note yakko Because <code>@_</code> is localised for the subroutine. Since you called <code>subroutine</code> with no parms, the <code>@_</code> it's operating from has undef.<p> As for <code>&subroutine</code>, <code>@_</code> is not localised and the existing one is passed in. <code>$_</code> need not apply outside the sub in any event -- the subroutine deals with <code>@_</code>. <p>-- <br> Me spell chucker work grate. Need grandma chicken. 72671 72702