The bed should be prepared by placing the mattress on the top, or by removing all from it; and then placing a thick layer of blankets or quilts, with a folded sheet over them. This is to provide a firm level surface, in which the body will not sink, and also to prevent the fluids soaking through. It is an excellent plan, if the material can be obtained, to place a thin oil-skin or India-rubber cloth under the folded sheets, as this keeps all perfectly dry underneath. Some persons also place another folded sheet, or a cushion, under the pelvis, to keep it elevated; but this is not necessary, unless the bed sinks in very much. It is also advisable to leave a foot-board or other firm body, against which the female can press her feet when bearing down; and a long towel folded lengthways should be passed under the back, so that it can be raised up by a person lifting at each end. This will often be found a better mode of _pressing the back_, which nearly all patients call for, than by merely forcing the hand against it, which is both tiresome and insufficient. Another towel may also be firmly fixed to the bottom of the bed, so that she can _pull_ by it, at the same time that she pushes with her feet. Some persons are confined on a cot, but this is not a very good arrangement, because it sinks in too much in the middle, and is not sufficiently large and firm. It is advantageous in one respect, however, as it can be placed by the side of the bed, into which the patient can be lifted when all is over, and be comparatively dry and comfortable. This is the most frequent plan in France. If the bed be properly arranged however, the under sheet can be withdrawn, and clean warm napkins then passed under the body, which will be equally as good. The covering should consist of a sheet, with blanket or coverlid, according to temperature, and should, of course, never be removed, except under peculiar circumstances. The chamber itself should be as quiet as possible, _well ventilated_, and not too warm. Nothing distresses the patient more than a close, hot atmosphere. The accoucheur need not, of course, be present while these arrangements are being made; and when he retires he should suggest to the nurse that the female may attend to the bowels and bladder during his absence. This precaution may both facilitate the labor, and prevent much future annoyance. It would even be advisable to administer an injection if necessary, of thin starch and a little castor oil, rather than leave the bowels unmoved.