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- The S/S Atlantic of the White Star Line, disaster in 1873
About the sinking of the S/S Atlantic and the Norwegian and Scandinavian passengers involved. This ship went down off Halifax in 1873, of the 957 passengers aboard, 545 lost their lives
- Those Norwegian names, tips for the "online" researcher
Did you meet the brick wall while researching your Norwegian ancestors online? This article might give some new clues.
- PORT OF NEW YORK PASSENGER RECORDS
Jo Anne has written several research articles for the Southern California Genealogical Society Journal, The Searcher. This is an updated, shorter version of her article regarding the New York Passenger Records. It originally appeared in the November/Decem
- Maritime inscription - registers of seamen
An example on what you may find in the maritime inscription records, and some information about where to find them.
- Hunting Passenger Lists
An article describing how, and where, to look for passenger information about Norwegian emigrants. Featuring: US Arrivals, Records of the U.S. Customs Service, (1820 - ca. 1891), Records of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, (1891 - 1957), Canadi
- THE 31 NORWEGIANS ON THE "TITANIC"
When the legendary Titanic set sail from Queenstown, Ireland, her last port of call, on 11 April 1912, there were 31 passengers of Norwegian origin on board. This article tells the story of how the 31 travelled to the Titanic, and is mainly based on Chapt
- The collision between the Thingvalla and the Geiser - STORY OF THE SURVIVORS
The Thrilling Story of the Sinking of the Gesier, The S/S Thingvalla arrives in port. From The Halifax Morning Herald Mon. 20 Aug. 1888. THE CATASTROPHE OFF SABLE ISLAND, Captain Møller's Version. —A Passenger says The Thingvalla Officers Are to Blame. —A
- The Collision between the Thingvalla and the Geiser, Details of the disaster
The Thrilling Story of the Sinking of the Gesier, The S/S Thingvalla arrives in port. From the Halifax Morning Herald Sat. Aug 18, 1888
- S/S Montebello - embarkation in Christiania
- Hunting Passenger Lists & Genealogy
A selection of articles dedicated to help you in your search for your Norwegian ancestors. Also including articles about Pioneers & Norwegian Settlements Around the World
- Ships & Disasters
Articles about selected ships, Transcripts and pictures of historic documents in connection with the ships and emigration.
- NORSEWOOD - NEW ZEALAND
Kiwi Vikings and a little bit of Norway Downunder. Norsewood historical background
- The Transatlantic Crossing
This article focuses mainly on the transatlantic journey. It is the story of how the Norwegians going to America in the time between 1825 and 1925 would travel. It also gives some insight to the amazing development in how ships were constructed and the tr
- Passenger Act 1819
An Act regulating passenger ships and vessels. (Transcription)
- Nice to know - Things to know about ships
Ships and rigging, an explanatory article about different kind of rigs and ships, nautical terms like the "tween deck", and so on
- Passenger Act 1828
An Act to regulate the Carriage of Passengers in Merchants Vessels from the United Kingdom to the Continent and Islands of North America (transcript)
- Sources - Time line - Records to Norwegian emigrants
This is a diagram which shows the most important records to Norwegian emigration.
- NATIONAL ARCHIVES OF CANADA –SEARCHING THE CANADIAN IMMIGRATION RECORDS (1925-1935) DATABASE
Have you come across an ancestor whose life story intrigues you? Does one person in particular stand out from the crowd? Did this ancestor live in Canada, then this article will be a very good tip about where to look next.
- Agent's authorization
This are examples of authorization papers issued for a agents representing steamship companies in Norway. They were issued by the general agent in Norway, and co-signed by the police.
- Emigration contracts - passenger contracts
The emigration contracts made out between the emigration agents and the emigrants.
- Migration from Northern Europe to America via the Port of Hull, 1848-1914
During the period 1836 - 1914 Hull developed a pivotal role in the movement of transmigrants via the UK. During this period over 2.2 million transmigrants passed through Hull. For a long period of time this was the most common route for Norwegian emigrant
- The gathering to Zion - Mormon emigration from Norway
On 11th September 1851 the first missionaries of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints arrived in Norway. The early Mormon missionaries experienced enormous difficulties as they travelled throughout Denmark, Norway and Sweden spreading the word
- The LONG Crossing of the Hannah Parr - Background Essay
The fascinating story of the Hannah Parr crossing the atlantic in 1868, the ship encountered serious trouble on the way. This is probably one of the best documented crossings of a norwegian emigrant ship of that era, thanks to Clair O. Hagen and James Ove
- The Sloopers - pioneers in Norwegian emigration
On July 5 1825 the sloop Restaurasjon left from Stavanger with 52 people aboard. This is considered to be the first organized emigration party to leave from Norway.
