The Bennington banner. [volume] (Bennington, Vt.) 1858-1894, 1893-04-14
CHICAGO VS.. ST. LOUIS FEET.

In the form of the foot the sexes differ
as much or even more than in that of the
hand. A woman'S foot is usually mar
rover in preparation than mans;
while his will be considerably stronger
in the ankle and more powerful in the
formation of the toes, especially of. the
ball of the great toe. When a woman
owns strong, firm, wide foot many of
us experience perhaps no sensation of
surprise at finding her strong minded"
when man trips along on a delicate lit
tie foot people instinctively believe him
to be lacking in power, and often put
him down as effeminate. If, instead of
the cramping Imprisonment of boots and
shoes, the foot from infancy were al
lowed free and natural development, it
may be questioned whether, urder such
conditions, it might not be rendered
capable of performing other functions
besides those of locomotion and sustain
ing the weight of the body Certain at
least it is that some unlucky mortals
born without arms have managed to use
knife, fork, spoon, pen, paint brush,
and even violin bow.
That the right foot is, like the right
hand, ordinarily more mobile and, at the
same time, stronger than the left, might
be attributed to the more frequent exer-
ton of this side, were it not that the
popularity is said to extend itself even
to the constitution, and the left extremi-
ties are asserted to be more liable to dis
ease than the right. The more difficult
movements in stage dancing are usually
executed upon the right foot; and it is
generally considered that unless double
practice be accorded to the left leg an
ungraceful preference for the right will
be shown by the dancers in their public
performances. Most people tread more
firmly with the right than with the left
foot. There seems to be a greater ca
pacity for propelling the body with the
foot; from this the horseman springs
with his left in the strip; and, unless
lefthanded, no boy in his play hops nat
urally upon the left fool.
To the attentive eye none of the ordi-
nary gestures or movements betrav pecu-
liarities of individal character more
plainly than the gait-the sailors rolling,
the soldiers stiff, the countryman's
joilting gait are Immediately recognized.
Slow steps, whether long or short, sug-
gest gentle or reflective state of mind,
as the case may be; while, on the con-
trary, quick steps seem to speak of en-
CITY, 10 ICNCdltu
pauses and walking to and fro, back
ward and forward the direction of the
steps, wavering and following every
changing impulse of the mind, inevita-
bly, betrays uncertainty, hesitation and
indecision. The proud step is slow and
measured the toes are eonspicuously
turned out, the leg is Strengthened. In
vanity the toes are rather more grace
fully turpaH tba ctridaS n ittla chnrfar
and there is very often an affectation of
modesty. Tiptoe walking symbolizes
surprise, curiosity, discretion or mys-
terry.
Obstinate people, who in an argument
rely more on muscularity than on intel
lectual power, rest the feet flat 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 pre-occupied absent-minded
persons. The toes pointed and dragged
on the ground with slow, measured step
give pompous appearance. Perplexity
occasions irregular steps and abrupt
movements. The prudent walk is regu-
lar and measured, entirely free from
hurry, agitation or precipitation. The
miser's walk is represented as STOPPING,
noiseless, with short, nervous, anxious
steps. In joy the walk is lively, for
lightness, grace, supleness characterizes
a happy mind, although the walk here is
often modified in harmony with the
cause of the joy; the joy of
gratified ambition, for example, betray-
ing itself by a different outward sem
blance from the JOY Of happy love. Dis.
appointment walks heavily, and with ir'
regular step. Where q revengeful pur-
pose be hidden under a feigned smile, the
step will be sinking and noiseless. Pail
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