The stem width may be nearly the same in Versals of different heights (a, fig. [84]): generally the letters tend to become more slender in proportion as the letters grow taller (b). Very large Versals (or initials) are often made with a hollow stem to avoid a heavy appearance (L, fig. [84]). [p120]
The Serifs are long and slightly curved in ornamental forms (fig. [79]): shorter, and nearly straight in stiffer forms (fig. [166]). In many cases the serifs appear to have been written first, the stems being added between them (f, fig. [81])—in old MSS. the stems often show ragged ends crossing the serifs. Sometimes the serif appears to have been added to the stem in two pieces, half on either side springing from the corners of the stem (g). The safest way seems to be the complete finishing stroke added to, and forming sharp angles with, the stem (h).
Arms or Branches.—Width of nib at start, and built-up at free end. (Pen horizontal, figs. [81], [165]). [p121]
The Bows or Curves of Versals (and of built-up letters generally) are begun with the inside stroke—a rather flat curve: and finished with the outer stroke—a pronounced curve (a, fig. [85]). This preserves [p122] the continuity of the interior curve, together with the clean contrast of the thick and thin strokes (see inside shapes, p. [253]). The normal form may be flattened or curved a little (b), but exaggeration in either direction produces a degraded form. Part round letters, as D, P, and q, may be begun with a complete inner oval, or a nearly completed O (to which the stem is added); this preserves their interior symmetry (c).