Page:Theory and Practice of Handwriting.djvu/118

100. What we must have is simplicity of outline, ease of junction and rapidity in tracing; it is therefore recommended that for purposes of continuity and speed the connecting upstrokes of these letters rise from the outside in large and set small hands, whilst for running or corresponding writing they rise from the inside.

Class V. brings us to the upward loop letters of which the simplest representatives are and. The loop as a rule forms half the extreme length of the letter although in small hand it is slightly longer. The loop should be well and boldly made particular care being taken to guard against the common danger and fault of curving the down strokes, as in the right-hand figure.

Inverting the loops we reach

Class VI. composed of

in which the same rules as to length apply so far as the loops are concerned. As previously stated the loops in all letters should be made sufficiently long for legibility, but not a fraction of an inch longer than is necessary to achieve that end.

As in the preceding class the greatest danger will be in the down stroke. It must be made absolutely right or straight.

When loops are curved an insipid and imperfect style is