The weekly clarion. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1863-1882, 1874-07-23
Roots and shoes.

The choice Of boots and shoes is one Of
the most difficult tasks in domestic econo-
my. From want Of knowledge and bad
taste in this particular, many foot has
been ruined and many a life lost, not to
mention the discomfort consequent on
corns.
The foot in its natural state is wonder
fully-contrived arch, the basis of which
are the heel and the joints Of the toes
with the foot. On the summit Of this
arch is placed the whole weight Of the
BODY, and beneath it is a strong sneW
attached to heel and toe, which prevents
the arch from becoming fat when the
pressure from above IS eXerted, as III
walking, standing, etc; on the outer side
the bones shelve down 80 as to give
greater support, and on the inner
side is placed the great toe, the prime
lever in our progressive movements. The
foot in this form is seldom seen except in
those who do not wear shoes or boots, or
in those who exercise their judgment in
the selection.
Many nutions have found it convenient
to go without any covering or protection
for the feet, but others, rs the Arabs,
wear sandals to protect the sole from the
heat and sand; and the Indian wears his
moccasin both for warmth and as pro-
lection from the brambles Of his native
woods Europeans and the more highly
civilized people of the globe have long
since lost sight Of comfort and projection,
and now have cases made for the feet
which follow some strict rule Of an absurd
fashion.
\ good foot-coyering should be made
on the model OF the toot-a broad fiat
sole, not a fraction narrower than the
broadest part Of the foot, and of moderate
thickness, to protect IL from damp, heat,
or cold; a heel not more than half an
/ inch thick, in proportion to the sole, to
/ compensate for the arch, which would
otherwise be destroyed. This heel should
not be put to shoes at all. The uppers
should be of soft leather, so that every
movement of the foot may take place in
its natural sequence and without imped
I iment; and lastly, the boot is better but
4 toned or laced.
These requirements are now entirely
set at naught by fashion. The boot
+ especially a lady made as narrow as
possible, and the sole of the thinnest
/ leather. The heel is made, in many in
stances, four inches deep, and tipped
with brass Naturally, by such a prac-
tice. the toes receive the whole weight of
/ the body, the Joints become distorted and
the skin hardened by c0rns; the arch of
the foot is destroyed by bringing the heel
into the middle of the instep; the muscles
at the back of the thighs are strained an
unequal strain Is put on the spinal column
resulting in deformty, and a danger is
i incurred of tripping over any insignificant
/ object, besides giving to the wearer
most apish and imbecile appearance
! from the general distortion of the body.
1t is incumbent on parents to most
carefully watch their children in this
respect An infant would not be taught
to walk with heels to its shoes-its totter-
/ ing steps are too carefully watched for
! that; why, then, should the child, as it
grows older, when all its muscles require
exercise, and youth makes it 1.-THE and
active, be cramped with a horrible block
| which prevents any but the most cautious
movements? The ankles are weakened
/ the spine Is curved and the health of
T future generations destroyed by the blind
/ ness~of the present. Do we require the
/ laws Of Lycurgus to tetter us, or shall
we hearken to natures voice?