davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

EVERY ONE, however humble, has a
mission to do, or say, or think-some-
thing which has never been done, or said,
or thought; therefore let each one, while
gratefully accepting the help and profit
ing by the wisdom of others, cultivate
his own individuality, live his indepen-
dent life, and fulfil his own possibilities.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

JOHN LOGAN, of Cross Roads, York
County, Pa, has been Postmaster at that
place since 1889. He was appointed by
President Van Buren.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

WALDRoN, Mich, has been settled for
more than half century, yet the people
have just begun to clear the stumps out
of the main street.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THEo. W. SCARBOROUGH, of Cincin-
natl, was married at New York on the
24th inst. to Miss Laura Hoadley, daugh-
ter of Ex-Governor Hoadley.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THERE is magic in that little word
home; it is mystic circle that surrounds
comforts and virtues never known be-
yOnd its hallOWed limits.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

A BRAVE man thinks no one his supe-
rior who does him an injury; for he has
it then in his power to make himself su-
perior to the other by forgiving it.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
CONNECTIONS

Cleveland-with fast trains for East and West;
LOrain-with the ''NickeE Prate;" Elyria-with the
L S s NJ S R'y; GraftOn-with the { CCSI R'y;
SteTling-with the n p & o R'y; Warwick-Wifh
the c A g Ry: MaSillOn- with " & L R'y and
2 FtW & c R'y: Justus-with the g. R'y; Canal
Dover-with & NJ R'y; Uhrichsyille-wfth the
Panhandle; BridgepOrt-with R'y; Bel
laire-with & o R'y
OSCAR TOWNSEND, VIM H. CROFT
General Manager. Gent Pass Agent
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

AT Rockland, Maine, a twelve years
old boy died from immoderate cigarette
smoking.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THE establishment of several star mail
routes through Oklahoma is under con-
sideration at Washington.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

A LoNE-HAND society has been form
ed at Adrian, Mich, members of which
must not, under heavy penalty, invite
another or Others to drink, or pay for
drink consumed by others. The idea is
a good one, though neither new nor nov
eL The American habit of creating +"
is responsible for deal of the prevail
ing inebriety, habitual and occasional.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

CONFINEMENT is pearl of great price
and whoever procures it at the ex-
pense of ten thousand desires makes a
wise and happy purchase.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

1t is so charming to be advised to do
that which we want to do; so cheerless
to 60 out on venture of ones own will,
but that of no other.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

JOHN W. BRoCKIE, ex-Postmaster at
Mt. Carmel, Pa, is charged with issuing
about $4,000 worth of fraudulent money
orders.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
CHOICE EXCERPTS.

ALL earthly delights are sweeter in
expectation than enjoyment; but all
spiritual pleasures more in fruition than
expectation.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

PARIS, KY, has offered the Kentucky
Central railroad fifty acres of land if it
will locate its machine shops in that city.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

WHEN you are saluted with saluta-
ton, salute the person with better sal
utation, or at least return the same, for
God taketh an account of all things.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02


At Pittsburgh connections are made in Union
Depot with through trains on the Pennsyyania
Railroad for Baltimore, Washington, PHILADELPHIA
and New York, on which are run Pullman Buffet
Sleeping and ParlOr Cars.
At Chicago and ST. Louis connections are made
in Union Depot with prominent railroads for an
points in the West, Northwest and Southwest
For further Information call on or address near
est ticket agent. EA FORD
JAS. MCCREA, Gen. Pass. Agent,
General Manager. Pittsburgh Pa
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

As FLOWERS always wear their own
colOrs and give forth their own fragrance
every day alike, so should Christians
maintain their character at all times and
under all circumstances.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

JAY GOULD has been elected President
of the Texas Pacific railroad.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THREE persons were killed at rail-
road crossing near Wilmington, Del, last
Wednesday.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

As THE bosom of the earth blooms
again and again, having buried out of
sight the dead leaves of autumn, and
lOosed the frosty bands of winter; SO
does the heart, in spite of all that melan-
choly poets write, feel many renewed
springs and summers. 1t is beautiful
and blessed world we live in, and whilst
that lasts, to lose the enjoyment of it is
a sin.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
Long-Standing

