If a conjunction is used, it is better to use a semicolon; as,—

“She cannot separate her name from his without lessening it; for it is equally incrusted with his greatness as with his faults.”—Lamartine.

She cannot separate her name from his without lessening it: it is equally incrusted with his greatness as with his faults.

The colon is not as commonly used as formerly. A semicolon would be preferred by very many writers in all sentences similar to the examples given above. See Rule II. p. [23].

THE PERIOD.

Rule I. Complete Sentences.—A period should be placed at the end of a sentence, when it is complete in meaning and construction, and is declarative or imperative in its nature.

EXAMPLES.

“Swift boasted that he was never known to steal a hint.”—Macaulay.

“But evil is wrought by want of thought,