user control with datalist

[Guest]

hey all,
i noticed something that i don't quite understand. i noticed when i place my
user control (that consists of a datalist only) that just placing it on my
web form and "running" the page the datalist shows up. i thought i have to
instantiate it first? And i made the repeatDirection a public property and
the only way i've figured out to get to it is if i instantiate it in the code
behind. is there a way to make that property show up on the property grid of
the designer?

thanks,
rodchar