Date columns.—In 7-em date columns, bear off 3-em space from rules, use only en commas after day of month, and put the remaining space between month and day. Observe same style in 5-em date columns, with the exception of using en quads instead of 3-em spaces in bearing off from rules.
Ditto in both 5 and 7 em columns.
Leading from top or bottom lines.—Where there is only one reading column, lead from the bottom; if more than one, from the top.
Date columns are not classified as reading columns in connection with leading from top line.
In parallel tables, where the lines are numbered on the outside of each page, lead from the top.
Where the last word in a leader line runs close to the rule, use en leader if space permits; if not, use a thin space, but never use a full point, excepting where a reference mark follows an abbreviation.
Unless specially directed otherwise, continue leaders across entire width of tables when the right-hand columns are of figures; when the last column is a reading column, omit the leaders from that column only.
Figures in reading columns.—Numerical expressions in reading columns will be expressed in figures, even at the beginning of the sentence: 155 days from Dec. 1; trains 3 times a day.
Figures from or against rules.—In figure columns bear off an en quad from rules on right of figures; and so make the cast as to bear off the longest line of figures an en quad from the rule on the left where possible. If crowded, and but few figures will touch, close up on the left; if still more crowded, close up on the right. If found necessary to set the figures in one column against the rule on the right (which, by the way, must always be done before closing up on the left when the mass of figures is of nearly even width), do the same with the remaining columns of the table. Exceptions will be marked by copy preparer.
Common fractions to be set against rules unless otherwise indicated.