Special

Subjects

Method of Planning out Addresses, &c.—If in the
book form, the address is treated much as an ordinary
book (see Chap. VI, and Binding, p. 310). The
framed or scroll address is planned similarly to a
single sheet (p. 56). The following notes of a
working method were made during the planning
out of an address :—

(1) Decide approximately the general form, shape, and decora¬

tive treatment of address.

(2) Count words in TEXT (leaving out

HEADINGS and SIGNATURES) = 130

Count paragraphs . . . • *=* 3

(Decide whether first or last paragraph
is to be in a different form or colour.)

Decide approximate width . . . = 12 inches.

Decide approximate side margins (2 2

inches each) . . . . . =* 5 »

Hence length of writing-line . . . = 7 „

Allow i inch lines, and approximately
eight words to the line.

(3) 130 words TEXT, approx. . 16 lines = 8 in. deep.

Allow extra (on account para¬
graphs) .... i line = } „ ,,

(Roughly sketch out HEAD¬
ING on lines each i inch
by 7 inches.) Allow for
HEADING ... 6 lines =■ 3 „ „

Allow for two SIGNATURES,

&c 3 lines = „ „

Total depth of Writing, &c. . 26 lines = 13 inches.

Allow for Top margin .... 2 „

Allow for Foot margin .... 3 „

(Note.—This was a "scroll," and the foot
margin was folded up to within an inch of
the SIGNATURES. A plain sheet
would have required about 4 inches foot
margin.)

Length of Parchment . . 18 inches.

322

(4) Cut a paper pattern, 12 inches by 18 inches. Rule (in

pencil) Side margins (2J inches and 2j inches), and Top
margin (2 inches), and 26 (J inch) lines. On this write
out the address in ordinary handwriting, using ordinary
black and red (or coloured) inks : make approximately
eight words to the line, and write as fast as possible; this
helps to keep the spacing uniform.

This written pattern should not take more than twenty
minutes for its entire preparation : it is intended to be
used as a check on the previous calculation (not as an
exact plan), and as a copy, it being easier to copy from
your own, than from another’s, handwriting.

If the original draft is typewritten, it is hardly necessary
to make such a pattern.

(5) Check this copy very carefully with the original to see that

the words, &c., are correct.

(6) Cut, rule, and pounce the parchment (pp. 307, 140).

(7) On some scraps of parchment, ruled with a few similar

lines, and similarly pounced, try one or two lines of
writing, both in vermilion and black, to see that all
goes well.

This enables you to get the pens and inks into working
order, and will very likely save the carefully prepared
parchment from being spoilt.

(8) Write out the address, leaving suitable gaps for gold or

special letters.

(9) Put in special letters, decorative capitals, and any other

decoration.

(10) Check the finished address very carefully with the original
draft (see (5) above) and look it over for mistakes,
dotting i’s, and putting in commas, &c., if left out. It
is important that such a formal document should be
accurate.

General Remarks.—The above simple mode of
planning out can be further simplified in custom
and practice. By the penman keeping to regular
shapes, proportions,1 and modes of treatment for regular

E.g. to keep to J inch writing line spaces (except for extra
small addresses, or small books). This being approximately
the right space for ordinary SIGNATURES, results in further
simplification of ruling and arrangement.

З2З

Special

Subjects