<PAGE> 1
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
WASHINGTON, D. C. 20549
--------------------------
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of
The Securities Exchange Act of 1934
-------------------------
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) : OCTOBER 15, 2000
MERRILL LYNCH DEPOSITOR, INC.
(ON BEHALF OF PUBLIC STEERS (R) SERIES 1998 HLT-1 TRUST)
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
DELAWARE 332-29015-03 513-3891329
(State or other (Commission (I. R. S. Employer
jurisdiction of File Number) identification No.)
incorporation)
WORLD FINANCIAL CENTER, 10281
NEW YORK, NEW YORK (Zip Code)
(Address of principal
executive offices)
--------------------------
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (212) 449-1000
INFORMATION TO BE INCLUDED IN REPORT
ITEM 1. CHANGES IN CONTROL OF REGISTRANT
Not Applicable
ITEM 2. ACQUISITION OF DISPOSITION OF ASSETS
Not Applicable
ITEM 3. BANKRUPTCY OR RECEIVERSHIP
Not Applicable
ITEM 4. CHANGES IN REGISTRANT'S CERTIFYING ACCOUNTANT
Not Applicable
<PAGE> 2
ITEM 5. OTHER EVENTS
1. Distribution to holders of the STEERS (R) Trust, Series 1998
HLT-1 Class A Certificates on October 15, 2000.
ITEM 6. RESIGNATION OF REGISTRANT'S DIRECTORS
Not Applicable
ITEM 7. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND EXHIBITS
(a) Financial statements of business acquired.
Not applicable
(b) Pro forma financial information.
Not applicable.
(c) Exhibits.
1. Trustee's report in respect of the October 15, 2000
distribution to holders of the STEERS (R) Trust, Series 1998
HLT-1 Class A Certificates.
ITEM 8. CHANGE IN FISCAL YEAR
Not Applicable.
ITEM 9. SALES OF EQUITY SECURITIES PURSUANT TO REGULATION S
Not Applicable
SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of Section 12 of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report
to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereto duly
authorized.
MERRILL LYNCH DEPOSITOR, INC.
Date: November 6, 2000 By: /s/ Barry N. Finkelstein
Name: Barry N. Finkelstein
Title: President
<PAGE> 3
EXHIBIT INDEX
1. Trustee's report in respect of the October 15, 2000
distribution to holders of the STEERS (R) Trust, Series
1998 HLT-1 Class Certificates.