The use of boots marks a conquering race. In Germany, during the Middle Ages, serfs were forbidden to wear them; and this probably explains why, when they rose for justice, after ages of oppression, they chose for their standard a great peasant’s shoe. The samples of boots given are from the time of Louis XIV. and XV. Fig. 40 was called the cauldron boot; this had a peculiar appendage around the ankle. Fig. 41, the bellows boot, has an enormous top, so that a man could hardly wear a pair without straddling. Fig. 42, the postillion’s boot; these were generally made of very heavy material, so if the postillion, by chance, should fall from his horse, the wheels of the carriage might pass over his legs without doing him any injury. * * * * * We have now followed the various changes that shoes have undergone from the earliest times to the present, and would bring our remarks to a close with a notice of some of the shoes of to-day furnished by J. & J. Slater, which, if not as fantastic in shape as some that we have treated, cannot be excelled for grace or durability. Fig. 43 is a Ladies’ Riding Boot, made of morocco and patent-leather. This style is the only correct one at present, and no riding costume is complete without them. Fig. 44 represents Ladies’ Button Boot. The material employed is kid top, with patent-leather foxing. This makes not only a very stylish but comfortable walking boot. Fig. 45 shows Ladies’ Toilet Slipper. It is made of Suéde kid lined with silk. This material is now the latest style for dress or toilet slippers. [Illustration: _Fig. 43._ _Fig. 44._] Fig. 46 shows Ladies’ Oxfords, made of French kid, with patent-leather tips. This is a delightful summer walking shoe, either for city or country wear. Fig. 47 is a Gentleman’s Riding Boot, the only proper boot for park riding. Fig. 48, Gentleman’s Button Boot, made with kid top, calf foxing, with tips, for walking, or cloth tops and patent-leather foxing, for dress wear. Fig. 49, Gentleman’s Oxfords, or summer walking shoe; very easy and comfortable for every-day wear. The above are but a few of the various styles introduced by them, and a visit to their establishment will convince all of the high reputation their goods have achieved in the last twenty-five years. * * * * * Shoes have not only been used for their natural purpose of covering the feet, but from remote time have played a part in many of the important actions of life. Years ago it was the custom in Ireland to elect a person to a certain office by throwing an old shoe over his head. But on one occasion an excited elector, whose place it was to throw the shoe, aimed too low, so that the shoe hit the candidate on the head, instantly killing him. After this occurrence the practice fell into disrepute. [Illustration: _Fig. 45._ _Fig. 46._]