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THE EDUCATIONAL VALUE OF THE STUDY OF SHORTHAND.

BY J. HAMSON, F.J.I.

Pitman's Shorthand, or Phonography, is not only valuable to the student as a labour-saving instrument and a means of acquiring and storing knowledge, but the mental effort it is necessary to put forth in learning shorthand is educational in the true sense of the word. There can be no better training for drawing out the mental faculties, and it is often said that the youth who learns shorthand can learn anything.

1. The study of shorthand educates those faculties which are exercised in drawing. It insists upon accurate observation, close attention to form, and perfect control of the hand in shaping the strokes and characters. The artistic sense is called into play by the choice of combinations of characters in the formation of outlines, because the basis of this choice is a sense of geometrical and symmetrical harmony.

2. The study of shorthand exercises the memory and stimulates alertness of the mind. The memorizing work is not concerned with mere arbitrary signs, but involves an association of systematized ideas, which aid the memory and pave the way for "scientific habits of mind." Concentration of thought and quickness of perception are greatly strengthened (i.) by the requisite close attention to the speaker and an intelligent appreciation of what is spoken while the listener is writing from dictation; and (ii.) by practice in transcribing, which calls for close attention to the context and the general sense. This alone is a fine literary exercise which enlarges the vocabulary, and, as a training, achieves, to some extent, the same end as a course of study in syntax, parsing, and analysis. The mere reading of shorthand is for the learner a training in acuteness of perception and habits of diagnosis-in other words, methods of solving doubts by appealing to the court of common sense. In the stages of practice that lead up to verbatim writing, the student learns to seize the salient points, and to note the essential passages in a discourse. This teaches the art of writing an intelligible digest, besides encouraging consecutive thinking and quickness of comprehension.

3. The study of the phonetics of the English language. It is remarkable how few English people appreciate the fact that there are two ways of sounding th. The prevailing ignorance among so-called educated people of the sounds that make up their own language is astonishing. How many superior persons call a door a dawr," and habitually speak of the "porer classes." Phonography demands the correct use of vowels and vocables, and from this must follow an improved pronunciation and clearer articulation.

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4. The study of Phonography contrasts and emphasizes the simple vocal elements that compose the spoken speech and the etymological elements that compose the written language. This continual comparison cannot fail to be a valuable training in orthography. The socalled eccentricities of the English language are

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We are in receipt of your courteous favour of the 17th inst., containing request for prices and samples of our "Crown" typewriter ribbons.

In reply, we have pleasure in enclosing our illustrated catalogue, in which you will notice that the price is 3/- each or 17/for dozens and half-dozens, less a discount of five per cent. for cash within ten days from date of invoice. For larger quantities we make a further slight reduction. Samples have been forwarded by parcel post.

With regard to your enquiry, we beg to state that they are strong and durable and will stand any amount of hard work, they are suitable and will wear equally well on any machine taking a ribbon of this width; in our opinion they are the best on the market.

We may say we have no agent in your town, our representative there being lately deceased. If you would care to take this matter up in an aggressive manner, we shall be pleased to grant you that territory. Our terms would contemplate that you make a show

of our goods, which we would supply on sale or return, and on all goods which you are able to buy from us outright we will allow you a discount of 30 per cent. from the list, net f.o.b. London, monthly account. If you do not entertain this, kindly let us

know at once, that we may appoint someone else.

Yours faithfully,

made familiar to the student, because they are being continually brought into view by the practice of transcribing from phonetic character into the accepted orthography.

5. It is difficult to name any form of mental exercise involved in the study of a foreign language that is not also called into play by the study of Phonography. In both there are rules and principles to be observed; in both a whole vocabulary must be acquired that of shorthand being the accepted outlines for all the words in the mother tongue; in both there is necessary a ready understanding of spoken phrases and sentences; and in both there is a literature.

Besides all these important educational considerations, it goes without saying that shorthand is most valuable as a means to an end, and as an equipment for the battle of life.

SHORTHAND IN FICTION.

BY ALEXANDER PATERSON, F.J.I.

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It is not often that we meet with allusions to shorthand in the works of our British novelists. Those of them who have mentioned it have been, for the most part, more or less directly connected with journalism, as, for example, Charles Dickens, J. M. Barrie, and David Christie Murray. graphic description by the first named in "David Copperfield of his early stenographic experiences is so familiar that it is unnecessary here to do more than name it: as regards the two latter their mention of the art is merely casual, and on each occasion in connection with newspaper work.

