Acquiring scrap of paper, almost every time it is filled (to see

a Formal that the ink is flowing rightly).

Hand: The nib is kept clean. A carbon ink (p. 17), through

(2) Methods gradual evaporation, is apt to clog the nib (especi¬
ally in hot weather); therefore, every now and

then, the nib may be wiped on the back of the left
forefinger or the spring may be taken out and the
whole thoroughly cleaned. It is impossible to
write well with a dirty pen.

CHAPTER IV

ACQUIRING A FORMAL HAND: (3) MODELS

Models—Notes on Construction: Script I.—Coupling
the Letters—Spacing: Letters, Words, & Lipes—
Uncial Capitals: Script II.—Numerals & Punctua¬
tion Marks—Of Copying MSS. Generally.

MODELS

Acquiring The best training is found in the practice of an

a Formal upright round-hand. (p. 266). Having mastered such

Hand: a writing, the penman can acquire any other hands—

(З) Models sloping or angular—with comparative ease (p. 287).

The English Half-Uncial writing in Plate VII.
is an excellent model. Those who have sufficient
time to spare for the careful study of this, or any
other legible and beautiful round-hand, should obtain
access to the MSS. in a museum, or procure good
facsimiles (see Plates at end of Book, & p. 352).

Those who have not sufficient time for a careful
and thorough study of an early MS. will find it

36

easier to begin with a simplified and modernised Acquiring
writing, such as Script I. (fig. 49). a Formal

Hand:

(3) Models

nu op qRri scwc

^DurhamBook hand (copy).

abcxir(()bijklrrL

nopqrsUtvxy^ :

Modernized Half-Uncial (I.).

Fic. 49.

Before copying a hand it is well to examine care¬
fully the manuscript from which it is taken : observe
its general appearance : note the character and mode
of the ruling, and the sizes and relative proportions
of page, text, margins, and ornaments. With regard
to the actual forms of the letters and the mode of
their arrangement, such a method of analysis as the
following will be found useful, as an aid to accuracy
in copying, and definiteness in self-criticism.

37