If the scroll is meant to represent a riband curled at the ends, or folded, the reverse side may be ornamented with gold stars, or foliage. Plainly shaded blue, with perhaps a narrow gold edge, will, however, be found most suitable; if prominent colours are gaudily used for the reverse side of the riband, it will appear to come forward, leaving the text in the background.
Specimens of differently shaped scrolls are affixed to each of our chapters.
Firmness essential.
In conclusion, it cannot be too strictly enforced, that every line, straight or curved, should be firmly drawn, and the edges, in painting, be kept perfectly neat and clear. Whether from unsteadiness in outline, or from a shaking hand when painting (especially in gold), nine-tenths of the amateur illuminations produced have a quivering ruggedness about them which could well be dispensed with. In ornamental finish, also, this unsteadiness is almost universal, so that the points of small leaves, or fleurs-de-lys, instead of being sharply defined, most frequently degenerate into unsightly loops, similar to the following example.
As it should be.
As it generally is.