for study and improvement of
fered at reasonable terms. Board, rooms for self
boarding, facilities for small clubs can be obtained
at low rates Circulars and other information sent
application to the principal, II. II, SHAW.
West BrattebOrO, July rs, 1884. 1880
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
A Gard Of ThnnLs.

Vs., the undersigned feel truly thankful for the
Nuduess aud sympathy shown us by friends and
neghhors during the sickness, death and burial of
our dear son. May the Lord bless you all, is our
prayer W. @. HALLIDAY.
l.. G. HAILADAY
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
or VEnmONT, Marlboro Sc

- The Probate Court for said District.
To all persons interested in the Estate Of PHILENA
p. TAYLOR, late of Brateboro in said District, de-
ceased Greeting.
You are hereby notified that this Court will decide
upon the allowance u the account Of MARY MIL
LER Administrative upon said estate, and decree dis
trbu0n thereof the persons entitled, at the session
thereof be held at the Probate Once in BrattebOro
on the last Saturday Of August A. d. 1884 when aud
where you may be heard IA the premises II you see
cause, SO Il. W. sIODDAltDi Register
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
WATERFOWL Union Live stock MARKET

TUESDAY, August 26, 1884.
Market Beef-Choice, 90 75alO 90; extra .OOa9 90;
hrst quality, 7oOa7 so; second quality 5OOa6OO third
quality, 00a4 80.
IN. B-Choice includes nothing but stall-fed HOO
10 1900 ID. bullochs. Extra and rst quality include
the best fat oxen. Second and third quality inclnao
oxen and two and three year old steers.l
Store Cattle-Working oxen, per pair, from 500 70
IA Mich Cows and Calves 20, S8a4s. Farrow cows,
leaS0. Fancy COWS, 5OasO Yearlings, lOa2O; years
old, l4a2s; years old, 24alO.
Swine-westorn fat, live, at Gao IL a 10. North
ern dressed hogs, 7kc.
Sheep and LAmbs-In lots, 81 so, OOal 90 each:
extra. 50a5 90; or from ~ TO SC per 10. year,
hngsO aOc per ID. Spring Lambs 5a6 3-ic per ID.
NealCalves 2Hs7c per ID.
Country Hides, heavy 6Aa7c per h., light Gas 1-9o
per ID; Country TaUw, 4a4 l-2c. Peits (sheared) %
A2bc each. Calf Skins, 10a1lc per ID.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

There was light frost Monday morn
ing but not enough to do any harm.
WIN. Martin is repairing his barn.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
C,TATR OF VERMONT, Marlboro SIS.

CNTATE OF VERMONT MarlboroSS.
- The Probate Court for said District.
To all persons interested in the Estate of JOSEPH
BRUCE, late of Marlboro, In said District deceased
Greeting.
You are hereby notified that George Winchester adj
miniarator upon said estate, has presented to this
court petition praying for license to sell the whole
the real estate of said deceased and also has filed
what purpors to be the consent of all the heirs resd
ing in this state to such sale and that this court will
decide on said petition at session thereof to be held at
the Probate once in Brateb0ro in said district the
last Saturday OF August, A d. 1884, when and where
you may appear aud be heard in the premses,n you
cause. 50 T. W. SIODDAhD, Register,
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

"A. F. Durkee, who is about to remove to
Minnesota, offers his farm, stock, otc, for
sale at auction Sept. 10, as will be seen by ad-
yertisment in those columns. A rare chance
for purchasers.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
F. v. KUECH & CO.
TOO LATE |!

