The vol. of lymph, collected by cannulation of the lymphatic duct, was measured in dogs anesthetized with Na pentobarbital. In 8 out of 9 expts. no increase in lymph flow occurred following the introduction of from 400 to 1000 cc. of various fluids into the peritoneal cavity. Saline and water given by mouth and saline given intraven. produced a prompt rise in lymph flow. The effect of a diuretic (mercupurin), of pituitrin, pilocarpine and increased respiratory rate was also observed. The expts. indicate that lymphatic absorption as measured by the vol. of thoracic duct lymph is relatively unimportant in the quantitative removal of fluid from the peritoneal cavity.