There is a certain trick in learning the technique of walking outdoors. Unless one takes up pedestrianism to make the most of it he is not apt to perfect himself in an art universally practised in a slip shod fashion and yet which is one of the simplest functions of the human body. Just this careful attention to details is what distinguishes the pedestrian from the mere stroller. Indeed one must walk with the head as well as with the feet, studying to eliminate the faults of gait. The secret is to find how to walk with the least effort to relieve body rigidity and thus conserve vital force. The gait of the average townsman is that of a stroller--a distinct up and down action with rather rigid hips, the toes very likely pointing outward and the heels striking first and disturbing the balance. The carriage may be erect enough and the movements springy and graceful over firm level footing but it is an ill poised gait and exhausting should one endeavor to lengthen the step or cover the ground in good time. Essentially the difference between the above gait of the stroller and that of the pedestrian is one of hip action, joint looseness and manner of foot implantation. The novice will in all likelihood begin his practical walking on country roads and to him is now addressed the main features of the proper gait in pedestrianism. He will probably be unencumbered with a pack and will have a firm, level surface for walking with consequent freedom to develop a gait of definite “form.” In the best regulation gait--the long swinging stride--the knee gives a little as the weight of the body is placed on that leg but not so much as to bend the knees. It is midway between the bent knee stride of the French Army and the extreme conventional stiff kneed “goose step” of the German Army. The foot is kicked well forward and by this the rate of speed is regulated rather than by pressing the foot against the ground as it leaves it, which is fatiguing. The body is held erect, chest up and shoulders back but not strained nor lifted. The movements are graceful and springy as no joint is held in rigidity. The eyes are fixed about 35 feet ahead.