=Prognosis= is favourable in ordinary cases. On the other hand, it may be very grave when general symptoms become marked, when the vital functions are disturbed and a deep-seated abscess appears to be forming. =Lesions.= In the first degree the lesions are confined to inflammation and desquamation of the epithelium; in the second, to inflammation of the corium and of the mucous membrane; in the third, to infiltration of the submucous layers and of the muscular and periœsophageal tissues. Sloughing and perforation follow the administration of caustic liquids. =Treatment.= As the direct application of medicines to the inflamed mucous membrane can only be of a momentary character, treatment is confined to administering emollient, anodyne, and slightly astringent drinks, the action of which is assisted by feeding with milk, farinaceous or mucilaginous foods. Under these circumstances recovery occurs in ten to fifteen days. The application of stimulant or blistering ointments along the jugular furrow may have a good effect. When the general condition of the patient becomes aggravated, and the formation of an abscess appears certain, it is best to recommend slaughter. In the case of a submucous abscess the passage of the probang may, however, predispose or cause the abscess to open into the œsophagus, and thus lead rapidly to recovery, but this is exceptional. The “pointing” of the abscess and its opening towards the jugular furrow may be followed by temporary improvement, but at a later stage is followed by fistula formation, or by contraction of the œsophagus itself. From an economic standpoint it is better to slaughter. STRICTURE OF THE ŒSOPHAGUS. Under normal conditions the cavity or lumen of the œsophageal tube is, so to speak, imaginary: the walls of the tube lie flatly together, and the mucous membrane is in folds. During the act of swallowing the tube becomes dilated to a degree varying with the size of the bolus of food, and again retracts as soon as deglutition is effected. Whenever the dilatability of the tube is markedly diminished by changes in its walls, and, in a much higher degree, when this dilatability has disappeared, true stricture exists. In the former case small boluses of food and liquids alone succeed in passing the stricture; in the latter, liquids alone can pass. =Causation.= Strictures are never primary. They result from intense attacks of œsophagitis, ending in sclerosis of the mucous coat, extensive ulceration consequent on scalding, or interstitial inflammation affecting the muscular coats, which then become thickened or sclerosed. Internal injuries due to attempts to withdraw or propel foreign bodies along the œsophagus may also cause strictures.