JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact support@jstor.org.. Biometrika Trust is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Biometrika. SUMMARY Two leading estimators of the finite population distribution function are studied. Their large-sample mean squared errors are compared, under a given model. Neither estimator is universally better; circumstances are identified where the model-based estimator would do poorly, despite employing the correct model. Some key words: Asymptotic bias; Asymptotic mean squared error; Auxiliary information; Consistency; Linear model; Regression model; Sample survey design.