1: Stereotypically rural

5: Opposite of daughter

6: Research setting

8: Accept, as a credit card

10: 'The Facts of Life' actress

11: Staying power

12: In terms of area, it is the world's largest bay.

15: Fresno-to-L.A. dir.

16: One of Lee's men

18: Plural form of 'restaurants.'

20: Plural form of 'province.'

22: Schooner fill

23: Relatively large in size or number or extent; the _______ white shark.

24: To be seated.

25: Hi-speed coupes

26: Question heard during this time of year

2: An area in which something operates.

3: Small and light boat; pointed at both ends; propelled with a paddle.

4: Small and pulpy fruits; often used for making jams and jellies.

5: Prepare for surgery

6: Synonym of 'want'

7: Projectiles that are fired from a gun.

9: By chance.

13: Optical instrument consisting of a pair of lenses for correcting defective vision.

14: Synonym of 'biggest.'

16: Synonym of 'answer.'

17: Past tense of 'bring'.

19: Mature fertilized plant ovules consisting of an embryo and its food source and having a protective coat or testa.

21: Clarifying words

22: To be very upset.