davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
More Women Smokers.

The immediate result Of the present In
tensely keen competition existing I'm the
tobacco industry, says the London Tele-
graph. has brought about an unduestiona-
BILE increase in smoking. and that Is by
women. For the past five and 20 years
at least society using the word In Its
more exclusive meaning. has looked upon
the cigarette between the feminine lips
with more and more federation. One by
one the fashionable restaurants have ex-
tended the same freedom OF the post
brandial cigarette 20 ladies as 10 gentle
men. The smoking-room Is at the pres
ent time a feature OF all the ladies' clubs.
and so far now from It's being secret
sanctum into which the merely introduced
guest Is never permitted 20 enter. ladies
who have acted an hostesses 10 little
parties and friends. which may include
men. take their visitors 90 the smoking
room after lunch or dinner and there
offer them of their own cigarettes. Gold
cases for cigarettes. with monograms or
notices In diamonds. may often be seen
smone the brides presents az q fashiona-
BILE wedding. and the matchbox r. as
much an sppurtenance OF the chatelaine
ss the pencil OF che tiny pur-bex. And
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
The 'Thorndike Diamonds.

The most interesting diamonds In Bos-
ton bel7Es to Mrs. Thorndike. daughter
of the late General w. T. Sherman, and
long a favorite in diplomatic society at
Washington. The general was greatly ad-
mired by the Khedive OF Egypt When
Mrs. Thorndike's sister. Minnie Sherman,
was married to Lieutenant 7. W. Fitch,
His Majesty. desirous of expressing his
friendship for the old warrior. selected
from his treasury diamonds valued at
100000. had them set as a necklace, and
sent the gorgeous ornament TO the bride.
says Ainsley's Magazine.
But an unfeeling United States Gus
toms department fell upon the wedding
gift and held II for ransom of $4,000.
the amount OF the legal ten per cent
duty. Here was pretty how d-you-do,
for neither the bridegroom nor the gen.
eral could scrape together the sum de-
manded. The bride wept. the newspapers
gossiped, and the husband grew pale with
modification.
But there was naturally a sympathetic
feeling on the part OF every American
woman at the thought oy a poverty
stricken bride unable TO gaze upon $780,
600 In diamonds that actually belonged
to her. A public subscription was start
ed: then the national government became
interested, and finally congress stepped
in and goaded TO chivalrous rescue by its
wives and daughters. remitted the duty
by special enactment
Can you not imagine the rejoicings
of the Fitches and Shermans when the
splendid gems were at last placed on
the beautiful neck for which they were
intended. and the pride with which their
owner allowed them 10 be placed for safe
keeping in the United States Treasury?
But you certainly cannot imagine her
horror when a great, ugly brute OF
tax collector from some Pennsylvania
county in which she lived, sauntered in
and demanded an annual tax more than
equaling the lieutenant's salary for an en-
tire year!
That settled IL; there was nothing to do
but send the white elephant back to the
Khedive Conceive the mental condition
OF an American woman obliged to give
up one-fifth OF million dollars in dla-
mondsl But II you will believe me. she
couldn't get rid of them even I'm this way.
Back they came by return mail
or somthing OF that sort with n
letter from His Majesty. suggest
ing that the necklace be taken apart and
the diamonds divided among General
Sherman's four daughters. delicately in
sinuating that thus the burden of taxa
tion would not be so heavily felt And
that is how Mrs. Thorndke happens to
own one-fourth OF them.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
They Cluss Tho Breaking Up
Of The Hon, Of iha voIzls.
MRS. WOLF TOOK HER BABY.
Husband Is Frustrated Because His Wife
Has Glsarpsarsd, but Her Mother Be-
IIsVss Shs Will Return.

