could now advisedly be attempted, the question, at least in the present status of the establishment of the language, is abstract, and is presented mainly for the purpose of enlisting interest and inviting disscussion on the subject.
From these considerations the transition is easy to the subject of a Volapük stenography, which is, perhaps, the only solution of the difficulty. While it is plain that many years must elapse before a Volapük shorthand will be needed in the same way that present systems are used, still that it will some time be required no one with faith in the future of the language can doubt. When Volapük shall have become so generally accepted that the business man will understand it, and dictate his correspondence in it directly, rather than in his own language, for subsequent translation, the necessity of an adequate system will be felt. In the meantime, an appropriate system would be acceptable to many Vpans. as a labor-saving method of corresponding in the language, while their experience in its use would be valuable in suggesting improvements.
Various systems of shorthand have been used to some extent during the past few years in Volapük correspondence, but their entire unsuitability for the purpose is apparent. The unique structure of Volapük demands an entirely new system, sui generis.
That attention has been given to the subject by Vpans. is shown by the fact that at the present time there are at least three systems of Volapük stenography extant.
The first system of which the writer has any knowledge is that of H. Roller (Berlin, 1885.) It is entitled "Rollera Stenogaf pegeböl plo Volapük." It is a mere outline, contained in a pamphlet of four pages, with text in German and Volapük. The example marked No. 1 in the cut indicates its general appearance.
In 1886 a brochure printed in Volapük under the title "Tidabuk Lefulnik Stenogafa Volapükik," (pelautöl fa Karl Lenze,) was published in Leipzig. This, though pretentious in title, was a work of but eight small pages, including illustrations and exercises. It appears to
