davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
Recipes.
FRUIT BRAN COOKIES.

FRUIT BRAN COOKIES.
My family did not care for plain bran
cookies. The formula for the plain
cookies calls for one-half cup OF butter
creamed with one cup of brown sugar,
two tablespoons Of cream, Tor milk, two
we'll beaten eggs, and two and one.half
cups of bran, two teaspoons OF baking
powder sifted in -four enough to roll out.
To this mixture add one cup or more OF
coarsely chopped figs. Also, instead OF
sprinkling the tops with nutmeg, add q
trifle of cinnamon and Glove to the
cooky mixture, sprinkling the tops with
white sugar and adding raisin to make
them more slightly. Dried prunes,
soaked overnight, pitted and chopped,
are also good; while dates or raisins
might be substituted.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
Good Stories
About Birds.

There is no accounting for taste
among birds any more than among
people. Sometimes a common wren or
sparrow OF swallow that has all out
6oors In which to select nice spot for
ks home will build Its nest and rear
Its young In the oldest and what seems
to be the most unsafe place possible.
A queer fact, too. about this Is that
when a bird does select one OF these
strange and unsafe localities for its
home the home Is generally left I'M
disturbed. ! read once Of pair OF
sparrows that built their nest In the
underpart Of a wagon that was not
often used. At length the vehicle had
to be taken out for trip that lasted
all day, but, strange to say, the nest
was not shaken loose and came back
to the birds as good as ever.
AS odd a spot as could be chosen
for n birds nest il the space between
the handles of big pair OF garden
shears. yet for two years a swallow
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

AN ART WORTH MASTERING BY PUB,
Lie SPEAKERS.

Now and then We find reader OF
speaker whose perfect meditation and
unpretentious but absolutely correct and
clear enunciatIon afford to the nearer IN
unspeakable delight. In such case We
find every letter, syllable, word and
pause accorded its own exact function.
When there is added to this quality the
gift Of Interpretation, the dramatic touch
which instinct and training combine to
afford, the artistic and literary illumina.
ton which is necessary In rendering In
public q good selection of prose OF
poetry, then we get fresh revelation OF
the beauty, the melody and the power Of
our English. But to accomplish such a
task one must study the art of distinct
enunclation and master 1t. That art,
however, Is worth mastering. It Ia
worth while, If need be, to repeat the
simple vowel and consonantal sounds
thousands Of times, to put oneself In
training, to practice reading aloud, to
heed criticism, to study ones own utter
ances, to use the phonograph In order to
to undertake longprocesses of self-culture
In order to master this one fundamental
thing-the art Of enunciating clearly,
correctly and resonantly when speaking
in public.
In this particular respect the man
whose mouth Is muff1ed with bristling
mustache is handicapped. Actors know
better than to cultivate an overhanging
bushy growth about the mouth. They
understand, what all speakers should
know, that the motion of the lips and
the expression and play OF the facial
muscles round about them, noted by the
eye Of the nearer, are important aids to
those who listen.-Christian Advocate.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
NEST IN A PAIR OF SHEARS.

father and mother reared their family
there. The shears leaned against the
wall in a garden tool shed in plain
sight of everybody passing in and out
yet the swallows seemed not afraid Of
anybody or anything, and they really
were quite safe from harm. 1t just
happened that during the two years
nobody needed to use those big old
shears, and there they remained. Prob
ably the birds thought the queer look
Ing implement had been put there
against the wall for their special con-
venience.
Besides being an awful nuisance
when you want 1t to be quiet, a well
trained parrot Is one Of the most in
teresting birds alive. When kindly
treated 1t manifests almost as much
affection as a dog. Like dog. too, 1t
Is very jealous. An odd trait Of par
rots, male and female Is that they are
as fond as little girls are Of playing
with dolls. Miss Virginia Pope, the
bird Doctor, whom probably you all
know about. puts tiny china dolls,
black and white, into the cages OF her
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
ALL RHEUMAT|CS
INVITED TODAY
TO TEST URIC-O FREE
A 7s.Cent Bottle Given Free to All
Who Apply.