New York, Feb. 1i.-Henry Volz. a
port. Ia Bronx Borough, has for week
been searching vainly through various
parts OF the city for his wife. Elizabeth,
and their three-months-old baby, Fran
els with whom she disappeared from her
home In avenue c. near Twelfth street,
on Feb 5.
Friends OF yolz declare that his wife
went away because OF differences between
the two over social diversions Mrs. Nolz,
IL is said, was fond OF going TO parties
and similar functions, which her husband
ebhorred. He liked TO visit male friends
IN the neighborhood and play pinochlo
and other card games, from which women
were excluded.
When Mrs. volz left her home she
locked up her three older children in their
bedroom, so that no harm would beiall
them until the arrival OF their father.
On a table in the dining room was brief
note written by the wife TO her husband
which said she was tired of the life she
had been leading and had determined 70
go away. The note ended with this state
ment:
you may hear from me in a few days.
If you don't then you never Will This
is Interpreted 10 mean that she contem-
pla ted going on a journey.
Volz is Frustrated over the continued
absence OF his wife The missing woman
Is 2s years old and good looking. She
was married to Volz nine years ago, and
they have four children: Lena, eight
years old; Blanche, five; Henry. three,
and the baby. Francis. Before her mar
riage Mrs. Volz was Miss Sehring. OF
West Chester. Since her disappearance
her mother has taken care of the three
children left at home
The day after Mrs. Volz disappeared a
young man living in the neighborhood.
whose name had been associated with
hers, called at the Volz house and pro-
tested against the statements that neigh
bors had circulated. This young man left
the vicinity last Saturday, and the fact
that he has not returned has tended TO
revive stories which the woman's husband
denounces as lies and as unjust reflections
on the good name OF his wife.
Mrs. Sehring, the young woman's
mother, said yesterday that she was con-
fident her daughter would return and
that her husband would be more atten-
tive TO her in the future.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
Canned Horse.

The horse-pickling works at Linnton
will probably resume operations by the
middle OF next month. This statement,
IN face OF the fact that Oregon cay use
ponies are meeting a better demand now
than for many years, seems odd, but 1t
Is true and there Is good reason for IL,
says the Portland Oregonian.
While 10000 or more COW ponies have
gone from the ranges OF eastern Oregon
this year to supply the needs OF the
British armies in South Africa, and thou
sands are yet to go, and the price paid
has been very satisfactory TO the pro-
ducer, the fact remains that great num-
bers of scrub ponies are lett on the
ranges-ornery, unbroken, intractable,
useless little brutes. consuming feed that
ought TO so to the fattening of meat
cattle.
The British army will take smaller ami
mails than will find a ready market else
where. but they must be sound and well
broken TO ride. Thousands of the cayuses
will not meet these specifications. Not
only will they not bring $35 each from
the British. but they are not wanted
at any price-by the British or anybody
else.
They are either not sound OF wind and
limb. or are untamable. or both. They
are drug on the market They belong
10 anybody who cares TO put brand on
them. They are wild horses. and nobody
wants them; but each or these animals
takes as much range as would be required
for the sustenance of a steer that Will
dress 1000 pounds.
The stockmen want the range for their
cattle. and the railroad companies are
glad 10 assist In taking these useless
cayuse ponies out of the country, so
there will be more room for stock that
will yield money to producers and car
riers Therefore the railroads are willing
20 make a very low rate for carrying ca
yuses 20 the Linnton abattoir, and the
movement thither will soon be resumed
The average oiy1lse pony taken TO the
Linnton ab6ttoh yields only about -
pounds of merchantable meat. the rest
of the carcass going into fertilizer. glue
leather. etc. This meat Is carefully pick
led In tierces. and is shipped to market
in France and Holland. where the preiu-
dice against horse meat Is not so strong
as II II in this country.
These horses bring from s. 70 TO 81 each,
delivered "a the railroad. They are most
~ owned by Indians. the animals owned
by white mnn seldom being so useless as
20 find their best market at the sham
bies
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

