This mode is very suitable for a book of poems, in which the lengths of the lines of writing may vary considerably, because the writing-line being longer than the ordinary line of writing allows room for extraordinarily long lines, and any appearance of irregularity is carried off by the extra wide side margins.
THE WRITING is very beautiful, clear, and rapid—made with a “slanted pen” (see “Italics,” p. [311], and fig. [178]). Note the slightness of the slope of the letters (especially of the Capitals), and the length of the stems and the wide spacing.
Note, also, the flatness of the curves in a c d e g o q and the horizontal top stroke in a d g q, oblique in e c (giving angular tops). The branching away from the stem of the first part of the arch in b h m n p r (seen also reversed in a d g q u), and the pointed, almost angular, quality of the arch. This, which is apt to become a fault in a more formal upright hand (see note on Plate XXII.) is helpful in a more rapid running hand, and gives clearance to the junctions of the strokes (
)—see fig. [182].
The heads, simple or built-up, hooks tending to become triangular.
The letters in this MS. are rarely coupled.
The very graceful g has a large pear-shaped lower loop touching the upper part.
[PLATE XXII.]—“Communion Service” written and illuminated by E. Johnston, 1902 A.D. (“Office Book,” Holy Trinity Church, Hastings). Reduced (nearly 34 scale).
The MS. on 160 leaves (15 inches by 10 inches) of fine parchment (“Roman Vellum,” see p. [173]), contains the Communion Service and many collects, epistles, and gospels for special festivals, &c. MARGINS: Inner 118 inch, Head 134 inch, Side 234 inches, Foot 334 inches. [p485]