Ascites is best relieved by puncture, and, if necessary, by repeated puncture of the abdomen. When the amount of fluid in the abdominal cavity is small, diuretics, diaphoretics, and cathartics may be used with some hopefulness. Dietetic measures are governed by the existing cirrhosis of the liver or by other causes of the dropsy. It is often a question whether a dry diet should be prescribed or the copious use of fluids permitted; sometimes this question can be answered only by trial. Cirrhosis and gastric and intestinal indigestion may counterindicate a dry or concentrated diet. If the ingestion of fluids be temporarily discontinued, enough fluid will sometimes be absorbed from the peritoneal cavity to augment the urine and reduce the ascites. When the kidneys do not eliminate all the fluid that is drunk, it is best to try the effect of a dry diet, provided fermentation and putrefaction in the stomach and intestines do not make it dangerous. In my experience, however, small quantities of milk only (five or six glasses daily), helped by laxatives and cardiac tonics, are surer to remove ascites than a dry diet and it is much more agreeable to the patient. It is rare, however, that by medication or dietetic management ascites can be much relieved. The trocar and cannula are needed in almost every case.