- Amund O. Eidsmoe's Story of His Own Life
"The Norwegian Settler's Story" - Including an account of his voyage and his history of the disaster on Lake Erie. Robert R. Eidsmoe of Rio Verde, Arizona, the grandson of Amund forwarded an extract from his story, and have granted us permission to presen
- Disaster on Lake Erie in 1852
Altogether 67 Norwegian emigrants lost their life when the steamboats "Ogdensburg" and "Atlantic" collided on Lake Erie in 1852.
- The SURVIVORS OF the S/S NORGE
This transcript of an article printed in The Alexandria Post on Thursday 21 July 1904, was submitted by Debbie Dahl-Cole. Tom Solberg who is a genealogist for the Douglas County Historical Society in Minnesota furnished the article.
- The Great Liners
How great were the liners really? - We are displaying some pictures from a Cunard Line "Comparisons" booklet issued by the company some time around 1925
- A voyage from Norway to America in 1911
A voyage from Bergen - Newcastle on the S/S Hera, Liverpool - New York on the S/S Mauretania. The story was told by Bastian Fylling from Fyllingen in Hamre Parish north of Bergen. The story is about his voyage from Norway to America in 1911. It is present
- Sanitary Condition of Emigrants arriving in the Port of Hull
This is the 5th of 5 reports dealing with the conditions of Scandinavian emigrants traveling from Scandinavian ports on the Wilson Line ships, to the Port of Hull. This 5th report is written by Hubert Airy, the Medical Officer in Hull. It is a report abou
- Concerning the comfort and protection of emigrants passing through Hull
This is the 4th of 5 reports dealing with the conditions of Scandinavian emigrants traveling from Scandinavian ports on the Wilson Line ships, to the Port of Hull. This 4th report is written by W. Cowie., to the Board of Trade in England in 1882. This is
- Conditions for emigrants on the voyage from Christiania to Hull
This is the first of 5 reports dealing with the conditions of Scandinavian emigrants traveling from Scandinavian ports on the Wilson Line ships, to the Port of Hull. This first report is written by Charles P Wilson, Principal Officer at the Marine Departm
- Conditions for emigrants on the voyage from Gothenburg to Hull
This is the second of 5 reports dealing with the conditions of Scandinavian emigrants traveling from Scandinavian ports on the Wilson Line ships, to the Port of Hull. This second report is written by Charles P Wilson, Principal Officer at the Marine Depar
- Accommodation for emigrants in Hull
Reports relating to the conveyance & transit of emigrants 1881 - 1882
- Prospects from Hull
Many emigrants traveled via Hull on their way to America, they would have disembarked from their steam packet at the "Steam Packet Wharf". This landing stage was located within the Humber Dock Basin. This page shows a collection of prospects from the diff
- Memories from a voyage on the Christiane in 1851
Excerpted from an account written in about 1905 by Ole Ellingsen Strand
- Cost of passage, Norway - America
A COLLECTION OF PRICE EXAMPLES
- The Anchor Line and Allan Line agents, 1870 newspaper campaign
The cooperation between the competing companies was not always smooth. In 1870 there was quite a newspaper campaign between the agent of the Anchor Line and the Allan Line
- Alardus - German fever ship from Hamburg to Queensland
Ian Gordon of Perth, Western Australia, has compiled a document concerning extracts from the newspapers of the day in connection to the passage of the fever ship Alardus. The voyage is known to have been one of the longest of any ship sailing from Germany
- The last of the S/S Missouri's boats to leave the sinking S/S Danmark
- Pictures from the S/S Dwinsk (ex. C. F. Tietgen)
Snapshots taken by Heinrich (Henry) Ioganowitsch Arnowitz during 1917 on a convoy from Halifax to Great Britain.