Some of our patrons sent US their orders
last Fall when we we're busy filling orders
that we booked early in the season. 1t was
not too late to use the fertilizer, but it was
too late for US to ship the goods promptly,
and In some instances we were compelled to
return orders and money which accompanied
them. This we very much disliked to do, and
we have since then added to our shipping fa-
cilities SO that we will be able to give all Or
ders quick dispatch. Nevertheless, to avoid
any possibility of delay, we trust our friends
will send in their orders at once for
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

The ladies' circle will meet with Mrs. s.
b. Houghton next Wednesday afternoon.
d. L. Moody win preach in the chapel at
IL A. NJ. next Sunday.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

This is tho age Of young men. Other things being
equal, they are everywhere preferred Save your
young looks. II means position and money. Is your
hair falling, dry or lustreess? Save and beautify Il
by using Parkev's Hair Balsam. Not an oil or dye (;
sure to work, clean, harmless Restores color.
The most stubborn and distressing cases of dyapep-
sia yield TO the regulating aud tonng influences Of
Honda SarsaDarilia
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

VIM, L. DuTgin Of the Boston Loan Co., 275 Washing
ton street. says: recommend Sulphur Bitters as the
very best medicine have ever used. There is moth
ing like them TO give an appetite, tone up the system,
and do away with that anguid feeling which is fire.
quent among those confined indoors.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

The Republicans of this town will raise
large flag on Monday, Sept. LIST, at Z P. N.
sharp. Speeches by persons from abroad
may be expected.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

Mrs @. @. Newbury and Mrs Schrader
and children have been stopping at w. II.
Fuller's. While there picnic was enjoyed
ct Marlboro south pond.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

Col. l.. X Fuller of Brnttleboro will ad-
dress the people of this place and vicinity on
campaign issues on Saturday evening at 1880.
Give him full house. The ladiea are invited.
1t ia expected that Rev. John L. Smith
will preach in the Methodist church next Sun.
1av IT b Z. NJ
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
RernardstOn, Mass

Miss Fannie Hale goes to Greenfield to
teach in District No. Z.
The Fall term of Powers Institute begins
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

gH-FnshiOn IL Queen. Fast brilliant aud
fashionable are the Diamond Dye oolors. One pack
Get at Druggists. Wells, Richardson 4 Co., Burng-
ton, VT.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

Editors of Ph9niS! We observe that your
correspondent has omitted 10 mention the fact
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

Chna's population is put down as $50, 100000, but
there is no certainty about these figures.
In Sc years Mexico has had 81 presidents, one en-
peror and one regency.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29

The finest steam yacht In existence Is the Nourma-
hal, owned by the Aston family Of New York.
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
Notice.

HNO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN, In COM
i plianoe with the Statute is such case made and
provided notice is hereby given that petitions will be
presented to the next General Assembly Of the state
of Vermont asking for change of the shire county
seat Of Wndham county in said state, from the town
Of Newfanetn said county the town of Bratteboro,
in said county, and for the laying Of tax upon said
county Of Windham for the purpose OF purchasing
land upon which to erect county buildings, and for
the purpose Of erecting county building, and for any
other purpose thought best. 1885
Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1884-08-29
s.. AIban. Butter Market.
BraTtIebOr0 Prices Current.

ST. ALBASs, August 20.
General price l7a15c. per h.; selections zoe.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-26
yielson's american Diporce.

From Interview with London Lawyer.
Miss Nelson got that divorce in America,
with the express intention of marrying the
good old admiral who had been her guardian
and protector all her life. She came to
America and established domicile in New
York by the purchase of $780, to $50, 900
worth of real estate. She then obtained a
divorce from Lee on the ground of desertion,
without any notice TO him aud on very con
sentative statement of the real facts. Some
prominent American lawyers held it to be a
valid divorce, am aware, on the ground
that advertisements had been printed in
some obscure journal, and they claimed to
have some intangible evidence that Lee had
been in America at an indefinite date As
a matter of fact, which spent great deal
Of time and trouble to ascertain, Lee was in
England during the entire progress of the di-
vorce proceedings. He was not served with
any notice whatever. Fortunately, she came
to me before she remarked. l was OF the
opinion that she would be liable to prosecu-
ton for bigamY in England il she again en-
tered the matrimonial state. / told her so.
1t was great grief and she bore the disap-
pOintment ILL., That she would have been
prosecuted and prosecuted as well have no
doubt. ! knew Lee. Judah P. BENJAMIN
was also consulted and he fully agreed with
me in every particular. OF course 1 need
not speak Of Mr.. Benjamin's standing at the
London bar; it is well known there. His
death was a great loss. Bat, TO conclude this
subject where began, we have great deal
Of trouble in England with American d.
yOrces -
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-26