Some time ago my attention was directed to a passage relating to shorthand in Samuel Richardson's once popular, but now neglected and well-nigh forgotten "Sir Charles Grandison,' ," but I could not then succeed in laying my hands upon a copy of the work. In these days Richardson's works but rarely find a place on the shelves of our public libraries, and where they are met with it is generally on the upper shelves. As a writer in the Academy observed the other week, "It is only too easy for even a bookish person to go through a long life and never find himself in the presence of 'Clarissa,'' Pamela,' or 'Sir Charles Grandison. Probably the works of no English novelist of equal fame so rarely confront one in the second-hand book shops."

Richardson's mention of shorthand is in connection with the decision of an "affair of honour."' Sir Charles Grandison, the "man of true honour," had given offence to another doughty knight who sent him a pressing invitation to repair with the proper equipment to Kensington gravel pits. Although an expert swordsman, Sir Charles declined to fight as contrary to his principles, and during interviews between the friends of both parties which followed, a shorthand writer was in attendance by invitation to take down the statements made. Sir Charles would not draw his sword upon a challenge, though he would defend himself if attacked. The arguments put by Richardson into the mouths of the two parties are represented as having been taken down by the shorthand writer who was kept pretty hard at work, and it is stated that the statements made against duelling produced a marked effect upon the other side, the result being an amicable settlement. This is perhaps the first occasion on which shorthand is mentioned in connection with the settlement of disputes by arbitration. The method was less summary though equally if not more satisfactory than that adopted a century later by the late Earl of Shaftesbury, who referred a challenger to either the police magistrate at Bow street or his lordship's solicitors.

Christopher North's" charming but now seldom read "Noctes Ambrosianæ," do not properly come under the head of novels, but they constitute light literature, and that, too, of a most entertaining character. Here we have introduced an imaginary shorthand writer who is supposed to have been concealed in a cupboard for the purpose of taking down the conversations of "North" and his friends at their periodical symposiums in Ambrose's Hotel, in which "the Shepherd" (James Hogg) is represented as taking an especially prominent part. The mode in which the said imaginary shorthand writer is introduced to the company is characteristic. The Shepherd hears a noise in the cupboard, his curiosity is aroused, he opens the door and out slips a person belonging to the shabby genteel order dressed in black or brownish apparel. The Shepherd seizes hold of him, begins a running fire of questions, and is neither satisfied nor mollified when North introduces the mysterious stranger as Mr Gurney, a shorthand writer. "A pretty gentleman of the press! claimed the Shepherd, "Guide faith, a wee thing would mak me fling you oot o' the window. There's another shock for you! Now the cat's oot o' the bag. Never could I comprehend how a hail nicht's conversation on to the sma' 'oors could get itself printed word for word doon to the vera spelling." This and a good deal more rough banter to a like effect coupled with the insinuation that the reporter extended

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his notes, as he called them, o'er his sɔwens and sma' beer afore going to sleep on caff (chaff). The reporter is represented as tongue-tied and only too eager to break away from his irascible accuser. This imaginary incident is represented as taking place in the year 1826, and it furnishes a good illustration of the low estimation in which newspaper reporters were then held in even the Scottish capital.

What a change has been effected within a period of even less than four score years. There are still men to be met with among the irregular forces of journalism who do the profession but scant credit; but the bibulous reporter of otherwise shady reputation is rapidly becoming an extinct species, while, as regards the regular newspaper rank and file, the men composing it are gentlemen in dress and bearing, and acquit themselves as such, while most certainly they are not cringing cravens of the stamp above indicated.

The foregoing are the only instances which occur to me of the introduction of allusions to shorthand. There may be, and doubtless are others. Literary men outside the ranks of journalism have not yet been brought to estimate the art at its true value, and they will never do so until they begin to study it for its own sake.

INCORPORATED PHONOGRAPHIC SOCIETY.

LONDON.

At the quarterly examination for speed certificates held at the Arcadian on Thursday, 26th March, there was a large attendance of candidates who submitted themselves to tests at rates varying from 60 to 180 words per minute.

LONDON (T.S.)

Members and friends are reminded that the April meeting will be held on the third Saturday, namely, the 18th, when Mr T. E. Catley will open a discussion on "The Aspirate." The proceedings will, as usual, begin at 3 o'clock, and take place at St Bride's Institute, Fleet street, E.C.

LIVERPOOL (T.S.)

