In each of these figures the difference in the width at the points _a_ and _b_ is what we wish to be noticed. It is argued above, with good reason, that the bone of the great toe should lie directly forward of its metatarsal bone, on the same line, which line, when carried back, passes under the centre of the heel. And it is equally fair to infer that the _smaller_ toes should lie directly forward of _their_ metatarsal bones, on the same lines. This would allow all the toes to be spread a very little, as is apparent in Fig. 2, and as the bones are spread in Fig. 3. There is thus a slight, but distinct, gradual widening of the foot, from the middle region to the ends of the toes, an idea which will be confirmed in every child’s foot that may be observed. The correspondence between the bones of the foot and leg and those of the hand and arm also give countenance to this notion. The _metacarpal_ bones of the hand are those which answer to the _metatarsal_ bones of the foot; and that they are wider apart at their forward ends than at their base or origin, is observable from the skeleton hand Fig. 4, and from the hand having the thumb turned under, Fig. 5. [Illustration: FIG. 4.] [Illustration: FIG. 5.] In this case, as in that of the foot, if the fingers lie directly forward of their metacarpal bones, they are slightly spread or separated. And the next fact to which attention is requested is, that we never think of forcing them into one position, or of confining them there, as is done with the toes—a treatment that would quickly destroy their usefulness, if attempted. They are allowed perfect freedom to close or separate; to be pushed over to one side or the other, as occasion requires; and to assume any natural position when unoccupied. Now, although there is a greater demand for the liberty of the fingers, on account of the innumerable uses to which they are capable of being put, the difference between them and the toes, in this respect, is only a difference of degree; and it is evident that _something_, more or less, of the same bad effect which would attend the cramping of the former, must, as it does, attend the confinement and squeezing undergone by the latter. It seems clear that in a state of nature the toes are left equally free to “spread themselves,” or draw together when necessary, or to return to their proper places in line with the metatarsal bones, when there is nothing to draw them on one-side. In circumstances where they would not be interfered with, the large one would doubtless have the position given it by Professor Meyer, or, at least one very nearly the same; that is, the line of the toes carried backward would touch the middle of the heel, and the whole inside of the foot would have a general appearance of straightness. This, it is repeated, is the form of the normal adult foot, and of the child’s foot universally.