=Rectal exploration.= Exploration of the rectum is a last and most valuable means of confirming the diagnosis in all visceral diseases of the pelvis and abdomen. To utilise this method to the full, the rectal pouch should first be thoroughly emptied by the free use of enemata, the subsequent examination being made with great care. The animal’s hind legs being secured, the operator smears his hand and forearm with some fatty substance, and, forming the fingers into a cone, introduces them with gentle pressure through the anus, the palm of the hand being turned downwards. Passing the hand gently along the rectum, the operator will be able to distinguish the conical posterior pouches of the rumen, the loop of the duodenum, the mass of convolutions of the small intestines and of the colon, etc. Next, he will examine the vagina, uterus, bladder, ureters, kidneys, aorta, and the pelvic and sublumbar lymphatic glands. He may be able to recognise distension of the rumen with food, twists of the intestine, herniæ, mesenteric or diaphragmatic invagination or volvulus of the bowel, etc. In other cases he may be able to discover lesions of the kidney, of the uterus, of the broad uterine ligaments, of the ovaries, or of vessels. In all cases it is desirable to make a methodical and complete examination, whatever the primary object may have been. Such an examination may be carried out as follows: The operator having introduced his hand into the rectum, begins by examining the state of the pelvic organs, the rectum, base of the vagina, the body and horns of the uterus, the bladder and the lymphatic glands and ligaments of the pelvis. By laying the hand flat in the rectum and pressing gently downwards the anterior border of the pubis may be felt, somewhat more deeply placed. The rectum is then thrust slightly to the right, and the ascending branch of the right ilium, as high as the sacro-iliac articulation, and the lower surface of the sacrum, are directly examined; lastly, the hand is directed towards the left, gliding down the left ilium, and returning to the point of departure. In this way the state of the pelvic floor, of the arteries, veins, and lymphatic glands, etc., the degree of mobility, tension, or fulness of the uterus, as well as the condition of the broad ligaments, are all ascertained. Still more deeply placed, and at the extreme limit to which the arm can be introduced, will be found some or all of the above-mentioned organs—viz., the small intestine, large intestine, kidney, etc.