Fig. 22.
[35.]—In vocal music notes should not have the same hook which are sung to a different syllable (see “Vocal Music,” [par. 37]). Subject to these exceptions, notes must be grouped according to their rhythm.
Leger-lines.
[36.]—The appeal to the eye (see “Notation of Rhythm,” [par. 8], and “Placing of Notes,” [par. 14]) must be maintained as regards the pitch as well as the duration of notes—their perpendicular as well as their horizontal position. Consequently leger-lines must be the same distance from the stave, and from each other, as the stave-lines are one from another. Carelessness in this matter is very common and very confusing. How often a lower note looks as though above a higher one, because leger-lines are cramped together in one case and too wide apart in another (see [Fig. 23]).
Fig. 23.
“Two things which are equal to the same thing are equal to each other,” as Euclid says: let leger-lines be equidistant with stave-lines, and they will be level with each other.