Of men's breeches, and the materials of which they were made, very little mention is made; but the stocking is frequently brought to notice. They were of cloth, knitted woollen, thread, and silk. The latter were of all colours, to suit the beaus' costumes, but black silk was the wear of your well-to-do citizen, professional man, or gentleman. Misson says 'The _English_ Silk Stockings are one of its famous Merchandizes;' and solemn old Thoresby records how he and his cousin 'bought each a pair of black silk rolling stockings in Westminster Hall.' There is no mention of gaiters as a protection against cold, rain, or mud. Addison grumbles that 'another informs me of a pair of silver Garters buckled below the knee, that have lately been seen at the _Rainbow_ Coffee house in _Fleet Street_,'[207] and considers it his mission 'to Correct those Depraved Sentiments that give Birth to all those little Extravagances which appear in their outward Dress and Behaviour.' [Footnote 207: _Ibid._ 16.] With regard to shoes, there seems to have been much foppery. Red heels are specially railed against by the _Spectator_. The beaus wore the heels very high, as indeed was the fashion with the fair sex. Gay speaks, among his _de omnibus rebus_, of shoes, and gives the following advice[208]:-- [Footnote 208: _Trivia_, book 1.] When the _Black Youth_ at chosen Stands rejoice, And _Clean your Shoes_ resounds from ev'ry Voice; When late their miry Sides Stage Coaches show, And their stiff Horses thro' the Town move slow; When all the _Mall_ in leafy Ruin lies, And Damsels first renew their Oyster Cries: Then let the prudent Walker Shoes provide Not of the _Spanish_ or _Morocco_ Hide; The wooden Heel may raise the Dancer's Bound, And with the 'scallop'd Top his Step be crown'd: Let firm, well hammer'd Soles protect thy Feet Thro' freezing Snows, and Rains, and Soaking Sleet. Should the big Laste extend the Shoe too wide, Each Stone will wrench th' unwary Step aside: The sudden Turn may stretch the swelling Vein, Thy cracking Joint unhinge, or Ankle sprain; And when too short the modish Shoes are worn, You'll judge the Seasons by your shooting Corn. Shoe-strings had gone out, and buckles were in fashion; but they had not assumed the proportions they did in after years. Boots were never worn except for riding; and there was in this reign very little improvement on the heavy and clumsy riding-boot of William the Third's time, which was still worn by Marlborough and his cavalry. Many are the pairs, with their spurs, that are advertised for as being left in coaches. [Illustration: Jack Boot.]