Prepare three rows of points down the side of the paper, on the left
hand; examine them to see that they are at equal distances from the side
and from each other; hold the pencil as in the drawing, fig. 58, move
the elbow a little from the side, and join the points _A_ and _B_ with
one light line, produced by a movement of the fingers and thumb,
repeating the strokes until the line is of the requisite depth; proceed
to join _B_ to _C_, taking care previously to bring the hand a little
down the paper, as the line from _A_ to _C_ is too long to be produced
from one position. When the three rows of points are filled, make
another set, examine them and proceed as before. By these means the
paper will be covered with oblique lines, and if the points have been
placed exactly, the sheet will have a neat and regular appearance.
NOTE.--The drawings of hands are introduced to show the positions for
holding the pencil, and are not intended for copying.
[Illustration: Fig. 57.]
[Illustration: Fig. 58.]
It is a common, and at the same time highly injurious habit, to draw
this line by a movement of the wrist, the fingers remaining rigid. This
may be detected by watching the action of the thumb; if it bends as the
line is produced, all is right; but if it does not the wrist is at work.