Who Apply.
II there are still any sufferers from Rheuma-
tism In this country or wherever this paper
reaches, that have not yet tried the wonderful
Rheumatic Remedy, Uric-O, we want them 10
try II row at our expense. We firmly believe
that there Is not case Of rheumatism In the
world that will not yield to the wonderful effects
of Uric-O, and we want to prove 1t to every
ioubter beyond all possibility. The best way to
do this is to give large bottle Of this remedy to
every sufferer and let him test and try 1t to his
satisfaction. IL you suffer from Rheumatism
no matter what form, just cut this notice out OF
the paper and send It. together with your name
and address, also the name Of your Druggist, to
the Smith Drug Co., go Smith Bldg, Syracuse,
y. Y, and they will send you by return mail an
order on your Druggist for a 76c. bottle free.
We ask as a special request. that you purchase
a 25c package of Uva-Lax Pills when receiving
the free bottle, as the pills greatly assist Uric0
Use them together and be convinced Of their
great merit.
We know from experience that personal rec.
commentator is the most valuable advertising,
and that 10 the way we intend to acquaint the
world with Uric.O. Send for Uric-o, no matter
where You live. II Is sold by druggists all ever
this co0try at 75c and sl.0O per bottle, and we
want you to have bottle free. Uric-O Is sold
and personally recommended by +. A. Shurtlen
4 Company.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

One-half cup of pearl tapioca, one cup
of granulated sugar and two quarts of
milk (skim milk will do), add grated
nutmeg or vanilla to taste. Put all to-
gether in baking pan in the oven. Cook
slowly three or four hours, stirring fire.
quently. Let it brown nicely before TAX
ing from the oven. This Is even more
delicious than the rice pudding made the
same wav
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
In the Heat of Battle.

There had been holly contested foot
ball game between the Steam Rollers OF
the Benjamin Franklin School and the
Avalanches of the George Washington
school. 1t was won by the Avslancbes.
After the game was over and the con-
testants had returned to their various
homes, one of the heroes of the winning
team complained of a feeling of sore.
ness in the lower part of his neck. II
didn't feel it until just now" he said,
"but it hurts like sixty"
His father examined it. 1t began to
swell, and was very sore to the touch.
II believe your collar bone is broken,
my boy" said bis father.
A surgeon was, hastily summoned, and
made an examin alton.
Eyes," he said, "the bone is fractured.
How did it happen, Waltera Do you
remember anything about itP"
"Why, yes" answered the boy, 81
remember that when l tackled Skinny
Morgan fell on top of him, and I heard
something crack, but thought 1t was
bis collar bone"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
The ? uzzler
No. 424.-DoubIe Behsadinss.

1. Doubly behead to cut In half and
leave a denomination. 2. Doubly be-
head a cup or bowl and leave a femi-
nine name. 5. Doubly behead part
Of speechs and leave another part OF
speech. 4. Doubly behead a bird and
leave finished. 8. Doubly behead up
right and leave a birds home. Q. Dou-
bly, behead stigma and leave COM
mon article. Z. Doubly behead to
shrek and leave a certain quantity OF
paper. 8. Doubly behead to rove about
in a stealthy manner and leave a bird.
8. Doubly behead to set free and leave
to let. 10. Doubly behead thong OF
leather and leave tree.
When the ten words have been right
" beheaded, the initials Of the remain
ing words will spell the name OF a
great reformer.
hos s.L,.Il,,.. cloe& puxxie
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
SHAKER DINNER.

Parboil a dozen potatoes, slice them
while hot and brown them lightly in a
large frying pan, together with as many
thin slices of bacon. Cook one-half cup
of shredded Goldfish in very little water
until tender, drain If it is too salt, add
one cup of cream and little pepper,
and pour it hot over the bacon and pota-
toes Heap on a large platter and sur
round with quartered, hard cooked eggs,
allowing one egg for each person. Gar
nish with parsley and serve. This is a
genuine Shaker recipe.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
No. 426.-Beheadinos,


Behead words of equal length as fol-
lows:
Home Of our ancestors and leave
haunt Of wild animals; singing bird
and leave small. close vessel: the
principal goddess worshiped by the
Egyptians and leave common appel
lation Of a little girl; buffoon and
leave an indefinite number or quantity;
to encourage and leave wager; to
fame and leave vessel; famous
English college and leave a weight; a
legendary hero and leave measure;
robust and leave beverage.
The beheaded letters spell the name
of famous queen.-Youth's Compan-
ion.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
nREoRE AND AFTER.