The monthly meeting of this District was held on 28th Feb. at the Royal Institution, Colquitt street, Mr O. A. B. Ewart presiding over a large attendance. Mr J. H. Foxcroft, the Chairman of the District, gave an admirable Specimen-lesson" on the first abbreviating principles of Phonography, his treatment of the subject, he averred, being the "natural" method. A discussion followed, taken part in, among others, by Miss Cole, and Messrs Whittaker, Harper, Fitzgerald and Lloyd, who debated upon the advantages or otherwise of the Socratic method of instruction, that is, by a kind of grammar of interrogation, as opposed to direct assertion by the teacher, and full and unquestioning acceptance by the pupil. Mr P. Machin afterwards gave a thoughtprovoking discourse on "Shorthand Teaching and Teachers," in the course of which he declared that teachers should aim at thoroughness, that the public educational bodies should engage fully-qualified teachers only, and that an all-round equitable rate of remuneration should be aimed at by unity of purpose and by the educative influence on the part of teachers themselves upon those who control educational affairs. The meeting, through short speeches by Messrs Hurst, Draine, Wilkinson, Boraston, Hancox, and others, endorsed the purport of the address, and the proceedings closed with votes of thanks.

ILLUSTRATIONS TO "A COMMERCIAL

GUIDE."

Cheques and their various crossings were dealt with in "A Commercial Guide," which recently appeared in these pages. The examples of crossed cheques here given are taken from · Pitman's Business Terms and Phrases," and they illustrate the ordinary methods of crossing cheques. The Loamshire Banking Company, Ltd, would not pay Mr Mason cash for the cheque No. 41372, though they would give him credit for the amount if he were a depositor with the bank. In the case of cheque No. 55035, this would have to be presented to the Loamshire Bank through Farmer's Bank; but, of course, Mr Jones could pay it in to his own bank for collection and receive credit for the sum named. The term, "Not negotiable was fully explained in "A Commercial Guide,"

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SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENTS.

Teachers of Phonography and Secretaries of Shorthand Writers' Associations are invited to send us Announcements of Classes, Meetings, Lectures, Discussions, etc., for this column. Announcements are inserted free of charge.

DERBY.-The following students (who have been under the private and public tuition of Mr A. Turner, F.I.P.S. (teacher's diploma), 47 Wilfrid street, have been successful in obtaining Pitman's shorthand certificates:-Elementary:-J. Smith, T. Bailey, Lily Bailey, S. Heath, Lancaster, Tunaley, Bacon, C. H. Fisher, Moore, Dicken, Wibberley, Southern, Cowlishaw, Disney, Curzon. Theory:-C. H. Fisher, W. Poulson. Speed:-(100 words), S. Jay; (80 words), P. Coles. Mr Turner has again been asked to conduct private shorthand classes during the summer months at his address on Monday and Thursday evenings from 8.15 to 9.15 p.m., and this he has decided to do.

LIVERPOOL.-The Fairfield Centre Technical Instruction Continuation Classes will commence on Monday, 20th April, and will consist of three sections - Intermediate, Advanced, and Reporting Fee, 10s 6d. per course of twelve weeks. Particulars from Conductor, 10 Normanby street, S.

LONDON, 16 WOOL EXCHANGE, E.C.-Tuition in shorthand and typewriting given in the evening from 7 to 9 p.m. to suit the convenience of young ladies and gentlemen engaged during the day. Intending pupils are invited to call or write. Vacancy register for students.

WALLASEY, CHESHIRE.-The success of the shorthand classes in this district during the winter session has induced the Technical Instruction Committee to inaugurate a summer session of fourteen weeks, commencing 21st April. The classes will be held at the School of Science and Art, Liscard, and will consist of Intermediate, Advanced, and Reporting Grades, as continuation courses to the classes just ended. Students desirous of enrolling should communicate with the Organizing Secretary (Mr I. Samuel, B.A.), Central Park, Liscard.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS.

Answers to all inquiries relating to Shorthand, Typewriting, Commercial Education, Commercial Law, the Civil Service, and kindred subjects, will be published as soon after receipt as possible, but correspondents are requested to bear in mind that in some instances research taking time may be needful before satisfactory information can be furnished, and also that this Journal is sent to press eleven days in advance of the date of publication. Correspondents can be answered under initials or a pseudonym, whichever they prefer, but their names and addresses must be forwarded as a guarantee of good faith. All letters of inquiry should be addressed EDITOR, PITMAN'S PHONETIC JOURNAL, PHONETIC INSTITUTE, BATH.

