FOOTPATHS 



morning, that one is loath to believe there is any- 

 thing fuller or finer even in England. As walkers, 

 and lovers of rural scenes and pastimes, we do not 

 approach our British 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 

 sisters. 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 imposing turn-outs inspire. Then they find 

 the country dull; it is like water or milk after cham- 

 pagne ; they miss the accustomed stimulus, both 

 mind and body relax, and walking is too great an 

 effort. 



There are several obvious reasons why the Eng- 

 lish 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 roads are better, harder, and smoother, and 

 there is a place for the man and a place for the 

 horse. Their country houses and churches and 

 villages are not strung upon the highway as ours 

 are, 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. 

 195 



