St. Lucia.
[The following is a copy of the epitaph:
"Nobles and heralds, by your leave,
Here lies what once was Matthew Prior,
The son of Adam and of Eve;
Can Bourbon or Nassau claim higher?"]
_Handwriting_ (Vol. viii., p. 639.).--In your concluding Number of last
year, E. B. requested information as to any work in English, French,
German, or Spanish, giving a standard alphabet for the various kinds of
writing now in use, with directions for teaching the same. I fear I shall
not satisfy all your correspondent's inquiries; but the following may be of
some service. I have in my possession a German work, nearly of the kind he
requires. The title is, _Gründliche Anweisung zum Schönschreiben_, by
Martin Schüssler, Wiesbaden, 1820. It is of an oblong shape, and consists
entirely of engraved plates, in number thirty-two. It begins with some
directions for the form {284} and inclination of letters; then follows an
explanation of five rules for writing, which are given in the German
handwriting. After exhausting the German, the author proceeds to English
letters and handwriting, followed by engrossing hand. Then he gives the
_fractur_, or black-letter characters, with some elaborate and beautiful
capitals. He next gives specimens of French handwriting, and ends with
Greek current hand, and plates of large capitals of ornamental patterns;
all different.
If this work would at all answer the purpose of E. B., and he would wish to
see it, it shall be sent to him by post on his giving his address to the
writer, whose card is enclosed.