diff --git a/LiquidCrystal.cpp b/LiquidCrystal.cpp
index 53119df..67f4694 100644
--- a/LiquidCrystal.cpp
+++ b/LiquidCrystal.cpp
@@ -258,7 +258,7 @@ inline void LiquidCrystal::command(uint8_t value) {
   send(value, LOW);
 }
 
-inline long LiquidCrystal::write(uint8_t value) {
+inline ssize_t LiquidCrystal::write(uint8_t value) {
   send(value, HIGH);
   return 1; // assume sucess
 }
diff --git a/LiquidCrystal.h b/LiquidCrystal.h
index 2788fe0..4491424 100755
--- a/LiquidCrystal.h
+++ b/LiquidCrystal.h
@@ -79,7 +79,7 @@ public:
 
   void createChar(uint8_t, uint8_t[]);
   void setCursor(uint8_t, uint8_t); 
-  virtual long write(uint8_t);
+  virtual ssize_t write(uint8_t);
   void command(uint8_t);
 private:
   void send(uint8_t, uint8_t);