The getInstance method will return the implemented class for you. This way of getting an instantiated object is to make sure that it cant be instantiated like this...
Calender c = new Calender();
Thats because classes with private constructors cant be instantiated with the preceding code.
You can control the type of object to send, and you can instantiate it properly before sending it.
Have a look at the src.zip file that comes with the JDK. Browse the right package to find Calender.java ( I wouldnt go that far to see the implementation though )
You can then see what type of Calendar the getInstance() method returns. Change the Locale parameters to see if you can get another type of Calendar. [ September 24, 2006: Message edited by: Barry Gaunt ]