That American criticism of the primi-
tive ways OF our English cousins is not
unwarranted II shown by the great to-do
being made In the London Times over the
lnadequacy Of foot-warrmers which 18th
weather on British railways The Times
not only gives up It's valuable space TO
complaints OF travellers. but actually de-
votes a column OF editorial matter 10 the
subject and IN describing the way I'm
which the railroads manage things, IL OBJ
served recently.
"a train backs into the platform some
i've minutes or so before u is timed 20
start. All ~ hustle and confusion. The
platform a. crowded with DasscnCcrs and
their luggagc. an struggling TO get into
the train az once.
In the mist 81 the turmoil n nonchalant
porter is discernod lelsurely trundllng
along \ barrowful of footwarmers and
grudgingly delivering them here and there
10 the passengers who seem most likely
10 pay for them. There ore seldom enough
20 go around. and there would hardly be
time 20 take them round ~ there were.
est or least pushing 20 without.
And this II n hrst-class railway ter
minus IN London at the beginning OF the
twcnthicth century, In country which
Invented railways and for MANY wears
had no rtval in their management
This is 20 primitive that one does not
wonder that the Times Is excited. Foot
warmers belong 10 the wngming-pan age
~ the United States. but IN dear old Erg-
lund they are not only the thing, but tho
American WAY OF heating cars is looked
at askance. though II has now secured
20 have been stirred 10 Us dephts by tho
dcrcncuon - the railway porters No
wonder kipllng wants 'the islanders" to
wake up.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
White Animals.

A polar bear wouid not have a chance
IN stalking seals ~ 10 were Of n darker
color. The only black spot about IL Is
the tip OF the nose, says the Spectator.
The sailors who first landed on various
urkrown Arctic shores and bays stated
that the bears used 20 take them for
seale and begin 90 stalk them at "A con-
siderable distance, lying down Fat on
their s-9lies IN the attitude IN which the
BoDton shows the old polar bear at the
zob, and wriRgliug along in that position
until they came 10 an ice hummock. when
fhet thoy wDuld get M. peer over 20 see m
the seals wtre alarmed and wriggie on
again. The sailors added that they could
always see the black nose when the hear
got near. and vowed that the bear nut
his paw oyer his muzzls 10 hide H.
The Arctic foxes, the blue" hare the
rtarmigan. ryper and ermine all undergo
the seasonal change 20 white bv an iden-
teal proeets. The hair or feathers. as
the case may be. lose color and turn pure
~ an inrtantaneOus process
In the foxes ono birds tho white comes
~ patches bat the speed of the color
change Is remarkable. There are many
stories of psovle whose hair has turned
white from fhock "in a single night .
Judging by the birds and foxes these
stories nlsst be true.
no ono ever sees the process of fading
going on. The feather or patch of fnr
which was brown or smoky-gray sud
denly whiitns Yet no one has actually
seen The color going. The explanation
usually rirc7 q that Il takes place by
pight Thgfe ems no. ''hnir-wny" TINT
between M q into and the orilanni color.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

such fair smokers are fastidlus as TO the
brands OF cigarettes that they buy. There
are shops not far from Bond street which
especially cater for their lady customers.
who pay very high prices for their finely
favored delicate and fragrant Turkish
or Egyptian tobaccos which they like.
But II is in somewhat less aristocratic
ranks that the real increase OF cigarette
smoking by women is most marked, and
there IL Is that the lower prices with
which combines" and trusts" are con-
cerned are an incentive. In no direction
has the invasion OF the sex into spheres
previously regarded by man as his own
been more marred than In the city, where
women are now so much engaged as
clerks. typists and shorthand writer's.
They are OF necessity thrown much into
the company OF men. They become ac-
customed to the atmosphere where smoke
prevails. In their degree they become
connoisseurs also. and are well versed in
the substitutes OF well-advertised makes
IL has been observed by more than one OF
the great wholesale cigarette purveyors
that women do not demand ladies
brands" but are beginning to prefer the
mllder general varieties so numerous upon
the market. At present the west-end fe-
male shop assistants do not as a class
smoke. Living In as is the custom
OF most OF the great firms. do not allow
much opportunity 10 acquire the taste
as a regular practice and at the theatres
or the social gatherings which they en-
Joy on the weekly half holiday the temp
tation does not arise. Hospital nurses
also. are not as a rule. smokers. Though
In the streets one does not sec much evil
dence of the fact, there Is no doubt that
working women are beginning TO smoke.
The tobacco trade In London In a vast
one. and IN the making both of cigars and
cigarettes girls are mainly employed IL
msy be noted as curious fact that Ia
choosing cigarettes, even Of the least ex-
pensive description, the feminine smoker
never selects dark tobacco. The paler IL
is the more they are likely TO appeal 20
hsgs
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
SMOKED
vALET'S
CIGARS
Pratis "Man Friday" Cites
Many Grievances Cleaned
Boilers, Cut Grass, E'C.

