Fix clearly in your mind the direction of the moving pen as it comes into contact with the paper in making the beginning loop. Do not make this loop larger than it is in the drill. For business writing it would be better to make a dot than a large loop. Energetic practice of the drill at the left in the first line will help to develop the right motion. In that part of the drill a count of 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, should be used. In the nine forms at the right in the first line, the count may be 1–2, down over; or down, over; or one stop for each; but each form should stop abruptly at the base line in a blunt stroke.
As this form is used for the beginning of twelve capitals, it should be thoroughly studied and practiced now, and frequently reviewed.
In the lower line, observe that five drills extend across the page, with ten parts in each drill; with the paper held in the right position, the downward strokes should be made toward the center of the body, and the over-motion is applied in making the turns at the top. The count should be 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, and sixteen completed exercises should be made to the minute.
Turn to page twenty-nine and pick out the twelve capitals in which the inverted figure six is used. Use this style hereafter in beginning those capitals.
This is a lesson that should be reviewed frequently.
LESSON 25
You should not forget the usual three to five minute practice period devoted to the compact oval, and the small o and m drills.
Drills 26 and 27
Study capitals M and N closely before trying to make them. Compare their parts in relation to slant, height, and width. Your attention is particularly directed to the finishing lines in M and N. Dropping this line below the base, and lifting the pen without stopping the motion, forces freedom, continues the rotary motion and develops an automatic movement preceding and following each letter, so that the motion is continued, even when you are not actually forming the letters.