Never begin to practice until you are sure you know how. Languid,
thoughtless practice should be avoided. Put ambition, put energy, put
the fire of determined will behind your practice, and the results will
be astonishing. Take advantage of all favorable conditions. Not only
keep the muscles of the right arm in a relaxed condition, but guard
against tension in any part of the body. Keep the side of the hand and
the wrist free from the desk; keep the right arm well out from the side;
keep the right hand in front of the eyes; keep a right angle at the
right elbow, and remember that the propelling power is located above the
right elbow. If you think you are in a good position for writing, test
the movement without touching the pen to the paper, and study the
conditions under which you are trying to work. Be sure you are right
before you go ahead.
=Drill 70=
[Illustration]
Not much movement drill of a special character is necessary in opening
this lesson, the connected small p affording an excellent exercise.
Study the form with care. Note particularly the point at the top, the
loop below the base line, the length above and below the base, and the
point where the left curve from below the base crosses the main line.
Sixty connected letters should be made to the minute. Make frequent
comparisons and write a page.
The count for each group is 1–2, 3–4, 5–6, 7–8, 9–10.
=Drill 71=
[Illustration]
Average rate of speed, twenty words to the minute. If small l is
difficult, turn to drill thirty-three, study the instructions, and
practice small l as there presented.
=Drill 72=
[Illustration]
The practice speed should be fourteen words to a minute.