# File lib/logging/repository.rb, line 109
    def parent( key )
      return if 'root' == key.to_s

      key = to_key(key)
      a = key.split PATH_DELIMITER

      p = @h[:root]
      while a.slice!(-1) and !a.empty?
        k = a.join PATH_DELIMITER
        if @h.has_key? k then p = @h[k]; break end
      end
      p
    end