1.   Scatter counting is a fairly sophisticated skill for young children, and they will need lots of help and practice.

2.   There has long been the counting of people as one of the first activities of states.

3.   But Bush campaign official James A. Baker III said hand counting is less accurate than using machines.

4.   But the counting is not over.

5.   By the time any counting were to begin, perhaps this weekend or Monday, time would be running out.

6.   Even Board of Education officials agree the counting is complicated.

7.   Even Connecticut Secretary of the State Pauline R. Kezer, a Republican who oversaw the post-election review, admitted that vote counting is not an exact science.

8.   Hand counting is often necessary as a fail-safe backup.

9.   Inside the conference room, the vote counting was a painstakingly slow process.

10.   It is estimated that more than a million people celebrate Fat Tuesday in the city, but the counting of heads is hardly scientific.