THE LETTERS (for their forms see next note).

THE SPACES (between Lines) decrease from 3 inches to 234 inches. A decrease in the height of the letters from the top to the foot line is common in early inscriptions (see figs. [203]–[205]). Several reasons for this suggest themselves: (a) (Sometimes the beginning words, being farther from the reader, may require to be larger). (b) The architectural beauty of a large heading (comp. stem heads, p. [288]). (c) The importance of beginnings generally (there is very often a marked difference between the upper lines containing important words and the rest of the inscription: comp. figs. [197], [91]).

Note.—The WORDS are separated by triangular points (p. [384]).

[130] There is a cast (No. 1864–128) in the Victoria and Albert Museum, South Kensington, where also the photograph of the inscription is obtainable, from portions of which Plates [I.] and [II.] are reproduced.

[PLATE II.]—Alphabet from Trajan Inscription. (Circa 114 A.D.) Scale approx. 16th linear. (See note above.)

THE “TRAJAN” ALPHABET.— Very fine letters for inscriptions in stone: possibly painted before incision (see p. [292]); see also remarks on Roman Capitals, pp. [268]–[296], and note:—

SERIFS.—Small and carefully curved.

THIN PARTS about half the width of the thick stems (pp. [375], [285]).

A (M and N), pointed (p. [280]).