tongue. Under the tongue place sill.
yer coin. Keep them there for a few
minutes until you become used to the
taste Of the two metals. and then bring
their edges together over the tip Of the
tongue. A peculiar taste will at once
be felt on the tongue. the sensation be-
ing produced for IN odd reason. The
two pieces of metal. with the tongue
between them. form miniature cleo
trio battery. and when you "close the
circuit" as when you make the two
metals touch over the tip OF the
tongue. a very slight current passes
through the tongue. which gives the
sensa ton Of a peculiar taste.
II you have the zinc under the
tongue, instead Of on top Of 1t. and the
silver on top. the taste will in each
case be different, being slightly acid In
one instance and alkaline In the other.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
No. 42s.-seripturaI rran.posaIs.

No. 428.-Seriptural Transposals.
Find the anagrams Of the following
Scripture proper names, each In SIN
gle word: A prominent woman, an
apostle, spring, son Of Eve, noun
tain. a son Of Jacob, a mountain. son
Of Jacob, wife Of Jacob. city visited
by Paul. son Of Jacob. companion
of Paul, an Old Testament heroine.
country east Of the Jordan.l
can enjoy the army, wander many
a mile without food. sleep on a bale Of
hay. rise early. share bone with my
comrades and grow hale on roast
At sea fear no evil in any ship that
sails nor can be hurt by any mode Of
rOughing II.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
FUN WITH PAPER BANDS.
oussr Results Produced BY Twisting
and Cutting.

Queer Results Produced BY Twisting
and Cutting.
Try this trick with paper bands.
Take three strips Of paper six inches
long and about an inch wide and mark
dotted lines lengthwlse down the mid
die of each. Paste the two ends OF the
irst one straight and squarely, a.
shown in Fig. 1. Before FASTING the
second give the strip twist a. shown
in Fig. 2. The third strip you twist
before pasting.
Now cut each band along the dotted
line, and you will have as a result two
separate rings from No. l, as In Fig.
1; from No. 2, one ring half as wide as
the original, but with twice the diam
eter, as in Fig. 5, and from No. 3 two
rings linked together, as In Fig. 9.
Here Is a peculiar trick. Get small
piece Of zinc and place 1t on top Of the
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
Against the Rules.

There is certain Pittsburg broker
who insists that every clerk in his es-
Enlistment shall present an Immaculate
personal appearance.
"If you care to retain your position In
this house," said he one morning to one
offender whom he had summoned to the
private Office, "you will have to devote
more attention to your toilet. Why,
man, you present the appearance of one
who has not shaved for week."
"Beg pardon, sir" said the clerk, "but
I am raising beard"
"That's no excuse" said the boss.
"You must do that sort of thing outside
business hours"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

The soothing spray of Ely's Liquid
Cream Balm, used in an atomizer, is an
unspeakable relief to sufferers from Ca
tarrh. Some of them describe it as
Godsend, and no wonder. The thick,
foul discharge is dislodged and the
patient breathes freely, perhaps for the
first time in weeks. Liquid Cream Balm
contains all the healing, purifying ele-
ments of the solid form, and it never
fails to satisfy. Sold by all druggists
for 75c., including spraying tube, or
mailed by Ely Bros, SO Warren Street,
New York.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Frances, aged four, is not always as
good as her amiable little friend Dorothy,
and Dorothy is frequently held up as a
model BY Frances mamma. Always in
her prayers she asks "Dear God" to help
her to be a good girl on the morrow,
but one night after being solely tried by
hearing q recital of Dorothy's virtues,
she said, "And. dear God, please make
Dorothy a naugh ty little grill"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
No, 427.-Charade.

No. 427.-Charade.
oh. / am a river and a state.
And I'm the ocean vast.
And / am chief Of everything
Wherewith my lot Is cast
My pine trees lift their dark plumed
heads
Far toward the bending blue.
Ny islands WOO the summer girl
The whole long summer through.
I am the deep. as have said.
Where many find their graves.
And on the round earth's other side
rest beneath the waves.
When lions roar in Jungle wild
And lash themselves In rage
I'm there. and children view me too
Within the zebra's cage.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
Her Motto.

