The outlining strokes are quickly written and immediately filled in, each letter being loaded well with the colour, which thereafter dries evenly, with a slightly raised "flat" surface. The liquid colour should be fairly thick (see _colour_, p. 176).
"_Gothic lettering_" is a term used for "Black-letter" and related types, as distinguished from "Roman" types. "Gothic" capitals tend to roundness, the small-letters to angularity, but in each the abrupt change from thick to thin strokes, and the resulting contrast of stroke, are characteristics--the result of pen work.[24] In Versals this contrast is marked; _the ends of the thinner strokes spread_ (see _Addenda_, p. 25, & cross-bar of «A», fig. 71), _and the heavy parts are crossed by thin serifs_. Versals may retain their pen character and yet approach [p119] the "Roman Letter" (p. 294), or be changed into the ornate "Lombardic" (p. 34). They are capable of great variety, and the "round" or "square" «D», «E», «H», «M», and «W» may be used at pleasure.
_The Stems_ curve in slightly on either side. When they are very tall the mid part may be quite straight, imperceptibly curving out towards the ends (_b_, fig. 82). This gives an effect of curvature throughout the length, while keeping the letter graceful and straight. The head of a stem (especially of an _ascender_) should be slightly wider than the foot (fig. 83). _This applies generally to every sort of built-up capitals._
The _stem width_ may be nearly the same in Versals of different heights (_a_, fig. 84): generally the letters tend to become _more slender in proportion_ as the letters grow taller (_b_). Very large Versals (or initials) are often made with a hollow stem to avoid a heavy appearance («L», fig. 84). [p120]
_The Serifs_ are long and slightly curved in ornamental forms (fig. 79): shorter, and nearly straight in stiffer forms (fig. 166). In many cases the serifs appear to have been written _first_, the stems being added between them (_f_, fig. 81)--in old MSS. the stems often show ragged ends crossing the serifs. Sometimes the serif appears to have been _added to the stem in two pieces_, half on either side springing from the corners of the stem (_g_). The safest way seems to be the _complete finishing stroke added to, and forming sharp angles with, the stem_ (_h_).