Blood Diseases are cured by
the persevering use Of Ayers
Sarsaparilla.
This medicine is an Alternative, and
causes a radical change in the system.
The process, in some cases, may not be
quite so rapid as in others but, with
persistence, the result is certain.
Read these testimonials -
For two years / suffered from a Sc
we're pain in my right side, and had
other troubles caused by a torpid liver
and dyspepsia. After giving several
medicines fair trial without a cure, I
began to take Ayers Sarsaparilla.
was greatly benefited by the first bottle,
and after taking five bottles / was COM
pletely cured. john W. Benson, 20
Lawrence St, Lowell, Mass.
Last May large carbuncle broke out
on my arm. The usual remedies had no
effect and l was confined to my bed for
eight weeks. A friend induced me to try
Ayers Sarsaparilla. Less than three
bottles healed the sore. In all my expe-
rience with medicine, 1 never saw more
Wonderful Results.
Another marked effect of the use of this
medicine was the Strengthening Of my
sight. Mrs. Carrie Adams, Holly
Springs, Texas.
" had dry scaly humor for years,
and suffered terribly and, as my BROTH
er and sister were similarly afflicted, 1
presume the malady is hereditary. Last
winter, DR.. Tyron, (of Fernandina,
Fla, recommended me to take Ayers
Sarsaparilla, and continue it for year.
For five months / took it daily. / have
not had blelnish upon my body for the
last three months. IT. E. Wiley, I4G
Chambers ST., New York City.
"Last fall and winter 1 was troubled
with dull, heavy pain in my side. 1
did not notice it much at first, but it
gradually grew worse until it became
almost unbearable. During the latter
part Of this time, disorders of the stom-
ach and liver increased my troubles. I
began taking Ayers Sarsaparilla, and,
after faithfully continuing the use of
this medicine for some months, the pain
disappeared and 1 was completely
cured. Mrs. Augusta A. Furbush,
Haverhill, Mass.
Ayers SarsapariIla,
PREPARED BY
Or. j. c. Aver & Co., Lowell, Mass.
Price 81 six bottles, IS. Worth IS a bottle.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

ANNAPOLIS, Md, celebrated its two
hundred and fortieth anniversary on the
23d ult.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

SILAs B. KENNEDY, who went to Ok
lahoma and failed to get claim, suici-
ded at Winfield, Kas., on Thursday.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

Two men escaped from the county jail
at Youngstown, O., by cutting through
the wall
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THE question of prohibition is to be
submitted to the voters of Connecticut.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

Mrs. GROVER CLEVELAND has leased
a cottage at Marion, Mass, for the COM
ing season.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

On dreary rainy day man stays at
home all day and pulls out all his private
papers, with view of Strengthening
things, and, after looking them careful
ly over, leaves them in heap on the ia
BILE for his wife to put away.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

NEARLY five thousand men participa-
ted in the G. A. R. parade at Dayton last
Wednesday.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

AN enterprising citizen Of Johnstown
n. j., is an applicant for pension, di
vorce, and a poSt-Of1ice.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

AN organization of the Society of Sons
of the Revolution has been perfected at
Frankfort, Ky.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THE highest office in the gift of the
President is that of Postmaster at Min
neral Point, Col. 1t is $4,000 feet above
the sea level.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

A HOTEL was wrecked at McKeesport,
Pa, last Wednesday, by an explosion of
natural gas.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

AN Ohio man found in his family Bi-
bic check on the old Farmers and Me.
chanics' Bank of Steubenville, dated
December 10, 1921.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

GEORGE HAMILTON, a convict in the
Ohio Penitentiary, was seriously injured
by an explosion, on Thursday.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

In Massachusetts the farmers hune
prohibition on the sour apple tree.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

ONE hundred Sioux Indians are on
their way to Paris, where they will be
exhibited at the Exposition.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

