<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
THIS SCHEDULE CONTAINS SUMMARY FINANCIAL INFORMATION EXTRACTED FROM FORM 10-Q
AND IS QUALIFIED IN ITS ENTIRETY BY REFERENCE TO SUCH FINANCIAL STATEMENTS.
</LEGEND>
       
                             
<PERIOD-TYPE>                   3-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END>                          AUG-31-1998
<PERIOD-END>                               NOV-30-1997
<CASH>                                      78,987,791
<SECURITIES>                                19,984,566
<RECEIVABLES>                               40,246,381<F1>
<ALLOWANCES>                                         0
<INVENTORY>                                 45,272,329
<CURRENT-ASSETS>                           196,649,829
<PP&E>                                      45,905,195<F2>
<DEPRECIATION>                                       0
<TOTAL-ASSETS>                             255,816,291
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES>                       44,170,743
<BONDS>                                              0<F3>
<PREFERRED-MANDATORY>                                0
<PREFERRED>                                          0
<COMMON>                                       678,809
<OTHER-SE>                                 210,455,186
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY>               255,816,291
<SALES>                                    102,493,470
<TOTAL-REVENUES>                           102,492,470
<CGS>                                       39,982,529
<TOTAL-COSTS>                               39,982,529
<OTHER-EXPENSES>                            42,326,715
<LOSS-PROVISION>                                     0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE>                              68,534
<INCOME-PRETAX>                             21,356,329
<INCOME-TAX>                                 7,806,126
<INCOME-CONTINUING>                         13,550,203
<DISCONTINUED>                                       0
<EXTRAORDINARY>                                      0
<CHANGES>                                            0
<NET-INCOME>                                13,550,203
<EPS-PRIMARY>                                     0.19
<EPS-DILUTED>                                        0
<FN>
<F1>Net of allowance.
<F2>Net of depreciation.
<F3>Includes Long-term obligations.
</FN>