=Drill 4=
[Illustration]
Begin, as usual, with careful study of the writing machine, adjust it
carefully and test the movement. Then practice the two-space compact
oval in drill three.
In drill four the special object is to develop a uniform, continuous
motion. Preparatory to the first oval, the movement should be tested by
carrying the pen rapidly in the air, the arm resting, and the hand in a
good writing position. Without checking the motion, the pen should be
brought to the paper, thus forcing it to make sharp, clean-cut lines. In
passing from one oval to another, the pen should be lifted from the
paper at the base line without checking the motion, should swing below
the base line to the right and to the beginning of the next oval, a
uniform speed being maintained throughout. Thus, the motion is
continuous and no shaky lines are possible. Finish the final oval in
each group with an upward right curve as shown in the drill. Move the
paper with the left hand after each group of six.
Pupils should study the above instructions in connection with the oval
practice until fully understood. These instructions are important,
having a direct bearing upon the practice of capital letters.
=Drill 5=
[Illustration]
Drill five is what we term a forcing movement drill, and is one of the
best for the beginner to practice.
In the direct traced oval make six revolutions to a count of “1, 2, 3,
4, 5, 6,” lifting the pen at the base line on the sixth count without
checking the motion and swinging it in the air to the beginning stroke
of the capital A. Thus the pupil will be impelled from a slow, lagging
movement to one that is elastic and rapid. The form may not be entirely
satisfactory at first, but it will improve rapidly if this process is
continued long enough and frequently repeated.
The rate of speed should be about twenty complete traced ovals, and as
many capitals to the minute.
Before beginning to practice, count the ovals and letters. There are
seven of each. You are expected to make the same number on a line of
equal length.