TO DRAW THE FIRST OBLIQUE LINE.
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.
Fig. 57.
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.