SHORTHAND TEACHING QUERIES.-J. L. asks us several questions which are replied to as under. His query about our Full Certificate is answered by the printed conditions we have sent him. Shorthand teachers in evening schools are provided with the stationery they require by the authority engaging them. Private pupils are most readily obtained through the medium of advertisements and circulars. We are unable to furnish information as to the methods adopted by the examiners mentioned.

TYPEWRITING AND TRANSCRIBING —Indécis, who has a typewriter to practise on, inquires whether a dummy would be useful in mastering the key-board?-It would not. What our correspondent needs is a good instruction book. She would do well to obtain "Pitman's Typewriter Manual (price 3s.), containing elementary and advanced exercises which can be used with any make of machine. Our correspondent also asks the best means of acquiring a good method of accurate transcription, especially of letters, from her shorthand notes. If our correspondent has got into an inaccurate habit, she should without loss of time train herself out of it. For a time she should arrange for dictation at a somewhat slower speed than what she considers she can write. She should transcribe as large a portion as possible of her notes, and not be satisfied till she finds that she can take an absolutely accurate note, every word of which is readable, and transcribe with absolute faithfulness. Notes which there is not time to transcribe, should be read over with the dictator, and their correctness checked. Accuracy and dexterity in shorthand are only attained to as the result of careful training and persistent work.

BOOK-KEEPING.-A. W. is desirous of taking up the study of book-keeping without a teacher, and inquires how she should

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proceed. Our correspondent should obtain Pitman's "Primer of Book-keeping" (price 1s.), "Key to Primer of Book-keeping ' (price is.), and Ideal MS. books for working the exercises, set of four (price 2d. each). With persevering application she can master the principles of modern book-keeping by the aid of these publications.-The above reply answers Bockite.

ELECTRIC LIGHTING AND TRAMWAY ACCOUNTS.-C. asks us for a work dealing with these accounts.-We do not know of such a book, possibly some of our readers may. If so, will they kindly communicate with us. The system of accounts would be the same as in other undertakings carried on under Parliamentary powers, namely, the double account system, in which capital and revenue accounts are kept quite distinct.

CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS.-H. H., who is very desirous of becoming a chartered accountant, is informed that it is a sine quâ non with the Institute that an aspirant to this position must first of all be articled to a member of the Institute in actual practice. He must then pass the three examinations, the first of which is educational and the others professional. The requisite term of articles is three years.

LIGHTNING CALCULATOR.-J. Quill writes: With regard to Hotspur's inquiry for the publishers of "Lightning Calculator," permit me to inform him that this is also known as "Howard's Art of Reckoning," and can be obtained from Cassell and Co., Ltd., paper covers, is, cloth, 2s.

THIRD WRITER IN H M. NAVY.-H. M. S. asks what books he should use for the six examination subjects specified on 21st March (p. 237).-He should use P.tman's English Composition (Bacon) is. 6d.; "Pitman's Commercial Geography" (25. 61.): "Pitman's Commercial Arithmetic" (23 6d.) and Pitman's Copy Books Nos. 1 and 2, 6d. each. For spelling get passages from the first two books read aloud as dictation and carefully corrected. The copying MS. should only be practised from actual MS. exercises set in other Civil Service examinations, and Pitman's Metropolitan School supply these to their students. Our correspondent's grammar needs attention.

INSPECTORS OF WEIGHTS AND MEASURES.-F. R M. inquires for particulars, books to study, pay, and manner of obtaining these appointments.-The Inspectors are appointed and their salaries are fixed by the various County Councils. All candidates for vacancies must possess the Board of Trade Certificate of qualification, and can obtain the following official publications regarding the post:-Notes to Candidates 2d., Weights and Measures Acts, 1878 and 1889 (1s. 7d. and 24d. respectively) and Inspectors' Model Regulations (Is. 6d., postage extra) The subjects of exam nation are reading aloud (usually from the Regulations); writing, about twenty lines from the same source); arithmetic (simple and compound rules); weights and measures, length, capacity, square and cubic measures, mensuration, rectangular areas and solids, vulgar and decimal fractions (use "Pitman's Commercial Arithmetic," 2s. 6d.), elementary mechanics (machines, mechanical powers; forces and materials, definition and application of terms); elementary physics; practical verification of weights, measures, and weighing and measuring instruments. The salaries offered vary between 30s. a week and £250 a year.

