FOOT-PATHS. 199 



cousins. It is a seven days' wonder to see anybody 

 walking in this country except on a wager or in a 

 public hall or skating-rink, as an exhibition and trial 

 of endurance. 



Countrymen do not walk except from necessity 

 and country women walk far less than their city sis- 

 ters. When city people come to the country they do 

 not walk, because that would be conceding too much 

 to the country; beside, they would soil their shoes 

 and would lose the awe and respect which their im- 

 posing turn-outs inspire. Then they find the country 

 dull ; it is like water or milk after champagne ; they 

 miss the accustomed stimulus, both mind and body 

 relax, and walking is too great an effort. 



There are several obvious reasons why the English 

 should be better or more habitual walkers than we 

 are. Taken the year round, their climate is much 

 more favorable to exercise in the open air. Their 

 ^oads are better, harder, and smoother, and there is a 

 place for the man and a place for the horse. There 

 country-houses and churches and villages are not 

 strung upon the highway as they are with us, but are 

 nestled here and there with reference to other things 

 than convenience in " getting out." Hence the grassy 

 lanes and paths through the fields. 



Distances are not so great in that country; the 

 population occupies less space. Again, the land has 

 been longer occupied and is more thoroughly sub- 

 dued; it is easier to get about the fields; life haj 

 dowed in the same channels for centuries. The Eng 



