One style, not generally introduced, but of which a pair has been made occasionally, is superior to the Polish or Hungarian in that there is only half as much trouble in lacing. It may be made very high—thirteen inches, if desired—being laced or buttoned about as far up as the Balmoral, when the upper part of one quarter is folded over past the opening, and fastened with two or three handsome clasps attached to elastic straps, which give and retract sufficiently to accommodate the action of the leg, while at the same time the leg is snugly fitted. This is a good heavy winter boot for ladies, where an extreme height or length of leg is in demand. The _Highland buckle_ is similar to it, the part that laps over being fastened with one inelastic strap. We have also noticed a high boot made with gores like the side-spring—one at the ankle and two above on each side—which would seem to be a very convenient thing to put on, but one that needs the best gores to make it serviceable. It is not probable that either of these varieties will be extensively popular. The first is of the three the most deserving. The quality needed by all laced, buckled, or buttoned boots is _elasticity_ at the leg, ankle, or instep, such as is possessed at one point—the ankle—by the side-spring. A great advantage would be gained if this elasticity could be extended down even to the ball or joint. One purpose of it is _to give free play to the muscles of the leg and ankle, and also allow the foot to lengthen and spread without hindrance as its arches expand under the weight of the body in walking or standings and another is to keep the upper closely drawn over all parts of the foot, ankle, and leg, when the arches are contracted and the muscles inactive, as in a state of rest; both objects—ease to the foot and beauty of fit—being secured by the same means_. Buckle and button boots for gentlemen, with this quality supplied at the ankle by a narrow goring on one side of it, while the buckles or buttons are on the other side, have lately been made. The gored Oxford shoe supplies the elasticity at the instep. Perhaps some other style can be invented that will do as much for the ball and transverse arch as these kinds have done for the parts above. Any boot or shoe with this peculiarity is superior to the same thing without it. It must not, of course, be supposed that such a shoe will fit a thick or a slim foot equally well, for the elastic may be too tight for ease in one case, and too loose for a good fit in the other. In connection with this matter, strong elastic cords for laces are suggested as worthy of a trial in Balmoral and Polish boots. If successful, they accomplish the same result as elastic goring, and, besides, may be drawn tightly or loosely to meet the defect of the boot, or suit the convenience or taste of the wearer.