274 THE NEW ZEALAND FAMILY HERB DOCTOR. 
a poultice made in the form of a round cake, about the size of 
acrown piece, of powdered comfrey root andcold water ; renew 
it every day for a week or two, then if all is well no further 
trouble may be feared. 
INGUINAL HERNIA. 
This form of hernia is different to the former. The cause 
is a weakness of the muscles, and other tissue of the 
abdomen. It is not generally known that the testicles are 
developed in the abdomen, from whence they descend into the 
scrotum or bag shortly before birth. In their passage through 
the inguinal canal it sometimes happens that through weak- 
ness in the parts a portion of the gut will come through. The 
first thing to be done when this is discovered, (which is noticed 
by the swelling of the bag, and sometimes a doughy fecling 
when pressed, or if gas has been generated a springy one), is 
replacing the parts; to do which the child must be laid on its 
back with its legs raised, and the parts manipulated till they are 
back in the abdomen. If this cannot be done without, rub into 
them or bathe them with ether, which will render the passage 
much easier. A truss or some similar contrivance must be 
applied to keep up the intestines and the canal closed. <A piece 
of cork sewed into a bandage, and fitted so as to press over 
the part above, and the side of the bag will answer the 
purpose. The treatment of females is the same. 
IMPERFECT ANUS AND. VAGINA. 
Sometimes the new-born infant may have one or both of 
these mal-formations. If it seems but a thin membrane that 
closes them, the finger gently pushed may suffice to remove it. 
If it is very firm, then it will be necessary to procure the aid of a 
surgeon, as it would be dangerous for an inexperienced person 
to use a bistoury, which is the instrument required for this 
operation. 
APHTHA OR THRUSH. 
This is probably one ot the first disorders to which infants 
are subject. In certain parts so few escape that some may 
