When the afterbirth has passed the Vulva, a careful examination should be made of it, to see that no part is left behind; and for still greater security it is advisable to explore the Vagina thoroughly, so that any detached portion may be removed. The membranes are very apt to become broken, and fragments of them left, which though ever so small may cause trouble. The finger should also be passed into the mouth of the Womb, so as to clear it; for sometimes a large clot of blood, or a piece of the membranes, will remain and keep it open, and thus cause severe flooding. It is generally considered, by those who have bestowed attention on the subject, that assistance should always be rendered, if the afterbirth does not come very soon. There is danger, if it be left too long, of the mouth of the Womb contracting and retaining it; in which case it becomes absolutely necessary to abstract it, but exceedingly difficult, and even dangerous, to do so. Dr. Lee says it should never be left more than _an hour_ at most, and that it is best never to delay removing it even so long as that. When left purposely, for observation, it is found to be expelled spontaneously, and soon, only in a few cases; usually it remains several hours, and most frequently it requires to be removed by hand. No doubt it is _natural_ for it to be expelled unaided, but it must be borne in mind that our females are usually too weak, and deficient in energy, to perform any unusual natural function without assistance. The accoucheur must use great caution, so as neither to intrude his help when not required, nor yet to refuse it when really needed; and above all he must not substitute _violence_ for _skill_. When the afterbirth is brought away, a bandage should be passed round the body of the female, made of soft linen, twelve or fourteen inches wide. It should be drawn moderately tight, and fastened securely. If it pass round twice it will be all the better, and it should be drawn down as near the pubes as possible. I know many ladies who prefer the India Rubber bands, recently invented, as they press more equally and firmly, and are put on with less trouble, being all in one piece and drawn over the feet and limbs. Some accoucheurs put on the wrapper immediately the child is born, before the afterbirth passes away; but I think this is not the best plan. When properly adjusted, the supporting band gives great comfort to the female, and is very useful. Some ladies provide a curious kind of _corset_ to put on, invented for the purpose, which however, as a celebrated author recently remarked, "Are usually stiff and unyielding, like the prejudices of their patrons, and often prove injurious." None of them are equal to the simple contrivances above-mentioned. ATTENTIONS TO THE FEMALE AFTER THE DELIVERY OF THE AFTERBIRTH.