). This has tended to produce hooks and beaks (see fig. [163]), which are often used for the oblique strokes, particularly of A and N (see figs. [189], [158]), and the tails of K and R (see below).
(f) There is a similar natural tendency to hook or flourish the terminals of vertical stems on the left, particularly of B, D, I, J, K, L, P, R; less often of E, F, H. A very interesting and beautiful effect may be obtained by delicately curving down the upper serifs on the left (like thin beaks). Such serifs are sometimes very slightly turned up on the right, and it may be noted that this tendency of the “horizontals” to curve up and forward
is natural and characteristic of freely made, vigorous lettering (see Uncial T, pen dashes, &c., figs. [169], [125], &c.).
TAILS.—(a) The tails of K, Q, R [p291] (and J)—and the strokes in A, F, G, I, M, N, P, Y, &c., which may be drawn out tail-wise—play an important part in the right construction, and the occasional decoration, of plain lettering. They may end either in serifs or in curves (see SERIFS (e), above, and fig. [188]).
(b) Note.—It is a characteristic of vigorous forms that branches, &c., stand out well from their stems (pp. [219], (e) [289], (N) [271]), and a good tail should stand out well from the letter (K, Q, fig. [167]).
(c) An excellent form of tail for ordinary use, combining strength and grace, consists of a (strong) straight stroke ending more or less abruptly in a (graceful) finishing curve.