- The Sinking of the S/S Danmark
A newspaper account concerning the sinking of the S/S DANMARK. It has been transcribed and submitted by Kristin Brue.
- Dancing on the deck of a Thingvalla Line ship in 1887
- THE SELVIG STORY
This story is an account from the crossing on the Fauna in 1868. It is chapter V in the book THE SELVIG STORY. The story was submitted by Bill Selvig, who's family was on the ship in 1868. Written by Mina Olivia Selvig Johnson, the daughter of Bernt Olsen
- AN IMMIGRATION JOURNEY TO AMERICA IN 1854
This story about the voyage on the bark Fædres Minde from Norway in 1854, was printed in the "Norwegian-American Studies, Volume 32" which was published by the Norwegian-American Historical Association in 1989. The book this selection is drawn from is und
- S/S Eskimo of the Wilson Line in a Norwegian fjord
- Account from the 1865 voyage on the Galathea
This is the diary of Johan Nilsen and wife, Pernille Nielsdatter (with children) as they traveled to America. The diary was printed in "The Nilsen Saga," written by Arnold Borshem during the last few months before his death in 1956. Permission to put t
- A. B. Wilse's journey on the S/S Geiser in 1888
The collision between the S/S Thingvalla and the S/S Geiser - A passenger account of the disaster
- Collision between the Thingvalla and the Geiser - newspaper excerpts
Excerpts from an article in the NEW YORK TIMES. It is dated Friday, August 17,
1888, page 2, column 3. Transcribed and contributed by Jeanne
Nelson.
- Chronology - Hannah Parr crossing 1868
Compiled from the three voyage accounts, the Limerick Chronicle, and St. Munchin's parish records.
- The Gulbran Olsen Berge account from the Hannah Parr crossing in 1868
This fragment of Gulbran Olsen Berge's diary, in an anonymous translation, is owned by Diane
Hanson. Notes by Clair O. Haugen.
- The Iver Iversen Ruud account of 1868 Hannah Parr crossing
The following letter was written to friends and family in Gausdal by Iver Iversen Ruud, who with his wife and large family was a passenger on the Hannah Parr. Ruud was 44.
- The Michel Rentz account of the 1868 Hannah Parr crossing
From a version published in "En emigrants reise", Gausdals-minne (vol.2, 1987)
Translation and notes copyrighted 2000 Clair O. Haugen. All rights reserved.
- Accounts in The Limerick Chronicle - The Norwegian ship, Hannah Parr 1868
- The Diary of an emigrant leaving Trondheim on the ship "Juno" in 1893
This is an extract from the diary of an emigrant who departed from Trondhjemn on the S/S Juno on June 1st - 1893, and arrived to Boston on the S/S Gallia of the Cunard Line on June 17th
- AN EMIGRANT VOYAGE IN THE FIFTIES
This account by a former sea captain was published in Norwegian under the title "Emigrantfart for 50-60 aar siden," in Nordmandsforbundet, I: 51-57 (1908), and it is printed here in translation with the permission of the editor of that periodical. In the
- The story of a journey from Norway to Quebec in 1861, on the ship Maple Leaf
This story was written by Thor Sigurdson who traveled on the Maple Leaf from Skien to Quebec in 1861. It is a wonderful story, and it provides quite a vivid picture of the trek of many emigrants from Norway. The story is presented to us exactly as it was
- The Mads Knudsen Fauske account of the crossing on the Marie in 1864
The story below is part of a biography written by Mads Knudsen Fauske. The ship Marie of Bergen, mastered by Capt. Christensen, was hit by a hurricane, and lost the rig on way Bergen - Quenbec
- 2 accounts of the crossing on the Marie in 1864
Hazel Evans of Faribault, MN, contributed some new pieces of information about this very dramatic voyage on the Marie in 1864
- PIONEER HARDSHIPS by N.J. JOHNSON
About the dangers and hardships he and his family went through when coming to America on the ship Marie in 1864.
- Hanna Jacobson Starks' account of the voyage on the Marie in 1864
Yet another account about the crossing on the Marie in 1864, told by Hanna Jacobson Starks to her niece Sophia Jacobson Quarness.