WOMEN are abandoning corsets for the
corded waists.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
BUCKLEN'S ARNTCA SA1vE

FOREST fires are doing great damage
in Marathon County, Wis.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THE majority against prohibition in
Massachusetts, is 44,499.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

IN the widest anarchy of mans in
surgent appetites and sins there still is a
retaining voice-a voice which, even
when in practice disregarded, it is i'm
possible not to own; and to which, at
the very moment we refuse our obedi-
ence, we find we cannot refuse the
homage of what ourselves do feel and
acknowledge to be the best, the highest
principles of our nature.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

THERE is acase of yellow fever at San
ford, Fla.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
RHEUMATISM AND NEURALG LGIA

''Paine's Celery Compound has been God
send 10 me. For the past two years have suf-
fered with neuralgia OF the heart, doctor after
doctor falling 10 cure me- | have now taken
nearly four bottles OF the Compound, and am
free from the complaint I feel very grateful
10 you" CHAS. II. LEWIS, Central Village, CT.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

Am PER PROFIT and SAMPLES FREE to men
lVV CENT. canvaSsers for Or. ScOtt'S Genuine
Electric Belts, Brushes, etc Lady agents wanted
for Electric COrsets. Quick sales. Write at once
for terms. DIR. scorT, SII Broadway, New York.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
CLEVELAND, LORAiN & WHEELING R. R.
Time Card Of Passenger Trains.

In effect February s. 1882 and until further notice
Standard Times minutes slower than
Columbus, Ohio, time.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

CONTEMPT of others is the truest
symptom of base and bad heart; while
it suggests itself to the mean and the
vile, and tickles their little fancy on ev-
cry occasion, it never enters the great
and good mind but on the strongest mo-
tives; nor is it then welcome guest
affording only an uneasy sensation, and
bringing always with it mixture of
concern and compassion.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
CT. CLAIRSVILLE & NORTHERN
~ RAILROAD TIME CARD.
SOUTH BOUND

Time Schedule, in effect May 18th, 1855
Standard Time, 80 Minutes SIolccr than Local Time
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

MUST confess there is something il
the changeableness and INCONSISTENCY OF
human nature that very often both de
jects and terrifes me. Whatever | an
at present, l tremble to think what ]
may be. While find this principle il
me, how can | assure myself that l shal
be always true to my God, my friend,
or myself, In short, without constancy
there is neither love, friendship, nor vir-
tue in the world.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

CHEERFULNEsS is a cosmetic which
tones the heart and places bouquets all
over the countenance. Cheerfulness,
like most other talents and merits, is to
large extent the subject of voluntary
culture, and the preservation and devei-
ment of it should be looked upon as a
duty which we owe alike to ourselves
and society. Those who, like the gener-
ality of men, have been in yielding up
their tempers as vanes to be blown about
by the shifting courses of fortune which
way they will, would be surprised to
know how much the the luster of the
outward scene may be affected by the
light in our bosoms.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

DfHHVHD DIGS Colors EhaB any other Dyes.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
Effects Lasting Cures

Paine's Celery Compound has performed many
other cures as marvellous as these.-eopies OF
letters sent to any address. Pleasant TO take,
does not disturb, but aids digestion, and entire
ly vegetable; a child can take 1t. What's the
use OF suffering longer with rheumatism or
neuralgia?
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02
Paine's
Celery Compound

81 have been greatly afiicted with acute
rheumatism, and could find no relief until
used Paine's Celery Compound. After using
six bottles OF this medicine l am now cured OF
rheumatic troubles"
SANT-EI HUTCHINSON, So Cornish N H.
Belmont chronicle. [volume] (St. Clairsville, Ohio) 1855-1973, 1889-05-02

p6pIcc Ltuing upon Ldctdted Food are Healthy,
OHO'E0 Happy, Hearty. II is URequGled.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08

We are pleased to see N. w. Granger around again. He is rather weak, but is improving.
 l.. D. filling, of Torrington, was around yesterday looking after his interests in this vicinity.
 w. B. Gibson has the care of three farms. William Garfield four, and F. G. Holt has-well, I don't know how many.
 It is gratifying to learn that only 8 very few, comparatively of the clergy in Massachusetts voted against the amendment.
 A traveller in riding through town is surprised to see so many vacant houses, especially farm houses, and the dilapi- dated, weather-beaten, illegible guide boards indicate that the town is not in a very prosperous condition.
 According to the last school reports there are not far from 275 pupils belong ing to the several schools in town. It seems we are short of money to educate these. Last year there was $2, 794 used for school purposes. How much for each pupil ? I make no comments.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
ELLIS WORTH.

