, 1890-05-31

MIS- DASStlt uhu spcul lut uTSl lNc
years of her married life in England
and when she returned to her native
town she brought together with the
twins and a baby girl, a great many
novel ideas.
The twins were 5 years old-fne,
sturdy little fellows, with rosy cheeks
and sparkling eyes, straight limbed
and vigorous as young athletes. The
Bassetts were well to do, and it was,
therefore a matter OF great surprise to
the village in general, and to the
| young mothers in particular, TO see the
infant Bassets running about from
morning till night sans shoes and
stockings.
1t was soon ~aScertained hat the
baby girl who was just beginning to
walk was also destitute OF these two ar
ticles OF attire, and the Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Children had
serious thoughts of calling upon Mrs.
Bassett and demonstrating in a body
with that derelict matron.
But twas the general opinion that
If Mrs Bassett chose to be
tional she had reasons of her own for
conduct which might be worthy Of
consideration, and it was finally de-
cided that a committee Of two-ladies
of an inquiring turn Of mind-should
visit the Bassett household and furnish
forthwith to the community at large a
report Of the various heresies which
had been put into practice.
Mrs Bassett received her visitors
cordially and smiled pleasantly when
informed OF the natur OF their call.
~ am very willing to talk about my
barefooted babies" she said frankly,
for, to tell the truth, lam rather proud
Of them. When the twins were ba-
bies," she continued, seating herself in
a low chair, they were treated, / sup
pose, very much like other children.
They lived out of doors a great deal
and were healthy and strong, but soon
after they began to walk | noticed in
them a decided tendency to toe in 1
was Mortified, for if there is one thing
| detest it is a bow legged man, and
here were my little men OF a year and
a half actually setting out on the
crooked journey OF the nursery jingle.
My friends all said that most chill
dren were bow legged at first and all
that would come right itself in the
course of time.
Il waited with considerable impa-
tience, but saw no signs OF improve
ment Finally | consulted a doctor
and asked him If / must put the two
pairs of legs in irons.
"'Ironsl' shouted the doctor. 'Fid-
dlesticksl Take of their shoes and
stockings. Their muscles have prob
ably been cramped and weakened al
ready and irons will only increase the
trouble. OF with their shoes
But won't they take coldf l zen
tured to humbly inquire.
"'Coldr he said. Why should they1
You don't keep their hands tied up, do
youi If your house is fairly comforta-
BILE and they are active and vigorous
their feet will be as warm as their
hands. AT first perhaps they had bet
ter wear shoes out Of doors, but in a
short time they can dispense with them
evcn there, except, OF course, in severe
weather.
Il was not altogether convinced,
but ] thought the experiment worth
trying. Another suggestion which the
doctor gave me l also found a most
useful one. He advised me to let the
boys walk up hill, and when they
could not be out of doors To have an
inclined plane arranged in the house
for them 10 practice on, In the effort
TO walk up Il steep incline one natur-
ally throws the feet outward.
Let your boys try it for awhile at
any rate, said my good doctor. Don't
cramp their feet and | will wager that
nature will give them as straight legs
and as firm muscles as anybody need
wish for
81 have followed my wise doctors
advice; the results you can see for
yourself" added the young mother,
proudly, as her two barefooted boys
came running into the room.
but your baby, does she actually
go barefootcd, tooi' nsked one OF the
visitors. Yes, indeed" replied Mrs.
Bassett. She has never worn a shoe
in her life. When she goes out for an
airing she ear warm wooden socks,
for until she can walk she cannot of
course take sufficient exercise TO keep
her feet warm. But in the house she
is as barefooted us the boys. She is
just beginning 10 get OH her feet and
her little bare toes arc almost as useful
to her as fingers. They have saved
her many a fall. Home Maker.