MALE SORTER G.P.O. LONDON.-Jacob asks when the next Male Sorters examination may be expected, how many candidates generally sit, and whether (which is much the same thing) the competition is keen or not.-The next examination should be announced within the next few weeks, but the fact that reservists from the army are returning, in large numbers, to duty in the Post Office, may delay an open competition. In reality, it is absurd to hunt around for an easy not-sought-after Civil Service examination. If Jacob will work hard and aim for the first place in the examination which he has selected, he may neglect the mere numbers who will be pitted against him. The competition at recent examinations (open) held, as a rule, in February, May and September, has been from six to ten candidates to each vacancy. Candidates must be between 18 and 21 years of age and 5 ft. 4 in. (at least) in height, and the medical test is exceptionally severe.

CUSTOMS ASSISTANT versus MERCANTILE CLERKSHIP.-J. A. S. is nearly eighteen and a clerk to a firm of chartered accountants. He regards his prospects of promotion as poor, and has been advised to sit for the Assistants of Customs. He mentions that

he has been well educated (this is the best possible outfit) and knows shorthand, typewriting, and book-keeping. These three subjects are not of use for the examination in question, but the prospects in the Customs service are far in advance (for the average man) of any mercantile clerkship, worries are fewer, and security of tenure and pension are assured. The competition is very severe, about 700 candidates sitting for 50 or 60 vacancies. Our correspondent's writing is not exactly Civil Service style, but could with proper coaching be easily adapted to the requirements of the examiners.

BOY CLERKS And Higher EXAMINATIONS.-Inquisitive asks a most extraordinary question, viz. if he were a boy clerk and essayed another examination and failed, would he therefore have to forfeit his boy clerkship if he were under 19 years of age. -Certainly not; boy clerk service ceases at 20, and very few entering at 15 reach 20 without having passed Second Division, Customs, Excise, Assistant Clerks, Sorters, or some other examination. The Boy Clerks' Friendly Society finds situations for boys between 19 and 20, who are guaranteed by their official superiors to be of good character and hardworking-the others are not wanted in the service or out of it.

APPORTIONMENT.-W. G. seems to have misunderstood the point as to apportionment. Where the estimated value of stocks or shares set out in the accounts annexed to the affidavit for Inland Revenue represents the actual selling price at the date of the death, and where that price is, as stockbrokers say, cum dividend, or in other words, includes the right to a purchaser to receive any dividend to be declared thereafter, it is not necessary, for the purposes of the account, to calculate a proportionate part to the date of the death, of the expected next dividend, as in that case the proportionate part is, in fact, included in the price. In other cases (as for instance, when a dividend has been declared, or when the price is ex dividend") the proportionate part should be calculated and accounted for. We are sorry if our meaning was not expressed quite clearly in the first instance.

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SOLICITORS' PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION.-O. C. R. asks for advice as to the books to use in preparing for this examination, and as to the best course to take for reading up for it.-The examination is in ordinary educational subjects, in which there are a multitude of excellent text-books published. Any one of these in each of the prescribed subjects will serve the purpose. As to the course to be adopted, it is desirable to study under a teacher any subject in which the candidate knows himself to be weak. There are coaches who undertake to prepare candidates, but anybody who has thoroughly studied the various subjects at school or in class ought to be able to pass without special coaching.

BILLS OF EXCHANGE-POSTAge Deducted FROM DEBT.Inquirer asks of what practical use are bills in business, and whether the possessor of an accepted bill holds a prior claim for payment of his debt. He also asks whether a customer has a right to deduct postage when remitting the amount of an account. -A bill of exchange gives no right to priority of payment. Its special value to the man of business is that it is a negotiable instrument which he can pass on to persons to whom he is making payments, or which he can discount through his bankers if necessary. In this way he can obtain money or money's worth before the day on which the debt secured by the bill becomes payable. Apart from this it has little value except as a document admitting the indebtedness of the acceptor for the specified amount, and showing the precise date on which the debt is to be paid. We doubt whether the deduction of postage, when remitting the amount of a debt, would be upheld. We cannot, however, find that there has been any decision on the point. Some firms make it a rule to deduct postage, and the practice is submitted to, because it would generally cost more than the amount deducted to insist on payment in full.