81 think 1t IS high time" said Mrs.
Oldcastle. "for the people Of this ccun-
try to take a firm stand against vivi-
section"
$50 do l." replied her hostess. mo
north, no south. is my motto."-Chi'
eago Record Herald.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Dsughter-This piano is really my
very own, isn't 1t, pa?
Pa-Yes, my dear.
Daughter-And when l marry / can
take 1t with me, can l?
Pa-Certsinly, my child. But don't
tell any one; it might spoil your chances.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
South Pnris Savings Bank.
Annual M citing.

Notice is hereby given that the annual meeting
Of the corporation Of sou'h Paris Savings Bank
for the election Of officers for the ensuing year
and the transaction of any other business that
may legally come before said meeting, will be
held at It's banking rooms In South Paris, on
Thursday. March 25, 1909. at two O'Clock, P. n.
GEORGE NJ. ATWOOD, Secretary.
South Paris, Maine, March 8, 1909. 10.l2
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

my three year old boy was badly
constipated, had high fever and was In
an awful condition. / gave him two
doses of Foley's Orino Laxative and the
next morning the fever wac gone and he
was entirely we'll. Foley's Orino Laxa-
tive saved bis life." A. Wolkush, Cssi-
mer, Wis. r. A. Shurtleff & Co.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

How can any person risk taking some
unknown cough remedy when Foley's
Honey and Tar costs them no morep 1t
is safe remedy, contains no harmful
drugs, and cures the most obstinate
coughs and colds. Why experiment with
your healthP Insist upon having the
genuine Foley's Honey and Tar. r. A.
Shurtleff & Co.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
FREE. FREE.

Mrs. A. C. Taintor, Colchester, Conn.,,
writes that free sample bottle of Blood
inc helped her when she was all run
down. Bloodine Is body builder and
system tonic of wonderful merit, and If
you have not tried it, you should to-day.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
A RELIGIOUS AUTHORS STATE
MENT,

Rev. Joseph Il. Fesperman, Salisbury,
N. c., who is the author of several books,
writes: "For several years | was afflict.
ed with kidney trouble and last winter l
was suddenly stricken with severe pain
in my kidneys and was confined to bed
eight days unable to get up without as
sistance. My urine contained thick
white sediment and I passed same fire..
quently day and night. l commenced
taking Foley's Kidney Remedy, and the
pain gradually abated and finally ceased
and my urine became normal. cheer
fully recommend Foley's Kidney
Remedy" F. A. Shurtleff & Co.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

SIMPLE REMEDY FOR LA GRIPPE.
La grippe coughs are dangerous as
they frequently develop into pneumonia.
Foley's Honey and Tar not only stops
the cough but heals and strengthens the
lungs so that no serious results need be
feared. The genuine Foley's Honey and
Tar contains no harmful drugs and is in
a yellow package. Refuse substitutes.
f. A. Shurtleff & Co.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

A Bartlesville man went home drunk
the other night and got into bed with
his clothes on. When he awoke in the
morning he found he was lying with his
feet on the pillow. He told friend
afterward that he had dreamed all night
that his teeth were aching, when it was
his shoes which were pinching.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
NOTICE.

The subscriber hereby gives notice that he has
been duly appointed administrator Of the estate
of
BERTHA l.. PACKARD, late Of Hebron.
In The County OF Oxford, deceased, and given
bonds as the law directs. All persons having
demands against the estate Of said deceased are
desired 10 present the same for settlement, and
all indebted thereto are requested to make pay
meut Immediately. -
Feb. 18th, 1903. WARREN W. HANSCOM.
GEORGE C. WING, Agent.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Foley's Kidney Remedy will cure any
case of kidney or bladder trouble that is
not beyond the reach of medicine. Cures
backache and Irregularities that IL neg
lected might result in Bright's disease or
diabetes. T. A. Shurtleff & Co.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Maisie-He only kissed me once,
mamma.
Her Mother-Of course you administ-
cred proper rebuke.
Maisie-Oh! yes. told him he must
be afraid of oYerdOing himself.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Judge-And you, who remained hon.
est until you were forty, have smirched
your name and dishonored your family,
all for the sake of three miserable shil-
lings!
Prsoner-Excuse me, sir, was 1t my
fault that there were so fewp
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Do YOU WANT TO GO TO COLLEGE3 II
90 we can help you. We have already put hun.
dreds through college by means of our plan.
Write to-day for full Information regarding our
offer of q free scholarship In any school or col.
lege. Address, Robert j. Sherlock, 29.31 East
I'D Street, New York City.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