Farmers are all hurrying to get ready to plant their corn, as the season is far ahead of last spring at this time.
 On Sunday, May 5, the Congregation al church was the scene of pleasant gathering where, by previous invitation, the pastor and people of the Methodist society met and joined with them in a communion service, Rev James Taylor, pastor of the M. E. church, officiating All present seemed to express pleasure that both societies could thus unite as brothers and sisters.
 MT Joseph Pedro died last Thursday night of pneumonia after very short illness. He leaves wife and little boy to mourn his loss.
 MT Philip Liners daughter is still very feeble.
 Miss Julia P. Dunbar is gaining slow ly.
 MT Lemuel Peck, of Ohio, is visiting his neice, Mrs Leman Mercy, of this place.
 On Memorial day it is expected the soldiers will take dinner at Ellsworth this year.
 Julius Wise has his new barn we'll under cover.
 The roads are being put in shape by the town teams.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
SHARON VALLEY.

On Wednesday last son was born to MT John Krevae.
 VanDell TenBroeck and Geo. Hitch cock took 8 short pleasure trip last week, so we hear.
 Chas. E. Mallory, of Waterbury, 8 former resident of this place, has been making short visit among his many friends here.
 Miss Mary Durham left on Friday last for Waterbury, where she intends spending the summer.
 We are pleased to see Timothy Fallen on our streets again.
 Quite number from here attended the funeral of Mir Barnum at Lime Rock, on Friday.
 Lafaette Townsend at this writing is in very critical condition. In Sept. last he was taken down with rheuma- tism and has been confined to his bed most of the time since. He is 8 great sufferer and has the sympathy of the entire community.
 Miss Ida Loucks has returned after an absence of about three weeks.
 Miss Mary Moran is spending the week at home.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
ORE HILL.

Received too late for last issue.l
 The steam drill left us about 8 week since, and at about the same time 8 steam shovel commenced operations on the big dump on the east of the fill. The construction train can run over the new line and the work is fast approach ing completion. The fill is being raised up and widened.
 Arbor day was observed by setting out several trees on the school grounds and appropriate exercises at the school. house, to which our people turned as we'll as some from neighboring villages. The district committee was conspicu- ousiy absent.
 Olin E. Gibbs has resigned his posi- tion as agent of the Housatonic railroad at Great Harrington, Mass, and has re- turned to his old home The require ments of his position was too much for his health. I hear that he contemplates visit to Colorado for his health.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
SOUTHFIELD.

Rev MT Dutton, of South Framing ham. preached in the Congregational church Sunday afternoon.
 MT Turner is going to use his engine, covering whip tops in part and run the business himself.
 MT Herrick is putting his braiding machine in 8 room in Barber's shop, to run by the steam power there. The business wanted more room and both are now accommodated better.
 The backward weather the past few days looks quite encouraging for fruit.
 l.. Snyder is shipping quite lot of apples.
 Our sidewalks are worked, but not completed, making them very much better.
 Mrs A. Adonis is having a new barn built
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
Deafness Can't Be Cured

by local application, as they cannot reach the diseased portion of the ear. There is only one way to cure deafness, and that is by constitutional remedies. Deafness is caused by an infamed con- dition of the mucus lining of the Eusta- chian Tube. When this tube gets lnhamed you have rumbling sound or imperfect hearing, and when it is entire ly closed deafness is the result, and un- less the inflammation can be taken out and this tube restored to it's normal condition, hearing will be destroyed forever nine cases out of ten are caused by catarrh, which is nothing but an iudamed condition of the mucus surfaces.
 We will give One Hundred Dollars for any case of Deafness (caused by CataIrh) that we cannot cure by taking Halls Catarrh Cure. Send for circu- lars, free.
 F. J. CHENEY & CO.,, Toledo, O..
 D9~Sold by Druggists, 75c.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
WEDNESDAY. MAY 8. 1889.
SNO WS IN eS AND 'S9.

