calling java applet function from javascript works in IE,but not in netscape

Hi.
I have a button in a form,when click the button,it will call a javascript function, and this javascript function will call a public method of an applet which is embedded in the same web page. it works well in IE, but in Netscape, it says "theapplet has no property". The code for the javascript function is as following:
function htmlRedirect(appletName)
{
var theapplet=document.applets[appletName];
theapplet.htmlRedirect();
}
The html for the button is :
<center><INPUT type="button" name="help" value="help" size="7" onClick="htmlRedirect('applet1')"></center>
</FORM>
applet1 is the name of the applet.
This annoying problem baffled me a lot. Help me,please!

I am having the same problem as well. Can you let me know if you figure it out, and I will do the same in return. Thanks