hand and arm must be drilled to do something definite, and that having always for its object the application of the movements acquired to the construction of letters. We may say here, that all consideration of this subject will be from the standpoint of future utility, by assuming that those who undertake to carry out the instruction will have in view a practical application in some form of what they may acquire either as teachers or penmen.

POSITION

Correct posi

pensable.

The position of the hand and pen, in learning to write, is of such vital importance that any neglect to secure and maintain the standard position tion indiswill be almost certain to result in failure; any attempt to evade this point by trying to do it your way, because it appears less difficult, will simply defeat its accomplishment. If you value success in this work, be sure that you begin right in penholding, and then be very careful that you keep right.

The directions for securing this have reference to placing the body in such a position at the table (not always applicable to school desks), as will admit of an unrestricted use of the right arm, hand, and fingers. In teaching position to school children, let them turn the right side, placing the right arm on the desk parallel to its front edge; left hand brought to the edge of desk to hold book or practice paper, both feet on floor, etc.; straighten the arm until the elbow comes near the front of the body. When practising at a table take a position, nearly square in front, with both arms resting, the left with the elbow projecting over the edge two to four inches, and brought near the body.

This latter direction cannot be observed if the top of the table is much more than two inches above the elbow joint when the arm is dropped by the side. A low table or high chair is much better for movement practice.

CUT NO 1.-The Front Position :-Both arms resting; elbows projecting over edge of desk; leaning upon the left arm; arms forming right-angles at elbow, with body erect; arms crossing desk obliquely. Best adapted for practice at a large desk or flat table. The usual position for business writing, whether sitting or standing. Advantageous for general practice where conditions are favorable. Not practicable for the ordinary school desk, mainly on account of lack of space from front to back.

The training of the arm in the movements to be used in writing must be considered as distinct from the writing itself. The indicated movement drills are simply

CUT No. 2.-The Side Position :-Right side to desk, with arm and paper parallel to the front edge; body erect, with left hand at edge of desk to hold paper and to steady the position; right arm resting very lightly, and forming a right-angle at the elbow; both feet on the floor; right elbow kept always below the centre of page; right arm flat on desk, and balanced on the bunch of muscles near the elbow; wrist elevated, with weight on nails of third and fourth fingers bent inward. Best adapted for ordinary school desks, and has been found to answer all requirements.

a kind of highly specialized gymnastics having no necessary connection with the writing which is to follow, except as they furnish the vehicle for producing it. The needed muscular movement requires a range of effective exercises which the act of writing does not furnish. In fact the best way to obtain the desired muscular force, and through that the controlled movement, is to forget all about writing while practising these preliminary drills. A condition of strong and positive vitality is indispensable; stout nerves and supple muscles will greatly facilitate successful practice.

FIRST POSITION FOR MOVEMENT DRILLS

This can most readily be shown to the class by placing the arm on the black-board or wall as indicated in the cut, giving at the same time the following directions. See CUT No. 3, page 75.

1st. Right side to desk, but without the body's touching it.

2d. Both feet on the floor.

3d. Place right arm flat on the desk, parallel to the front edge.

4th. Hand perfectly flat (as in CUT 3), palm touching desk.

5th. Wrist should be found naturally but clearly elevated.

NOTE. This elevation of the wrist above the desk will vary somewhat and the exact distance cannot be determined; but be sure that it is elevated, and teach the pupil that this position of the arm and hand flat on the desk gives the natural wrist-elevation which is to be maintained throughout his practice. See elevation shown by CUTS 1 and 2.

6th. Impress upon each pupil the fact that when the

hand is laid flat with palm touching desk, the arm is in exactly the correct position, and that when the hand is turned to the right, however slightly, the position of the arm must be wrong.

7th. When the arm is correctly placed on the desk the inside should form a right angle at the elbow. This rule must be rigidly enforced, whatever the height of the desk may be. It brings the arm into its correct relative position to the body and admits of all movements being freely executed. See CUT No. 2. It will be as well if the elbow is kept entirely on the desk, as it generally will be if the arm forms a right-angle ; but if allowed to project at all the distance should not exceed two or three inches.

CUT No. 3.-Showing position of hand as placed flat upon the desk, before taking 2d and 3d positions, or commencing a movement exercise.

SECOND POSITION. No. 2.

The next step is to learn how to balance on the muscles of the arm near the elbow, without having the hand or elbow-joint touch the desk. See CUT No. 4.