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patients have to taking a solution of iron and ammonium citrate. In
most cases the anaemia improves satisfactorily if an adequate diet can
also be arranged. A leaflet on the importance of suitable food during
pregnancy is given to every patient on her first attendance. Unfortunately
many are not able to carry out its recommendations.

In addition, in a large number of reports attention was directed to
less serious ailments, the character of previous confinements, etc. In
six instances midwives were notified that it was desirable their patients
should be delivered in hospital. Two patients rejected the advice and
both had dangerous labours at home, one having ultimately to go into
hospital. Compensation was obtained for the midwives in the four cases
transferred from their care.
A satisfactory outcome was reported in nearly all the abnormal cases.
There were three stillbirths and one baby died a few hours after delivery.
Induction of labour was performed in three of the women with pelvic
contraction. It should be added that a number of abnormalities develop
in the hospital patients after their transfer at the 32nd week. The same
applies to midwives' patients who fail to complete the requisite attendance—a
failure very difficult to overcome. Ante-natal supervision is still
often regarded as a formality fulfilled by one or perhaps two attendances,
and much of the work in consequence falls far short of what might be
achieved, especially as regards measures directed to improve nutrition
and general health.
R. L. DODDS, M.B., M.Ch., F.R.C.S.
J. V. 0'SULLIVAN, M.D., M.R.C.P., F.R.C.S.