The following list of snow storms during the past season has been care fully prepared.
 Oct 3Oth, first snow flakes seen.
 Nov. 9th, quite squaD 9th, another snow squall 18th, snow in evening to cover the ground; 18th, little snow last night 2sth, snow from 10 g. m. to p. m., depth 5 inches 29th, snow 2s hours, no accumulation. ...
 Dec. 4th, snow several hours 9th, more snow last night, 1 inch; 9th, snow last night, inch 9th, Sunday morning, inches and showing, 9th, mowed till 4:30 p. m., very damp, 2 inches through the day; 18th, ground covered 27th, evening, inch.
 Jan. 21st, snow inches this morning; 22d, furry last evening; 23d, last evening and night, inch.
 Feb. 1st, snow last evening, inch i; 3d, snow hour, inch 9th, snow last night, II inch. 9th, snow last night It in; 23d, last night ! inch {; 27th, snow last night, inch 27th, showed nearly all day, very light snow, I inch j; 18th, last night inch.
 Mar. 5th, snow last night, ! inch i; 9th, last night t inch 7th, snow in afternoon, t inch 1; 8th, snow in after noon, no accumulation 9th, snow much of the day with west wind, very little accumulation, ! inch; 21st, last night inch 2Sth, snow hours 3Oth, Last night II inches 31st, snow from 8 to 3 p. m., inches
 The record of snow here this season has been remarkable. While we have had the usual number of snow falls the aggregate has only been 2 feet 2a icnhes, owing to mildness of temperature. Last season the total depth was feet ' inches. The greatest this season at any one time was 5 inches, last season it was over 3l feet. Christmas was mild and clear, thermometer indicating 54 Q at 2 o'clock, p. m. The coldest day was Feb. 24th, 50 below zero. March introduced itself with lamb-like tenn per and the 24th was a lovely May day, temperature at 6Oo H.M.A.
 Canaan, May 7th, 1889.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
EAST SHARON.

In reading THE NEWS I don't see any thing about this beautiful part of the town. Senator Bartram has opened his stone quarry. It is managed by his brother, Albert.
 The quarry boarding house is not opened yet. so the hands are boarding around among the farmers.
 John Brasee, from Rutland, has rented NJ. Costello's Queen Ann cottage.
 Mrs Fred Yutzler, of West Cornwall, spent few days with friends here last week.
 D Stanton's family are all on the sick list.
 E. P Eldridge, of Poughkeepsie, has been spending the week with his sister, Julia Stone.
 Will Stone and D. Handlin went fronting one day last week and caught forty eight, ranging from one-half to three pounds. Will says it was not much of day for trout either, and if any of his Sharon friends can beat it he would like to hear from them.
Connecticut western news., 1889-05-08
UNIONVILLE.

The ladies of Christ church raised about $50 by their supper. Fine gifts from number of the merchants were duly appreciated.
 Centennial lodge No. Al, A. O. U. W. was instituted here Wednesday evening with twenty nine charter mem- bers. Among the officers chosen was Geo. E. Taft as Past Master Workman.
 Base ball is now fairly the rage. The Unionvillss are booked to play in Plain vile the 18th. A return game the 22d.
 Mrs s. l.. Porter has returned from Saratoga. Mir Porter is regaining his health and will return later.
 MT B. G. Dunham has been engaged to play the organ at the Cong. church for the coming year.
 The market gardeners and farmers are making the most of this early spring. A. J. Hart has two acres of peas eight inches high, two acres of early potatoes we'll up and beets, lettuce, etc., look ing finely. The season is fully two weeks earlier than last year.