Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1893-01-28

From the Jenness Miller Magazine.
In the form of the foot the sexes differ
much or even more than in that of the hand
womans foot is usually narrower in proper
ton than a mans while his will be considerably
stronger il the ankle and more powerful in the
formation of the toes, especially Of the ball Of
the or eat toe.
When a woman owns q sJrong firm, wide
foot many OF Us experience perhaps no sensa-
ton of surprise at finding her strong minded"
when q man trips along on a delicate little foot
people instinctively believe him to be lacking
In power and often put him down as effemi-
nate.
III, instead of the cramping imprisonment Of
boots and shoes, the foot from infancy were
allowed a free and natural development, it may
be questioned whether, under such conditions,
1t might not be rendered capable OF performing
other functions besides those oflocomotion and
sustaining the weight of the body.
Most people tread more firmly with the right
than with the left foot. There seems to be
greater capacity for propelling the body with
the right foot. From this the horseman springs,
with his left foot in the stirrup, and, unless
left-handed, no boy in his play hops naturally
upon the left foot.
To the attentive eye none Of the ordinary
gestures or movements betrays peculiarties of
individual character more plainly than the
gait-the sailors rolling, the soldiers stiff, the
countryman's jolting gait are Immediately
recognized.
Slow steps. whether long or short, suggest
gentle or reflective state of mind, as the case
may be, while, on the contrary, quick steps
seem to speak of agitation and energy.
Reflection is revealed in frequent pauses and
walking to and fro backward and forward; the
direc ton of the steps, wsvering and following
every changing impulse of the mind, inevitably
betrays uncertainty. hesitation and iudecision
The proud step is slow and measured, the
toes are conspicuously turned out, the leg is
Strengthened. In vanity the toes are rather
more gracefully turned. the strides a little
shorter. and there is very often an affectation
Of modesty.
Tiptoe walking symbolizes surprise, curios-
ity. discretion or mystery. Obstinate people,
who in an argument rely more on muscularity
than on intellectual power, rest the feet fiat
and firm on the ground. walk heavily and
slowly and stand with the legs firmly planted
and far apart. Turned-in toes are often found
with preoccupied. a5Sent-minded persons.
The toes pointed and dragged on the ground
with slow measured step give pompous ap-
pearance. Perplexity occasions irregular steps
and abrupt movements. The prudent walk is
measured and regular. entirely free from
hurry, agitation or precipitation
The misers walk is represented az stopping,
nolseless. with short, nervous, anxious steps.
In joy the walk is lively. for lightness. grace,
suppleness characterize happy mind. although
the walk here is often modified in harmony
with the cause Of joy; the joy of gratified am
bition, for example, betraying itself by differ
emit outward semblance from the Joy Of happy
love.
disappointment walks heavily and with irreg-
ular step. Where a revengeful purpose be hid
den under feigned smile the step will be stink
ing and noiseless.