New Haven, Feb. it--George T. Audley
filled the Superior court room yesterday
with exhibits TO prove further how In
valuable his services had been to Mil
llonalre Thomas II. Pratt, OF Clinton. The
800 exhibits in csirt were reinforced by
the addition OF 500 account books. papers
ard bills TO show Audley's connection
with Pratt's business for FIVE years.
The exhibits flied two travelling bags
and two baskets. He told more OF the
services he had performed for Pratt, say
ing:
II watered flowers, put up sprinklers
before the sun was up, went to New York,
lawn, helped put hay In the stable. clean
boiler, started the incubator line. con-
nected pipes, assisted In digging a we'll
and in milking cows"
Mr.. Audley further testified that as .
result OF his employment at Clinton he
received present from a business man
of New Haven In the shape OF a box OF
cigars, which Mr.. Pratt smoked.
Now, while you were In the employ of
Mr.. Pratt, did you attempt to get posi-
tion outsider" asked State Attorney Will
liams. II ran for postmaster" the plain
tiff replied He also, at the suggestion OF
Mr.. Pratt, wrote TO Joseph Gaum, OF Bos-
ton, in order TO get the agency for a GER
tain brand OF beer for Connecticut. "Mr.
Pratt said that we would get the beer
from Boston in kegs. and after bottllng
it, establish the Connecticut agency for
the beer and corner the market for high
grade stuff"
Audley said that once he was directed
to eat In the kitchen by Mrs Pratt, and
that he never considered himself a MEM
ber OF the family. "Somtimes." said the
witness. ''the dishes were not passed to
me-"
Explaining his relations I'm the family
he said: II was once struck by Mr.. Pratt.
] stopped him from hitting his brother
Charley. and afterward he struck me for
my interference. But he apologized the
next morning.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
GETTING A COT

It's easy II you only try. The lots are
high. dry and level. have beautiful sur
roundings are located in a rapidly In
creasing section and within easy access
of the city. Stocks and bonds depre-
ciate. banks refuse TO pay. but these lots
are ever increasing In value. This is the
young mans opportunity. Price. $40 each
and the terms only 81 down: soc. a week.
Don't delay, but see us at once for fur
ther particulars.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-INsPIRE YOUNG PEO-
PIE with the ambition to make money;
teach them to invest; our $40 house lots
ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-JUST THINK OF 1T. A
brand new cottage of rooms. complete
IN thorough and artistic manner. for
only 1880. terms easy
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
Ladies', Or. LaFranco's Compound

gives positive relief Powerful combina-
ton. Used by 200.0 900 women. Price Is cts.
Druggists or mail. Address. LaFranco
& Co. Philada. Pa
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE--wE HAVE FOR SALE
good one-family houses on sutton strees
property In that location call on >us.
ISAAC L. GOFF CO
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-oN ANDEM STREET.
one.family house OF II rooms. lots oi
Iand. with stable OF stalls. for very low
price. ISAAC l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALOON WENDELL STREET.
OF land: price. 5000 ISAAC l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
ISAAC L. GOFF CO.,
Real Estate and General Insurance
III Westminster St.

FOR SALE-HERES A BARGAIN
for. you. A cottage of rooms. l3 acres
OF land. fine stable, 3 minutes from elec-
tries; price only $500 ISAAC l.. GOFF
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-A TWO AND T.oREE
family house on Eddy and Swan streets
s.ooo 50. II. OF land: price reasonable
ISAAC l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-GOOD INVESTMENT
property for sale on Codding street: see
us at once. ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.. III
Westminster street
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-FoR $500 you CAN Sc
cure a cottage OF 8 rooms, steam heat an
all conyeniences. on Pine street ISAAC
l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