Mr.. Samuel Montague who has recently
been visiting the North American Continent,
has been communicating to the London jew
ish Chronicle his views in refegence to jew
ish matters in Canada. He says: At Win
nipeg be found that the Jewish residents
seemed to be more observant as regards the
Sabbath, and thes have a synagogue which IS
well attended; also that many Russian Jews
make fair living in that city. There was
no time to visit the colony two hundred
miles, further west, at place called Moose
min, which Sir A. T. Gait settled in the ear
ly part Of this year. At Winnipeg, however,
he saw some of the colonists, who were san
guine of success, also many others who want
to be settled on land. Going on to speak of
eastern Canada, he saws :--''At Toronto there
is small congregation resisting innova-
tions, and retaining our time-honored ortho-
dox observances unimpaired. at Quebec
the Sewish traders have mostly left the city.
few families remain, who maintain a Rus
sian refugee as Sbochet, Montreal has two
important congregations, Portuguese and
German; but the synagOgues are inadequate
for the wfrshippers, and a new one appears
to be necessary. A Reform Temple has been
started, but it has attracted very few mem
bers. Many Russian Jews are doing wen in
this fine city,
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-26
gfoTern ,JO,trnalfs,,t

The Ottawa Free Press presents some sens
ible views in regard to modern journalism,
which apply not only to Canadian journalism
but are of general application. The Free
Press says:
The modern idea of journalism is variety
and not long articles or reports on this or
that occurrence. The days Of long and gra-
tuitous exhibition reports are passing away
and the exhibitors who want notices for their
exhibits must pay for the space they occupy
as other advertisers do. The newspapers
duty to its constituency lies in noting and
describing the exhibition as a whole and de-
partments in their general appearance, but
when it comes 10 individual exhibitors, they
must pay for their space as on every other
day Of the year. The Toronto papers adopt
ed this course during the Fall fairs and 80
did the Free Press and every other provincial
newspaper in position to deal with the pub
lie on business terms. 1t is the only fair
plan-fair to both advertisers and the news
paper-and the only one which viii give,gen-
eral satisfaction. Why a man who never
adyertises should sponge upon newspaper
because his goods are shown in an exhibition
instead of in his ordinary stores, is prob
lem upon which the dead beat exhibitor and
The enterprising newspaper, which lives large
ly upon its advertising revenue, can never
see eye 10 eye.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-26
Romance of Iona Branch.


New York Letter in New Orleans Ply tune
Some twenty years ago Joseph =. EN-
mons settled in a village near Hampton
Roads, Va, and married the daughter of
rich farmer, who was much opposed to the
union and did everything he could to make
it unhappy. The young husband bore every
thing for the sake of the wife he truly loved,
but one day received such an insult from his
father-in-law that he felt bound to 90 away
and leave behind all that was dear to him.
Shortly after his departure his wife gave birth
to twin babies-a boy and a girl-and before
these were two years old she fell victim to
settled melancholy and drowned herself.
The father, who really caused her death, took
care that no news of it should reach her hus.
band and adopted the children as his own.
Meanwhile Emmons had come north and To-
Gated at Long Branch, where he has long
been q well-known citizen. Several years
since, having no reason to suppose his wife
alive, he married Miss Reddy. The present
week the even current of his life has been
suddenly turned into new channel The
twin children, whose existence even was I'M
known to him, have found him out and pre-
scented themselves in person, with the pleas
ing intelligence that their grandfather's es-
tate has been left to him with $4,000 in
money. The old man on his death-bed told
them the story of their mothers marriage
and unhappy end and babe them hasten,
after he was gone. to find their father and
bring him back to the Virginia home whence
he had been so harshly driven forth.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-26
Ho,c the TunT; 4i,roke.
Detroit Free Press. !