- The crossing of the Maryland in 1869
This account is taken from a log kept by John Headland, and was submitted to us by Dolores Shirts
- Coming Over on the ship "Norden" in 1864
This story was submitted by Tyler Kanten, who's family came over on the Norden in 1864. Tyler's great, great, great grandparents came from Norway aboard the Norden and left some stories about the trip across the Atlantic. Not a very nice trip at all.
- Ole Dahl's personal account of his voyage on the Nordlyset to America in 1859
This is an excerpt from a letter dated May 10, 1925 and written by Ole Dahl to his brother Gustav Dahl. It was translated into English by Louise Dahl Nelson, daughter of Gustav. The excerpt was submitted by Gary Urban
- John O. Tansem's account of the voyage on the ship Olaf from Christiania to Quebec in 1867
This is an account of the crossing on the ship Olaf from Christiania to Quebec in 1867. It was written in John O. Tansem's diary. The story has been submitted by Wallace Tansem, the grandson of John O. Tansem
- The Ocean Voyage (on the bark Præciosa) in 1861
This voyage account from the crossing on the Præciosa in 1861 was submitted by Holly Batton. It was written by Orabel Thortvedt who was the cousin of Holly's grandfather. She wrote the story in 1928.
- The Journey from Norway to America in 1867, on the ship Refondo
This account was contributed by Ann Dockwell. Ann Dockwell's grandfather and grandmother came to Quebec on the Refondo. The account was written by one of Ann's relatives who was also on the ship. It is interesting and tells about many people dying on the
- A journey on the S/S Tasso from Christiansund to Hull in 1880
This is the account of Ingeborg Olsdatter Øye's journey on the S/S Tasso in 1880. Parts of Ingeborg Olsdatter Øye's diary is printed in Dordi Glærum Skuggervik's book: "Utvandringshistorie fra Nordmøre"
- An Autobiography of an Early Settler - (voyage on the Sjofna 1853)
The story of a Norwegian family traveling on the Sjofna in 1853
- From Drammen to Quebec on the Sjofna in 1852.
This is an excerpt from "The ANDERSON FAMILY HISTORY" Written and Compiled by Albert
G. Anderson, Jr., 1949 and privately published. Submitted and prepared by Eleanor H. Erdevig
- Ole Løkensgård's account of the crossing on the Sjofna in 1857
Ole Lokensgard, "Pioneer Stories," The Lokensgard Family, a Collection of Reminiscences, St. Paul Minnesota, 1994. (2d Printing). Originally published under the title "Nybygger Historier," in Hallingen, a Norwegian language monthly publication by and for
- A JOURNEY TO AMERICA IN THE FIFTIES (on the ship Tegner)
This paper first appeared in Symra, 10:120-157 (1913), under the title "En Amerika-reise for seksti aar siden." The child who figures in this story was the author's mother, Nicoline Hansen Hegg, who was born in 1844. She married the Reverend Abraham Jacob
- Wilson Line S/S Calypso, built 1904
- The sinking of the Dominion Line steamship "Scotsman" in 1899
Eleven of the Scotsman's Passengers lost - WHILE LEAVING THE WRECKED STEAMSHIP - ALL WERE WOMEN AND CHILDREN. Vessel is a Total Loss - Particulars of the Disaster - Great Suffering Endured. A transcript from the Saint John Globe, bringing the story about
- Canadian Pacific Line office in Trondhjem
- On deck of the Cunard Line steamship GALLIA in 1879
- S/S Hellig Olav at pier in Kristiania
- Emigrants departing from home
- The Sinking of the Norge
This article was forst printed in the Budstikken, May 2005. The Budstikken is a publication of the Valdres Samband. The article was transcribed for this site by Jo Anne Sadler, and is reprinted here with kind permission of Valdres Samband and Dan Hovland
- Norwegian Traits - as seen by a traveler to Norway in 1876
This is a transcript of an article printed in Scribners Magazine 130 years ago. It is quite interesting reading, hmmm...., I wonder what has changed. I thought this article would be nice reading for Christmas. Merry Christmas and a very happy New Year!
