satisfactory since it can be thoroughly sterilized and can be thrown
away after it has been used.

I am told that cotton-waste is a good substitute for absorbent cotton
in the delivery pads. It is inexpensive, and will be rendered capable
of absorbing fluids after it has been boiled in washing soda and
dried in the sun. Each delivery pad should be separately wrapped and
sterilized.

_Gauze sponges_ will be needed by the doctor; about five dozen
should be prepared. The gauze is cut in eighteen-inch squares.
Opposite edges are folded toward one another, about two inches being
lapped each time; this finally yields a seven or eight-ply strip,
which is wrapped into appropriate shape about two fingers. The
ravelled ends are then tucked into the roll. It is most satisfactory
to divide the sponges and sterilize them in two bundles.

Small pieces of gauze about two inches square will also be needed in
caring for the baby's eyes and mouth. Several dozen should be cut,
and they may all be sterilized together.

_Cotton pledgets_ are simply bits of absorbent cotton the size
of a hen's egg, the rough edges of which have been twisted together.
A small pillow-case full of them ought to be made up and sterilized.

_Obstetrical leggins_ are preferably made of canton flannel;
they are cut to fit loosely and should reach the hip. If they are
prepared so as to extend to the waist at the sides, they may be held
in place by a waistband, and in this way will prevent unnecessary
exposure without interfering with the doctor. They should be