Page:Newspaper writing and editing.djvu/345

 galleys on a "bank," or sloping shelf. After type has been used or has been killed, it is "distributed" by hand, letter by letter, into the cases. Linotype slugs, and usually all type smaller than 12-point that is cast on a monotype, are thrown into the "hell-box" to be taken to the stereotyping-room and melted up, so that the metal can be used again.

Page forms are made up on the "stone," a smooth table top, formerly of stone, now of metal. Forms are "justified" to make all of the columns exactly the same length by inserting leads here and there between the lines when a column is too short, and by taking out a few leads when it is too long. After being "justified," the forms are "planed down," or leveled, with a "planer," or wooden block, which is tapped with a mallet to force all type and cuts down to the level surface of the stone. Type that does not stand squarely on its base is said to be "off its feet." The forms are "locked" by means of screws, or of wedges known as "quoins." After the first page form is thus "closed," it may have to be "ripped open" for late news. The forms are "put away" when they are sent to the stereotyping-room.

SUGGESTIONS

1. Observe carefully the "make-up" of representative newspapers in different parts of the country.

2. Study the "make-up" of your own paper.

3. Display the important news in a conspicuous position on the front page.

4. Arrange the front page to secure as much symmetry as possible.

5. Put the most important news story in the last, or outside, column of the first page.

6. Place the second best story in the first column of the front page.