Before a line is drawn, the point at which it is to commence and the
point where it is to end, should be known; and let it be distinctly
understood that _this judgment of the eye_, and placing of points,
should invariably precede the drawing of every line.
The first effort should, therefore, be to produce a line of points
exactly parallel with the upper edge of the paper, and at equal
distances from each other. Commence with point _A_ and place the point
_B_ carefully level with it, now place a slip of paper against these
points in the original, mark their distance apart, and see if the same
proportion has been given in your copy; if not, make the necessary
correction. Proceed with the next point, examine it, and so on to the
end of the line. When this is complete, examine each point in
succession, to try if it is at the same distance from the top of the
paper; when this is correct, proceed to draw the first level line. Hold
the pencil as in the drawing, fig. 57, keeping the elbow near the side;
join _A_ to _B_ by one light, steady stroke, produced by a movement of
the wrist, and add stroke upon stroke until the line is of the required
depth. Continue this process to the end of the line of points. Now place
the point _D_ at the right distance below the _A_, proceed with the
points for another line as before, and continue the lines until the
paper is covered. In producing the stroke the pencil should not be
jerked, or any stop be made between the points, but the movement should
be even throughout, and it is much better to produce each line by
several soft strokes, as _the repetition of delicate lines induces
lightness of touch and freedom of hand_; and it is also no small
advantage that lines thus produced are more easily removed by the India
rubber, should they require correction.