Page:Theory and Practice of Handwriting.djvu/115

Rh introduction of the long letters and there is admitted force in their objections. Naturally if we permit expediency to enter into the analysis the scientific aspect and character must suffer, at least to some extent.

Recognising however the strength of the arguments adduced, a second classification is offered which it is hoped will fully satisfy all requirements as to the gradual introduction of the long letters.

Class I.–The letters consist solely of the right line and the final curve line, which is generally called a link, the dot of the  and the cross of the  not being constituent elements properly so called. As all words and combinations of letters are written continuously the letters of this class will join each other chiefly at the upper end.

A set of headlines on these three letters will begin with the right line, then the link should be introduced, lastly combinations of the character formed of the right line and link. Even at this early stage the teacher should endeavour to secure perfect rigidity of the down strokes, and strange as it may seem, such honest endeavour will generally be successful.