Proportion[86] of Stem Height.—The character of a writing depends very much on whether the stems are short, medium, or long. The stems of b and p may be as short as half the height of the bodies (f, fig. [183]); a medium stem for ordinary use might be two-thirds of, or equal to, the height of the body (g). Stems may be drawn out to almost any [p326] length, and may constitute a decorative feature of the writing, as in the Anglo-Saxon[87] MS., [Plate IX.] (See p. [331], and fig. [188].)
Distinct Lines of Writing.—The line—especially in MS. books—is really a more important unit than [p327] the page; and the whole question of the arrangement of Lettering hinges on the right treatment of the lines. One is particularly struck by the distinctness of the lines of writing in the old MSS., due mainly to—
(a) The binding together of the letters in the line—commonly by strong serifs or heavy “shoulders” and “feet” (see figs. [11], [184], and p. [414]).
(b) Packing the letters well together (see pp. [77], [262]).
(c) Spacing the lines sufficiently apart (see pp. [262]–[265]).
It is a good rule (especially when practising) to space the lines fairly widely. Really fine writing shows generally to greater advantage if not too much crowded, and there is more danger of making reading hard by crowding the lines, than by crowding the words (see fig. [156]).