BOOK KEEPER IN SOLICITOR'S OFFICE.-R. W. A. wishes to know how to qualify as a book-keeper in a legal office, and what is the average salary attaching to such a post.-A good knowledge of figures, and a fair knowledge of the general principles of book-keeping will be useful, but the peculiarities of legal bookkeeping can hardly be learnt outside the legal office. The best way to qualify for a post of the character indicated is therefore to serve in a solicitor's office, getting transferred into the costs or cashier's department when opportunity cffers. Salaries average

from £2 to £3 per week in a good office. In some large firms higher salaries rule, but these are exceptions.

THE BAR. CHEAPEST INN.-A. C. I. S. desires to know which is the cheapest Inn through which one can be called to the Bar, what are the necessary steps to take, and where the papers set at previous examinations can be obtained.-We believe that Gray's Inn is rather cheaper than the other Inns. Our correspondent should write to the Steward, Gray's Inn, London, W.C., for regulations and any other information, or should, if possible, call on him. The Kelly Law Book Co., Carey street, London, W.C., issue periodically the questions set at the various Bar examinations.

PLAINT FEE.-P. J. D. points out a little ambiguity in our reply to J. L. on this subject.-On ordinary summonses the fee is one shilling in the pound (fractions being treated as complete pounds) with a maximum of twenty shillings. In every case where the claim is for more than 40s. an additional shilling is paid, this being a fee for service-so that the amount paid on entering a plaint for £20 and upwards is 20s., plus the extra IS. There are other fees payable on issuing default summonses.

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JOURNALISM.-Discouraged, who is engaged in commercial life, has a desire to become a free lance journalist. Some of his contributions have been accepted and published, but contributions I declined with thanks" exceed by five to one those accepted.This is, we believe, a not uncommon experience of the "free lance." It may be that our correspondent sends his contributions to the wrong quarters, or that he treats of a variety of topics of which he has no special knowledge which would make his writing of value to the public. Or his contributions may be too long, or not in suitable form to be acceptable to the editor. These are matters on which experience in the pursuit of his hobby should furnish him with valuable data. If there is any particular subject or department of news on which he can write with special knowledge, he should endeavour to cultivate that branch. There is no work dealing with "free lance" journalism so far as we know, but general guidance to the beginner in newspaper work will be found in "Pitman's Popular Guide to Journalism" (price is. 6d.).

HANDWRITING.-Correspondents who do not see their inquiries answered are requested to note that we have no suggestions_to offer for the improvement of their writing.-Bad Writer, E. B, Marcius, James, and M. E. P., would do well to obtain lessons from a master, if possible. If not, they should practise the methods laid down in Pitman's "Business Handwriting" (price Is.). Red X. will not find his handwriting permanently affected by manifolding work. For book-keeping he would do well to use as a model Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series. No. 18.-T. H. V. V. should cultivate a larger and bolder style, with the avoidance of peculiar twists and curls.-Patient's handwriting is not suited for a junior clerkship; a more flowing style should be cultivated.Bockite's capitals need improvement; those given in Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series, No. 15, should be taken as models. -Dynamo should cultivate a good upright style, with the avoidance of the backward slope.-Docendo's style will develop into one very suitable for clerical work.-C. G. should endeavour to write all the small letters the same size, and write small e in the usual way; if these improvements are made, his handwriting will be quite satisfactory.-A. G. K. should endeavour to cultivate a more flowing style, Titch a more regular style, and Novocastrian a rounder style of writing; these correspondents, and also Skales, would do well to take Vere Foster's Bold Writing Series, No. 19, as a model. These copy books (and indeed all the books we recommend) may be ordered through any bookseller.-Black List could improve his writing by looping small g and y, and writing only the ordinary style of small e.

MISCELLANEOUS.-X. G. will find the particulars he seeks about bank clerks' appointments in the prospectus of Pitman's Metropolitan School we have forwarded to him.-Ayr would be well advised to wait for the position promised him, and qualify himself in any way which seems practicable for its duties.-We have no information which would be of value to E. R. H. as to clerkships in America and chances of promotion there, etc. If he proposes to go out, he should provide himself with testimonials as to character and ability, and see what openings are available through the employment agency of the typewriter he uses, and advertisements.-The correct form of the phrase is that which Inquirer submits.-We cannot afford space for full particulars of the London Chamber of Commerce examinations. James should apply for the syllabus of the Senior and Junior Examinations to the Commercial Education Department of the Chamber, 10 Eastcheap, London, E.C.-E. J. H. is thanked for his suggestions, which shall have our consideration.—In reply to Ambitious we do

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