A hyphen is a sign of connection, and denotes that the part of a word at
the end of a line belongs to the portion at the beginning of the next
line.
A compositor who studies propriety and neatness in his work will not
allow an unnecessary division, even in a narrow measure, if he can avoid
it by overrunning two or three lines of matter. In large type and narrow
measures, the division of words cannot be avoided; but care should be
taken that hyphens do not occur at the end of successive lines. In small
type and wide measures, the hyphen may frequently be dispensed with,
either by driving out or getting in the word, without interfering with
the regularity of the spacing. The compositor who is careful on this
point will find his advantage in the preference given to his work, and
in the respect attached to his character as a master of his business.
Numerous divisions down the side of a page and irregular spacing are the
two greatest defects in composition.
It is proper, if possible, to keep the derivative or radical word
undivided: as, _occur-rence_, _gentle-man_, _respect-ful_, &c. In other
cases, printers generally divide on the vowel, which is an excellent
method.
The hyphen is also used to connect compound words, which are formed of
two substantives, as, _bird-cage_, _love-letter_, &c.; also what are
termed compound adjectives, as, _well-built_ house, _handsome-faced_
child, &c.
The prepositions _after_, _before_, _over_, &c. are often connected
with other words, but do not always make a proper compound: thus,
_before-mentioned_ is a compound when it precedes a substantive, as, in
the _before-mentioned_ place; but when it comes after a noun, as, in the
place _before mentioned_, it should be two distinct words.[11]