So also it is seen that the old-fashioned _short heels_, so long worn, have had an influence in producing the broken-down arch of the flat-foot; while other defects in the construction of the foot’s covering manifest themselves by callosities on the heel and instep, the turning over to one side, and the pressure, squeezing, and general discomfort in the fit. We have, still further, tried to indicate what is the true, natural, and proper shape of _last_, and wherein it differs from those in common use. This it will do no harm to re-state. First it was proven that a correctly-formed last was not a thing to be changed by fashion or custom, but on the contrary, to be as permanent in its form as that of the foot which it imitates; that one of its peculiarities was the straight line on the inside, with the curve upon the outside; that another was the _spring_, or curve on the bottom; another, the additional thickness over the place of the great toe; another, the level bottom side-wise, from the shank, through the middle, forward; another, the placing of the instep nearer to the side than is done in lasts of the present time. This was offered as a positively sure preventive of all those troubles arising from distortion of the toes, while also having a tendency to encourage feet already deformed in a return to their natural state. From several of the positions thus taken, it necessarily follows that straight lasts are entirely wrong in formation and use, _and that nothing inferior to, or essentially different from, a right and left last of the form described, can fully serve the natural requirements of the foot_. * * * * * For flat-footedness the long heel was recommended as one great help toward recovering the natural position of the arch. A _long_ heel is the next best thing to no heel at all. It supports the arch the most nearly as it is supported when the bare foot is pressed upon the ground or floor. Where this will not restore the shape, it will at least be likely to prevent the fault from becoming any worse. The other remedies—the proper exercise and full development of the muscles at the bottom of the foot, and the righting of it up when it treads inward—must be considered as in no way inferior, if not _superior_, to the first. Taken together, they offer a strong encouragement to those who wish to overcome the weakness, while they furnish a sure prevention of it where it does not already exist. * * * * *