In grinding surface cavities, where the enamel leading thereto is funnel-shaped, we often introduce too much amalgam, extending it beyond the margins of the cavity, and finishing to a fine edge. This material, when hard and bit upon, will fracture perpendicularly around the margins, giving the finishing a bulged appearance, and exposing a V-shaped crack, which will invite decay. Consequently, we should remove all surplus material, and finish at the very margin of the cavity. When gold is used, this precaution is not so necessary, as the edges of a gold filling will not fracture. Since we do not have to mallet amalgam, it is natural to suppose we don't require firm margins, but this is a mistake; and as much, or even more care should be exercised in the preparation of a cavity for amalgam than gold, as tooth-structure seems to waste away more rapidly from the former. Let our motto be, "Whatever is worth doing at all is worth doing well." If applying arsenic or a disinfectant, cover it with gutta-percha, for the patient may be delayed a few days longer than we anticipate; and what is worse than removing a foul piece of cotton, and finding the tooth in a poorer condition than we left it? If we introduce a temporary stopping on account of exposure or frailty, let it be done thoroughly; and after relating its importance to the patient, caution her to return at a certain time for its removal and permanent filling. We must be teachers at our chairs, if we wish the public to appreciate us, and we should instruct patients in the proper care of their teeth by an intelligent and thorough use of the brush, pick, etc. Such is the importance of thoroughness in dental operations. This paper does not half express it, but for fear of trespassing too much on your valuable time, I commend these ideas to your criticism.--_Southern Dental Journal._ ARTICLE VI. WHAT FILLINGS SHOULD WE USE? DR. W. G. A. BONWILL, PHILADELPHIA.