s character. Linen permits
of free circulation of the air, and when the underwear is woven with an
open mesh it is especially satisfactory. Next to linen cotton is
to be preferred, being likewise porous. The question of underwear is
one to be determined largely by individual taste and requirements, but
always it should be understood that one should wear underwear as light
as is consistent with warmth and as porous as possible. This principle
should also apply in the matter of shoes. Air-tight foot coverings are
highly detrimental as well as uncomfortable. Leather in its natural
state is porous and therefore a healthful foot covering. Patent-
leather shoes, however, have been made air-tight by a special
process, and are very hot, uncomfortable and unsanitary. The sole of
the shoe should consist of nothing but plain leather. So-called
waterproofing processes, making the shoe air-tight as well as
waterproof, should be avoided. Patented, waterproof soles are highly
objectionable. If you can have your shoes made to order see to it that
the sole consists of nothing but leather-indeed a single layer of good
sole leather is most satisfactory. Although such shoes will absorb
water they will dry readily, and the disadvantage of wet feet on
occasions is more than offset by the benefits gained from a porous
foot covering the rest of the time. Anyway, wet feet are unimportant if
the feet are warm.

A word about winter clothing. Heavy underclothing is entirely unsuited
to the temperatures maintained inside our houses during the winter.
We usually have a summer temperature indoors in winter and should wear
summer clothing. It is true that we require warmer clothing out-of-doors
in winter, but this should be used only when out-of-doors; we should not
wear heavy, warm garments both indoors and out. Therefore, while
the farmer who spends the day in the open would probably need heavy warm
underwear, the city man should dress approximately the same as in
summer when indoors, and add the garments necessary for additional
warmth when going out. Sweaters, gaiters and overcoats should be
depended on when going out-of-doors instead of heavy undergarments.

Clothing, as I have said, is a necessary evil. So far as possible it
should not hamper our movements and should not deprive our bodies of
light and air. Since it is necessary to wear clothing, I would strongly
emphasize the importance of taking ai