A 2-famtly house OF Is rooms, $500 sQ. II.
OF land; rents $50 month: will be sold
reasonable. ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-LOTs HIGH, DRY AMI
level that are bound TO rapidly increase
In value for 500: terms 81 down; DOC. a
week. ISAAC L. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE A FINE 2-FAMlLY
house on Esten street; has 10 rooms and
rents for $40 year: price. 5000. ISAAC
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
SEACONNET sTssss0'r sc'

on and after MONDAY, Nov. 4. 1871.
Monday. Wednesday and Friday, Steamer
will leave Pierce's Wharf for Providence
at 1880 a m. Returning leave Provi-
stopping at Tiverton and Newtown each
way. Connections can be made for Sea-
comet by steamer leaving Fall River
urday. Subject to change without mo-
tice. j. A. PETTEY,
Genl Manager
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-oN FEDERAL STREET.
A 2-family house OF IL rooms In good con-
dition: price. 5000 ISAAC L. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-JUsT IN THE MARKET.
2-family house of 20 rooms. furnace
heat and conveniences. on Oak street
ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

rooms. 5000 so IT, OF land. furnace heat,
etc, on Elmwood avenue: price $isOo
ISAAC L. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-ON ATLANTIC AVENUE
A house OF II rooms: 5000 So. IT, OF land
steam heat and improvements SCI
ISAAC l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-A 2-FAMILY HOUSE Or
Is rooms. with steam heat. etc. on so
Angel street. Everything In hrst.clss'
condition. Call on ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-HERE YOU ARE. YOU
who want 10 invest A 2-family house
iust over the line In No. Providence. foi
1920. Terms TO suit you. lSAAC IL
GOEF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-cAN PEOPLE AFFORD
TO be without home OF their own, That :
a question every sensible workman shou,i
CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-JUST THINK! 4 COT.
tages OF 7 rooms In East Providence FOL
$500: rents $3.50 a year. ISAAC l.. GOFf
co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-A FINE COTTAGE OF
rooms on Pavilion avenue for SlSou. na na
1000 so. II. of land. ISAAC l.. GOFF Gu
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-FOR $500 DOWN AND
balance the same as rent We will build
YOU a modern cottage with all the com,
and finely finished. ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

~ ffs denssursis o. us es,sS~
"a NA Laxative Bromo Quinne fsass
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

Frox, Fall River & Newport Steamboat Co.
Foo NEWPORT Week days only 4'p. m.
Return a. m. Stop Prudence Mon
days and Saturdays. Stop Conanicut
20 fScl Rvt Bristol and Bristol Ferry
p. m. Return a. m. week days only.
Fare 10 cents.
B. BUFFUM,
Supt. TRANSPORTATION.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-THE FEW REMAINING
lots on Lillian avenue will be sold az
very low price. Don't let THIS opportg-
GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-WE WILL BUILD You A
pretty, sensible and cosy cottage in a
nice location for 500 down: balance same
as rent. ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-GOOD INVESTMENT.
Property on Gladstone avenue: two q
family house. 1000 So IT. of land; price,
$500. ISAAC l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE - AT WASHINGTON
PARK. Some bright. cheerful cottages OF
g. and 10 rooms. all modern I'm,
provements, furnace heat, etc: splendid
location Let us show them TO you'
ISAAC L. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR sALE-THREE HOUSES ON sU-
perior street with 6i00 so. II. OF land. TOT
s60OC. ISAAC l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FoR sALE-IF YOU INTEND TO
build this spring let US show you our
difYerent plans and explain TO you our
easy terms. ISAAC l.. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-A 2-FAMILY HOUSE OF
10 rooms; steam heat and everything mod
ern; located off Broad street In nice loca-
ton: price $1,000. ISAAC L. GOFF CO.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-IF YOU ARE LOOKING
for property in any location don't fail to
call on us; we guarantee satisfaction.
ISAAC l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-AUCTIONEE AND NO.
tary Publics at short notice. ISAAC L.
GOFF CO. Real Estate and General In.
surance. III Westminster street
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
WANTED.

wANTED-UPPER TENEMENT ON
West Side. { or 6 rooms with modern i'm
proyements for two adults. Bcst OF ssf.
srepces Address Box $50. City.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14
RLILROAD%
NEW YORK. NEW HAVEN AND
HARTFORD RAILROAD.


A Time Table giving full information
as TO local and through train service
may be obtained at Providence stauon
ana stations below:
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SALE-A BRAND NEW COSY
suburban home for $500. A place where
you can keep poultry and have a nice
location, 500 down secures 1t. ISAAC
l.. GOFF co.
The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-02-14

FOR SABE-WE HAVE JUST A FEW
more lots left on the Kimball plat. II you
want one you'll have to step lively.
ISAAC l.. GOFF co.