- Emigrants departing for Hull
- NORWEGIAN RURAL CUSTOMS AND COSTUMES
History and contemporary practice as seen by an Englishman at the turn of the century
- The S/S Norge disaster - newspaper reports
This is the story of the sinking of the Norge as reported day by day in the press. The ship went down on June 28th 1904, and by July 4th the news were all over the front pages of the mayor newspapers. Jo Anne Sadler has transcribed the reports from The Ne
- The promenade deck - S/S United States
- THE TALE OF THE UMBRIA, shaft breaking in mid-Atlantic, 1892
In lat. 42 48 N., long. 57 17 W., a strong breeze was blowing from the north-west. At 5.25 p.m. the engines stopped, owing to the shaft breaking at the thrust block. The wind and sea were moderate. The repairs to the shaft lasted four days, and took place
- THE RECORD RACE ACROSS THE ATLANTIC
The Hamburg Liner "Deutchland's" Victory, winning the blue riband from the Kaiser Wilhelm der Grosse, when crossing the Atlantic from New York to Plymouth in 5 days 7 hours and 38 minutes
- S/S FREDERIK VIII - agent Lie
- Passengers on the 3rd class promenade deck
- The Sinking of the Waesland
The Waesland was built in 1867, and was an old ship when she sank off the Anglesey coast of Wales after colliding in the fog with the Harmonides in 1902. There were two casualties resulting from this incident and the Waesland was also lost.
- Norwegian passenger act - 1869
On May 22nd, 1869 a new law was passed, concerning the conveyance of passengers to foreign parts of the world. This law was intended to protect the emigrants against trickery from the emigration agents and the companies they represented. Prior to this, co
- Scandinavian America Line, departure Copenhagen
- United States - Passenger act of 1882
This is an act regulating many aspects of the activities aboard an emigrant ship. It deals with accommodations, light and air provisions, medical attendance, discipline and cleanliness, privacy of passengers, carrying of explosives and cattle, boarding o
- THE CASTLE GARDEN FIRE - 1876
On Sunday afternoon, July 9, 1876, a fire destroyed the main immigration depot building within the walls of the old stone fortress. At the time of the fire there were 120 immigrants in the building. It was supposed that nearly one thousand pieces of bagga
- Steerage passengers on deck
- ANDERS MONSON HOGHAUG, A Norwegian pioneer
Biography of Anders Monson Hoghaug, born in Aadalen 1842. He emigrated to America on the Refondo in 1868, and lived to be 100 years old, passing away in 1943. The biography tells about the voyage, the many moves in America, his return to Norway after the
- Passengers boarding at Kristiansand
- Cunard Liner Mauretania leaving the Tyne after lauch
- Emigrants departing Copenhagen
- Junior Marine Engineer on Frederik VIII, 1923-25
This is part of William Elmgreen's (1902-1990) autobiography. He was born in Denmark, and grew up in Lemvig, Jutland. In 1923 he became a Junior Marine Engineer on the Scandinavian America Line steamship "Frederick VIII", and sailed on her till 1925.
- The Guion Line steamer Arizona colliding with an iceberg in 1879
In 1879 the new Buion Line record breaker S/S Arizone on voyage New York - Liverpool, ran full speed into a huge iceberg, proceeded to St. John's for repairs with her bow completely smashed up almost to the collision bulkhead
- Abaft
What is the abaft of a ship?
- Aft
What is the aft of a ship?
- Athwart
- Thwartships
- Alleyway
What is an alleyway on a ship?
- Altitude
- Hold
- Ballast
- Bridge
What is the bridge of a ship?
- GENERAL INFORMATION FOR PASSENGERS-SECOND CLASS. White Star Line ca. 1905
This article contains information and bill of fare for White Star Line passengers traveling second class about 1905. There are second class plans for the steamships Celtic, Cedric, Baltic Teutonic, Majestic and Oceanic.
