I thought the List might like to see this message!! --------- Forwarded message ---------- From: "Gene Mims" <weather-man@worldnet.att.net> Sorry to be so long in getting back about the DNA. I really am quite new to it. I was doing some research on line and I clicked on one of the links and it took me to one of the groups that had a project going. Inasmuch as I could get the group fee, I went ahead and signed up for it. They sent me my kit which consists of two plastic swabs and a solution to put them in after you scrape the inside of your mouth. It's not quite like what you see on CSI where they take a cotton swab. Anyway, you send it back to them and after 6 to 8 weeks you get a report back. The test they initially do has 12 markers. One test that they do can only be done by the male in the family you are researching. That's one of the reasons that the more Mimses that participate, the better the chance of getting a match. The test also can tell you the country where your family originated. I sure that most of us would be British or Celtic. There is also another test that only the female side of the family can take. I would suggest that you go to this web site http://www.FamilyTreeDNA.com as it gives all the technical aspects of researching using DNA. I know I didn't shed a whole lot of light on your question, but I hope I helped some. If you have more questions, please let me know. I do hope all will give it some favorable consideration. Gene Mims