Speed is so important in the development of good writing that it should
receive close attention in all practice work until correct speed has
become a habit. Too much speed is just as bad as too little. Correct
speed forces a light, firm line; too little speed results in shaky
tremulous lines; while excessive speed means irregular letter formation.
If you develop a light, firm, elastic motion, and the proper degree of
speed in straight line and oval making, you will find the work of the
following lessons comparatively easy.
=The straight line and oval exercises in drills one, two, and three
should be made at a speed of two hundred downward strokes to a minute;
one hundred in one-half a minute; and then move the paper.=
The most convenient count for continuous straight line or oval exercises
as given in drill two is 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6,
7, 8, 9, 20—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 30—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9,
40—1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 50, continuing until two hundred has been
reached. Until correct speed habits have been developed, the second hand
of a watch should be used as a guide.
=A few minutes in the right way are worth more than hours of practice in
the wrong way.=