The next step is to tear the membrane down in the centre, until the prominent edge of the corona is exposed. This tearing may be completed with one movement of the hands, but if the membrane is long more than one movement may be required to tear it through completely. When the neck below the corona is seen, the flaps are reflected laterally backwards, so that the torn edges of the mucous membrane may join the cut edge of the skin. Care must be taken that the membrane is peeled off as far as possible (i.e. till its junction with the frænum) from the under surface of the glans and reflected directly backwards so as to unite with the cut edge of the skin. The essence of the operation consists in the proper performance of this stage. If not performed efficiently the resulting circumcision is very imperfect. The mistakes usually made by beginners are as follows: 1) The mucous membrane is stretched without being torn through; the glans then projects completely giving the impression that it has been exposed by the proper method. 2) The membrane is rolled back over the glans instead of being torn back. 3) The membrane is cleared off from the upper surface of the glans, but is not sufficiently peeled off from the under surface. _Stage VI._ The operation is really completed with the preceding stage.[1] The practice of Metzizah may now be carried out by means of a swab of sterilized, cotton wool with which the penis is to be firmly compressed. This will effectually absorb the small amount of blood free in the tissues and at the same time helps to clean up the part. _Stage VII._ The _dressing_ consists of a strip of sterilized and antiseptic lint or gauze long enough to encircle the penis below the glans two or three times, and wide enough to cover the whole space between the corona and the root of the penis, i.e. 4¼ in. × ¾ in. The first layer of dressing is applied entirely below the glans and covers over the whole of the reflected mucous membrane. Care must be taken to apply this strip of lint at the very root of the penis and to begin on the under surface; otherwise there is a tendency for the dressing in this latter position only to just to reach the edge of the incision and to push it back towards the scrotum and thus increase the size of the raw area. The glans must be quite free of the dressing encircling the penis and must project completely beyond the strip of lint applied below it. This piece of lint or gauze adheres quite well by itself, but to ensure its remaining in position, it is better to secure it by surrounding it once or twice with a piece of sterilized tape and twisting up the ends. _If this is done too tightly it may obstruct the free flow of urine, or congest the glans._