The fact that umbilical hernia is a dangerous abdominal condition, if allowed to exist without an attempt at relief, is sufficient reason for calling attention to this defect of anatomy. The radical treatment by the overlapping, or Mayo method, is so well known that it seems almost superfluous to mention it, but it is valuable enough to stand repetition. After birth there are several changes that take place in the closing of the umbilicus. Bickham says: 1. Contracture and shrinking of the umbilical ring, dividing by its closure the umbilical vessels running through the ring; 2. Clotting of the vessel contents, proliferation of connective tissue, and contraction of the muscle fiber of the vessels, as a result of this, a firm fibrous scar is thus formed at the site of the umbilicus. We can easily understand that the scar tissue may remain weak for some time, and also may be