Acquiring
a Formal
Hand:
(i) Tools

VIL A strip of thin metal (very thin tin, or
clock spring with the “ temper ” taken out by
heating and slowly cooling) is cut the width of

the nib and about
2 inches long. This
is folded into a
“spring ” (fig. 23).

VIII. The spring
is inserted into the
pen (fig. 24).

The loop a b с is
“sprung” into place,
and holds the spring
in the right position.
The loop с d, which
should be rather flat,
holds the ink in the
pen. The point d
should be about J inch from the end of the nib.

THE QUILL.—A Turkey’s Quill is strong, and
suitable for general writing. As supplied by the
stationers it consists of a complete wing-feather,
about 12 inches long, having the quill part cut for

ordinary use. For
careful writing it
should be re-made
thus :—

I. The quill

j?IG_ should be cut down

to 7 or 8 inches
(fig- 25)» the long feather if left is apt to be in
the way.

II. The barbs ” or filaments of the feather are
stripped off the shaft (fig. 26).

20

С

Fig. 23.

зап.

Fig. 24.

III. The nib already has a slit usually about Acquiring
1 ¡neh long. This is sufficient in a fairly pliant a Formal

Hand:
(1) Took

lengthening- the slit of die nib

m.

Fig. 27.

pen; in a very stiff pen (see p. 26) the slit may be
lengthened to | inch. This may be done with care
by holding a half-nib between the forefinger and

21