Page:Hill's manual of social and business forms.djvu/19

 PREFACE. script letters, will particularly please, presenting, as they do, much that is entirely new, calculated to aid the young sign- painter in doing his work elegantly and correctly.

The artist in lettering on marble finds in this work a chapter presenting tombstone inscriptions and epitaphs, giving the modern and best forms of wording by which to perpetuate the memory of the departed. More especially will this be valued by the marble- worker as giving him the grammatical wording of the inscription, the abbreviation of words, and their correct punctuation. The grand and costly monument, designed to stand for a thousand years, to be gazed upon by multitudes, and the record that it bears to be read by millions! How important that, in this conspicuous place, in such enduring form, the inscription,in grammar, capitalization, and punctuation, should be given absolutely correct. The ornamental scripts, with the plain and fancy alphabets, will also admirably serve the wants of marble-workers. This chapter will likewise assist the mourner who is desirous of selecting an appropriate inscription to mark the last resting place of the departed.

The reader will appreciate the forms herein relating to inscriptions suitable for use by the engraver, when marking the spoon, the ring, the cane, the watch, the modest birth-day gift, or the costly wedding present. The engraver will more especially value these examples, from the fact that they enable the .customer to select at once the words desired, and the style of lettering in which they shall be executed; while the forms of punctuation and arrangement of wording will teach the youngest apprentice at the bench how to execute the same correctly.

The secretary of the public meeting, the presiding officer, every member of the assemblage; in fact, every American citizen that aspires to discharge the duties of a freeman, will be aided by the chapter on parliamentary rules, the forms of resolutions appropriate for various occasions, petitions to public bodies, etc.

The individual who would appear at ease in general society, who would do the right thing at the right time, be self-possessed and free from embarrassment, will appreciate the chapter on etiquette. More especially will this be valued because of its beautiful and instructive illustrations.

The chapter assigned to the writing of poetry, and the dictionary of rhymes, will instruct and aid a certain class; while the poetic selections will be valued by —all lovers of poetry, as presenting some of the most beautiful and charming poems in existence.

In short, the varied character of this work appeals alike to the wants of the old and young of all classes. Realizing this, the book is launched on the sea of literature with the confident belief that it is demanded, and that it will accomplish its mission of usefulness.