James Turk, guileless citizen of De-
troit was ambling around st. Louis the 9TH
er day when a stranger stopped him, offered
him cigar, and said:
''You have frank and honest face, and
appeal to you to do me favor"
''Well, reckon win, unless you want to
borrow money"
''Oh, no! no! You see that clothing store
over therca Well, on tim left as you go in
is counter full Of overcoats. l want one
the worst way, but the price is $50, and L
don't want to pay over SIS. I could have
beaten him down, l think, except that we
both got mad and left.
swell, what do you want of me?''
''Simply to 60 in and offer him SIS. If he
accepts bring the coat to me on the corner
below. If he refuses, you will have my graft
tude all the same.''
James promptly consented, and when he
had offered SIS for one of the coats the deal
er also promptly accepted. 1t was done UP
in neat bundle, and Mr.. Turk carried it to
the corner for delivery and payment The
other party was not there. Mr.. Turk waited
half an hour-three-q uarters-over an hour,
and the idea crept through his wool that he
had been sold. He returned to the clothier's
and asked:
''What is your asking price for these over
coatss''
''Eight dollars!''
''But paid you s15p'
Exactly. When a man comes in und
likes to pay me dot price I vhas foolish to
drive him avhayr'
Mr.. Turk reached home with two overcoats,
and he is so pale and quiet and sad-appear-
ing, that his friends whisper their fears OF
consumption.
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-26
S,re.t Seveutee,. Discounted.

IA girls Gossip in London Truth.
"Sweet seventeen" is no longer the ideal
age, even with our modern poets. In fact,
the school girl is recognized as being with
Some honorable exceptions) disagreeable
ing-self-conscious, raw and possessed Of
an enormous capacity for devouring sweets
There is delicious comparison between girl
and woman to be found in Besant and Rice's
novel, "All in Garden Fair:' compare
son that is wholly in favor of the latter. So,
my dear, remember that i'll a couple of years
l shall reach the stationary age, twenty-four,
and that am going to be as charming as
ever l can for the whole time I remain at
that age. Fortunately our circumstances do
not entitle US to have the year of our birth
recorded in the ''Peeragc"-a very doubtful
privilege, so far as the feminine portion of
our aristocracy is concerned. A little well
meant fraud is therefore possible to US, and
the only difficulty is to continue to look the
part. We are not all Ninion de PEnclos
Aut there are many devices available now of
which that wonderful woman knew nothing
It is said. you know, that her only cosmetic
was Iain-water. We have besides that lawn
tennis, long walks and an immense roper
tory of soft tints wherewith to clothe our
selves, and make compilations dazzling that
would otherwise be scarcely noted. l am 60
ing to stuey myself, Amy, now that am
''getting on" and shall be most careful about
my dress. / shall however, confide in you g.
Maud is no good, she has no reciprocity in
such matters, for she would not descend to
dissemble a single wrinkle or gray hair, if
she possessed them
St. Paul daily globe. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1884-1896, 1884-10-26
Cnnadia,a Chez Sc.

1t is stated that the command abroad for
Canadian cheese has risen to unprecedented
dimensions during the present year. The
increased transportation of this article has
done much to compensate for the falling off
in wheat shipments, The Toronto Nctgs says
Over five million dollars worth of cheese has
been shipped this season from Montreal,
while the wheat shipments only amounted to
about 81. Co., 900. The decrease in wheat
exports from that port amounts to 81, 400,-
900, as compared with the corresponding
period of last season. and the increase in
cheese shipments is about one million dol
lars. The total quantity exported to Great
Britain since the beginning of the season is
10000, 900 pounds, the trade having received
an impetus that eycites general astonish-
ment The export during the corresponding
period of last year was 40, 100000 pounds.
The butter trade, too, is increasing about :, :
10000 pounds having been shipped this
season as against three million to the same
period of last season.
This tendency indicates the direction to
which the farmers of the Northwest and other
parts of Canada should look to make up their
losses on wheat. Dairy farming in coniunc-
ton with stock-rasing will enable them to
fill a demand which is liner easing as rapidly
as that for breadstuffs declines