II see that the shoemakers are going
to print the real sizes on women's Shoes"
said Phyllis.
"Well, we still have our ages to lie
about" remarked Gladys, who was dis
posed to take philosophic view of
affairs.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Bloodine Ointment cures Piles, Eo-
zema, Salt Rheum, Old Sores, Fever
Sores, Itch and all Skin Irritation, 60c. q
boz, mailed BY The Bloodine Co., Inc.,
Boston, Mass.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Don't suffer with Sprains, Strains,
Bruises or Pains, but use Bloodine Rheu.
matte Liniment and you will be relieved
in a minute. 25c. and SOC. q bottle. The
Bloodine Co., Inc, Boston, Mass.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

FREE-To prove the wonderful merits Of
Bloodine we will mail large sample bottle
to anyone sending 10 cents In silver or
stamps for postage. Address, The Bloodine
Company, Boston, Mass.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Little Lester Livermore-Papa, what
Is the difference between q vision and q
sightP This book says
Mr.. Livermore-The difference be-
tween girl before and after she is mar
ried
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Hawk! Hawk! Hawk! your life away
If you prefer to rather than curing that
terrible case of Catarrh by taking
Bloodine, which will cure you. Large
bottles 50c., samples mailed for 10c. The
B!0odine Co., Inc, Boston; Mass.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

$50 you are still looking for an honest
man?"
~ am" answered Diogenes.
"What is the lantern for?"
"That's to test him with. I am going
to lend him the lantern, and II he brings
that back I'm going to try him with an
umbrella"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Amateur Sportsman latter shooting
bis best friend)-Too bad, too bad! But
I thought you we're deer.
The Victim-Don't fret.
Amateur Sportsman-Don't fret!
Why, man, promised my wife q pair of
horns
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Bloodine Liver Pills cure Sick Head
aches, Biliousness, Dizziness, Dyspepsia
and Constipation. 25c. . box, mailed by
The Bloodins Co., Ino., Boston, Mass.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Foley's Honey and Tar cures coughs
quickly, strengthens the lungs and ex-
pels colds. Get the genuine In . yellow
package. B. A. Shuftle6 a Co.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

"Writc me an example of simpiified
spelling, children" said the teacher, and
Tommie wrote: "The man who carves
monuments urns his living"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

puzzle on the schoolhouse clock, and
his schoolmates are trying to figure 1t
out
1t will be seen that the clock hands
form a straight line across the dial.
On one side Of the line the figures add
up total Of twenty seven, while on
the other side the figures add up to
fifty-one. The genius asks:
where would you draw a straight
line across the face Of the clock, divid-
ing 1t into halves and each half bear
Ing the numbers which foot up to a
total Of NEUTRALITY-SUSPICIOUS. Spokes-
man. Review.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
HELP WANTED.

Kingleside Farm wants to hire a
good hand for the season. Must be
a good mixer and give satisfactory
references. Tel. 81 Citizens line.
Itf S. M. KING.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
HOMEMAKERS COLUMN.

Correspondence on topics Of interest to the ladies
is solicited. Address: Editor H0nfNAKERs'
COLUMN, Oxford Democrat, South Paris. Ne.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
Charade.

My first is soft and fragrant.
My second firm and tall:
My whole Is often seen In summer
And often in the fall.
Answer.-Haystack.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Bropzes must be cleaned by rubbing
with sweet oil. Rub dry with Q soft
cloth and polish with chamois.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Here are five patterns to be cut out
in paper or cardboard-two Of A, two
Of B and one Of G, d and e. When
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

The greatest system Tonic in the
world.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23

Sick kidneys are positively cured by
Bloodine.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1909-03-23
ORDER OF NOTICE THEREON.

ECZEMA CURED BY PURlF.lNA
ANY Druggist CAN supply you. Sc. sire t rs.s
What BETTER Proofi PuAisIHA Nsw 70" WV