=Drill 40=
[Illustration]
The small r given in the first line in drill forty cannot be made at a
high rate of speed, as the form requires a checking of movement at the
top to form the shoulder. Study the parts of the letter shown before the
first completed form.
The form in the second line can be made at much higher speed, and, while
somewhat difficult to learn, is much easier in execution when mastered.
The first part of it is just like the first part of small m or n. The
downward stroke is retraced to a point about one-fourth of a space above
the first part; a stop (hardly noticeable) and a dot are made before the
swinging curve to the next letter. If the connective lines between
letters of this style are made with too much under-curve, perhaps
touching the base line, they will more nearly resemble small x than r.
Guard against this fault.
Close study of the form while practicing will be necessary. After its
mastery, ninety connected letters to the minute will be a good rate of
speed. Unquestionably, the first few trials will be discouraging, but
faithful practice will be rewarded. Stick to it.
Eighteen groups of five should be made to the minute.
=Drill 41=
[Illustration]
The count for this small r in drill forty-one for each group of five is
1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10; or one-dot, two-dot, three-dot, four-dot,
five-dot; or one-stop, two-stop, three-stop, four-stop, five-stop. A
conversational count similar to that in small o, drill eleven, may be
used to advantage in small r, thus—You-stop, you-stop, you-stop,
you-stop, at-the-top. How long, do you stop, at the top? Not long, but
you stop, every time at the top. What for, what for, what for? To make a
dot, to make a dot, to make a dot, etc.
=Drill 42=
[Illustration]
The rate of practice speed in this drill should be twenty or more words
to the minute.
=Drill 43=
[Illustration]
There is no initial line before small o; it begins at the top.