To our eyes, accustomed to a traditional finish, all these forms—in figs. [143] and [144], but particularly the slanted pen forms—look incomplete and unfinished; and it is obvious that the thin strokes, at least, require marked terminals or serifs. [p242]

[Fig. 142.]

[Fig. 143.]

[p244]

[Fig. 144.]

Finishing-Strokes.—The pen naturally produces a variety of finishing-strokes—“heads,” “feet,” serifs, &c.—each type of which strongly characterises the alphabet in which it is employed.

The main types (fig. [145]) are—