2. Note.—There are inscriptional forms of M [p285] and N without the top serif ([Plate II.]). But the pen forms and others have top serifs, and these commonly extend outward—tending to beaks (see A, 1 and 2)—rather than in. (V, W, X, Y (and N) show a similar tendency—see p. [289].)
3. The thin stem of M is occasionally drawn out (F, 3).
N
1. Sec C, 3 and 4.
2. See H, 3.
3. See M, 2, and A, 1 and 2.
4. The first stem is drawn out below the line for an occasional form (most suitable for an Initial Letter): the right-hand stem is very occasionally raised (when a final letter) (F, 3).
5. Note.—The stems of N (the only vertical thins—not counting M’s—in the Roman Capitals) tend sometimes to be thicker: see [Plate II.]
O
1. O is the key letter of the curved forms and, in a sense, of the whole alphabet (p. [270]). The upright form—