It may not be out of place to notice the method adopted by Sir W. Fergusson for dividing the levator. A triangular-bladed knife set at right angles to a long stem was introduced behind the velum, and the two edges of the angular point made to cut their way between the pterygoid plates down to the bone, so as to divide the muscle close to its origin. From a theoretical point of view this appears all that can be desired; but practically the results following this procedure were not always satisfactory, inasmuch as the tension upon the stitches often appeared to be but little relieved, and one could never tell with certainty whether the muscles were effectually divided or not; in addition to which, unless the surgeon were very skilled in the use of the instrument and the anatomy of the region in which he was cutting, serious mischief might and did sometimes ensue. A knife such as the one to be employed, cutting at right angles to the handle, can never be used with absolute precision, particularly when the part to be dealt with is out of sight. The ease and certainty with which the structures can be divided by the former method of prolonging the lateral incision backwards have rendered this plan of Fergusson’s obsolete, although in his hands it was often very successful. Should the hæmorrhage from these final incisions made in the soft palate be excessive, steps should be taken to ascertain whether the trunk or any large branch of the posterior palatine artery has been partially divided, as if so the bleeding is liable to recur at intervals, and may become serious. Under such circumstances, complete division of the vessel has almost always the immediate effect of staying the hæmorrhage. Sponge pressure and syringing with iced boracic lotion may be useful adjuncts in arresting the general oozing; but long continuance of the latter is detrimental to the vitality of the flaps and may endanger primary union. For a similar reason, plugging the lateral apertures, or recourse to powerful styptics, such as perchloride of iron, should if possible be scrupulously avoided. All lateral tension being now relieved, and no serious hæmorrhage continuing, the sutured palate should present a solid, if somewhat blanched appearance in the middle line; the gag can be removed and the operation is complete.