The shoes are the most important item of clothing to the foot soldier. The army bootee is much the best. The soles should be broad, the heels low and broad. Woolen socks should be worn. The feet should be bathed frequently in cold water.
Boots are universally impracticable for marching.
An hour's drill, morning and afternoon, when not marching, is a necessary exercise, no matter what may be the proficiency of the regiment or company. It keeps the body in condition for service at any moment, and is conductive to health. A good soldier makes his company and regiment his home, and never absents himself without proper permission, and then returns punctually at the expiration of his pass. Constant training and faithful watching are necessary, so that he may see the proper moment and be in the best possible condition to perform his duty. Within certain limits, he must look out for himself.