In a period varying from a few minutes to an hour, the hand on the uterus will note a hardening, the mass will become smaller, more globular, and rise slightly in the abdomen. A gush of blood appears at the vulva and usually the placenta follows. If it does not, or if hæmorrhage or the condition of the mother requires it earlier, the uterus may be compressed (see Credé expression) and the placenta constrained to deliver. The nurse holds a sterile basin for its reception. As the mass drops into the pan, the membranes drag after and it should be gently twisted, or the loose portions drawn upon until the end slips out. The placenta is set aside for examination, and ergot or pituitrin may be given to enforce the uterine contraction. The process of expulsion is generally assisted by a strong voluntary contraction of the abdominal muscles. After a short rest, the blood is washed off the genitals, clean linen and clean pads applied, and the abdominal binder or girdle is put on to hold the pads. Warm blankets are thrown over the patient and within an hour, a glass of hot milk is administered. The legs should be kept together, and in case of hæmorrhage, the feet crossed. The placenta is now inspected and not only its completeness or incompleteness noted, but anomalies of every kind should be looked for. IMMEDIATELY AFTER LABOR Perineorrhaphy must be done if required. A lacerated cervix is _not_ to be repaired at this time, except in case of hæmorrhage, for the tissues are greatly swollen, and if sutures are put in tight enough to allow for sufficient shrinkage, they will cut through; while if not tight, they will be useless in twenty-four hours. =Care of Mother=.— 1. Cleanse genitals with lysol solution 0.5 per cent from above downward. 2. Put on sterile pad, with pad holder and binder. 3. Wash face and hands. 4. Take temperature, pulse, and respiration. 5. Glass of hot milk. 6. Keep on back four hours. Watch uterus for hæmorrhage and keep firm by occasional massage. 7. Put tape with case number on arm. =Care of Child=.— 1. Clamp for the cord. 2. Place on right side with head lower than breech. 3. Keep warm and watch for cord hæmorrhage. 4. Treat eyes with silver nitrate solution 1 per cent, or argyrol solution, 15 per cent. Do not neutralize the 1 per cent silver nitrate solution. 5. Put tape with case number corresponding to mother’s on arm. To preserve the perineum from rupture is an important duty, and in a definite percentage of cases, unsuccessful. Nevertheless, it is a duty, which, in the absence of the doctor, may fall upon the nurse. How shall she meet it?