Lawrence democrat. (Lawrenceburg, Tenn.) 1884-1925, 1891-01-30
NOISES IN CITIES.
They Annoy the Newcomer, But He Gets
Used to Them.

hhey annoy the newcomer, but Ito Uots
Used to Them.
Newcomers to cities are always great
ly annoyed and confused at first by the
almost incessant noises, but after time
become insensible to them. This Is the
rule, but like all others it has its excep-
tions. Occasionally are encountered
persons who have nervous systems so
nicely balanced that they are entirely
thrown off the CENTER" and the rum.
bling of horse cars, the jingling Of bells
and the rattle Of rickety wagons are
constant wear and tear upon them. The
full effect of these disturbances on such
people is scarcely Ier appreciated even
by themselves, and they are singularly
disposed to reason backward, and con-
clude that nervous weakness is the
cause of their extreme sensitiveness to
the noises, whereas these noises are
oftentimes the real cause of their nerv-
ous weakness. A short stay in the
country ought to show them their mis-
take, for one and all testify "how good
it seems to get where it is quiet"
Long ago it was theorized that dwell
srs in cities were especially liable to in
Jury induced by walking upon hard side
walks, 1T being thought that each time
The heels came down slight concus-
sion was produced in the spine. This
led certain parties to manufacture rub
| ber boot heels, as sure and inexpen-
sive preventive. 1t is scarcely likely
that any one will ever grow rich in the
business, nor is it reasonable to suppose
that there is any dire need Of such a
,ontrivance. Nature has made ample
provisions against jarring, even whilo
walking on hard surfaces. Between tho
bones of the spine she placed cushions,
las it were, which permit us to come
1own quite heavily upon the heels with
out receiving any considerable shock.
Besides this, she has adjusted springs
in the legs and feet in the form of mus
cles, which act like rubber bands In
ieadening shock, 1t is barely possible
that person might injure his spine by
walking upon hard sidewalks, but he
would have to take great deal Of such
exercise-far more than the infinite ma.
jority indulge in.
Another thing, city residents walk
differently than do those who live in
the country. The former step off light
ly, and come down easily on the foot
seldom, if ever striking the ground fair
ly, or allowing much weight to fall up
on the heels. AS rule, the ball of the
foot receives the force and weight of the
body, the heel merely acting as pivot
Theirs is a sort of shuffling gate, where
as those who are ccustomed to walking
upon soft ground strike with greater
force upon the heels. To dig them in
slightly is often necessary to secure a
firm footing, so this habit becomes quite
confirmed. Tho square heel and toe
way of walking is almost entirely con
fined to short distance pedestrians-pro
fessional walkers. When that gait il
assumed a jar is felt even on sof
ground, which would prove injurious
were it kept up. Taken all in all, there
does not appear to be any thing in thi
theory to give it any great Importance
and, considering the many actual hurt
full influences of city life which urgent
ly demand remedying, this seems yer,
trifing. Washington Post.