The study, conducted during 1968-1971, examined reasons for treatment default. More than 50% of the patients (742 out of 1,342) became defaulters in a Rural TB Clinic near Delhi. The defaulters were contacted in three different ways. The findings revealed that males predominated among the defaulters. About two thirds of the defaulters visited the clinics within 2 months but the rest had to be persuaded after a visit to their home. Among the causes of defaults, carelessness on the part of patients and, lack of proper education by the health visitors of the clinic, predominated. In the patients who did not come within 2 months of treatment, a visit by the health visitors was the most effective way to convert them. Communication to them by community representatives did not succeed. This shows that more members of staff (both the health visitors and doctors) are needed in rural clinics.