a burst of speed is coming. It is a good plan to have a stiff-covered note-book and practice taking notes with the book resting on your knees occasionally. It is what the stenographer has to do sometimes, and a little practice will fit him for such an emergency. When writing on your knee, the left hand must be spread on the note-book with the first finger ready to turn the leaf.
PEN OR PENCIL?
It is an open and much debated question, which is best for shorthand writing—pen or pencil. Both instruments have their strong advocates. The fountain pen is to be preferred, provided you have a good one and good ink. The ever-ready pencil, sharpened at both ends, has its advantages, however, and thousands of reports and other shorthand data are daily taken by its use. If the pencil point breaks, the other end can be brought into service and a reserve pencil will place two other points at your instant disposal. In using the pencil, however, be sure to keep it sharp; never write with a blunt point. Further, be sure to get a pencil of good quality, and not one with a harsh and gritty lead.
The notes you write with a pen are clearer, neater and easier to read than pencil notes. Further, there is less danger of their becoming obliterated when written with pen and ink. The fountain pen, on the other hand, has its drawbacks. It may refuse to