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The average crossing time by sail from Norway to America in the period between 1840 and 1874 was 53 days. The longest voyages lasted up till about 100 days, while the quickest voyages only lasted down to about 25 days. This number is based on figures from 589 voyages. How ever, we must take reservations as there are some voyages in the period that we have not been able to get complete details for. Those ships were therefore excluded. In the tables below you can see the 10 fastest, and the 10 slowest voyages during the period.
| 10 fastest voyages (1840 - 1874) |
| Ship |
Year |
Capt |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
| Ansgar |
1866 |
Sparre |
Bergen May 11 |
Quebec June 5 |
25 |
| Juno |
1847 |
Bendixen |
Bergen Apr. 24 |
Quebec May 20 |
26 |
| Hebe |
1864 |
Olsen |
Stavanger May 4 |
Quebec June 2 |
29 |
| Iris |
1864 |
Larsen |
Stavanger May 4 |
Quebec June 2 |
29 |
| Heros |
1869 |
Olsen |
Stavanger May 3 |
Quebec June 3 |
29 |
| Sverre |
1858 |
Bræchan |
Trondheim June 1 |
Quebec June 30 |
29 |
| Kong Sverre |
1870 |
Hansen |
Christiania June 8 |
Quebec July 8 |
30 |
| Emigrant |
1852 |
Olsen |
Flekkefjord June 16 |
New York July 16 |
30 |
| Ebenezer |
1850 |
Clausen |
Stavanger Apr. 15 |
New York May 15 |
30 |
| Hebe |
1866 |
Olsen |
Stavanger May 1 |
New York May 31 |
30 |
| |
| 10 slowest voyages (1840 - 1874) |
| Ship |
Year |
Capt |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
| Sleipner |
1864 |
Waage |
Bergen Mar. 9 |
Chicago July 6 |
119* |
| Emilie |
1840 |
Anchersen |
Drammen May 18 |
New York Sep. 9 |
116** |
| Nordpolen |
1851 |
Voxholt |
Grimstad June 9 |
Quebec Oct. 10 |
114 |
| Hanna Parr |
1868 |
Larsen |
Bergen Apr. 25 |
Quebec July 28 |
107*** |
| Salvator |
1845 |
Gasmann |
Porsgrunn Apr. 7 |
New York July 15 |
99 |
| Tricolor |
1847 |
Martini |
Christiania Apr. 27 |
New York July 30 |
94 |
| Septentrio |
1869 |
Torjesen |
Christiania May 25 |
Quebec Aug. 27 |
94 |
| Christiania |
1866 |
Lange |
Christiania June 20 |
Quebec Sep. 17 |
89 |
| Nordlyset |
1853 |
Hansen |
Christiania Aug. 13 |
Quebec Nov 9 |
88 |
* Time of crossing all the way to Chicago, she arrived at Quebec on June 24th
** Via Gothenburg
*** Was badly damaged by storm, had to go to Limerick for repairs |
Average crossing time 1840 - 1849 was 62 days Average crossing time 1850 - 1859 was 53 days Average crossing time 1860 - 1869 was 51 days Average crossing time 1870 - 1874 was 49 days
Average crossing time Norway - New York was 59 days
| 5 fastest voyages Norway - New York |
| Ship |
Year |
Capt |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
| Juno |
1847 |
Bendixen |
Bergen Apr. 24 |
Quebec May 20 |
26 |
| Ebenezer |
1850 |
Clausen |
Stavanger Apr. 15 |
New York May 15 |
30 |
| Emigrant |
1852 |
Olsen |
Flekkefjord June 16 |
New York July 16 |
30 |
| Jørgen Brunchorst |
1853 |
Nielsen |
Bergen Apr. 26 |
New York June 2 |
30 |
| Hans Holmboe |
1850 |
Clausen |
Bergen May 28 |
New York July 5 |
30 |
| Hermes |
1850 |
Dannevig |
Lillesand Apr. 23 |
New York May 26 |
33 |
Average crossing time Norway - Quebec was 51 days
| 5 fastest voyages Norway - Quebec |
| Ship |
Year |
Capt |
Dep. |
Arr. |
Days |
| Ansgar |
1866 |
Sparre |
Bergen May 11 |
Quebec June 5 |
25 |
| Sverre |
1858 |
Bræchan |
Trondheim June 1 |
Quebec June 30 |
29 |
| Hebe |
1864 |
Olsen |
Stavanger May 4 |
Quebec June 2 |
29 |
| Iris |
1864 |
Larsen |
Stavanger May 4 |
Quebec June 2 |
29 |
| Heros |
1869 |
Olsen |
Stavanger May 3 |
Quebec June 3 |
29 |
Average crossing time Bergen - America was 50 days
Average crossing time Christiania - America was 56 days
Average crossing time Stavanger - America was 46 days
Average crossing time Trondheim - America was 50 days
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