English shorthand stenography

EXERCISE- 11

1. They should ship all the coal on Monday, the tenth of May.

2. Ask the cashier to pay all the money into the bank at to today.

3. Miller and Robey say they hope to get all the lead ready to catch the ship "Adelaide" on the fourth

of the month.

4. The bill of lading should reach Canada on the fifth of march.

5. Who, among all the party, may move the vote?

EXERCISE -12

1. They should ask the Head of the Academy to change

the date.

2. Who took the padlock off the gate of the paddock?

3. Up to the date of the party she looked both rich and happy.

4. The head of the bank may leave on Monday.

5. They ought to change the date on the cheque to the fourth of the month.

EXERCISE- 15

1. Repair of the road to the ferry should make a difference.

2. Which of the two, do they say, should put up the fourth pillar?

3. They had to take a different route to the Heath.

4. They hope to be at the fair tomorrow, and the car should be at the door at two.

5. It should make a difference to Murray and Haigh

Exercise 16

1. They hope to reach Orkney on the fourth of May.

2. The red Colour on the door and the yellow on the window had a poor effect.

3. He ought to be fair, and pay the difference to Reid and Hannah.

4. If they get the money it should make much difference to the firm.
5. They had a heavy mail on Monday.

6. Tom saw the head of the firm leave at four or so.

Exercise 19

1. Do you feel it right to give the boy so much money?

2. Can you come to Edinburgh for the fourth week of May?

3. I have given the cheque to my nephew.

4. He should go and see the large ship lying beyond the buoy.

5. How can the beauty of the isle fail to appeal to the duke?

6. Do they assume the china to be genuine?

Exercise 20


1. How can you attach the wire to the high chimney?

2. They were due to arrive at five, but were delayed a long time at Wick.

3. You should verify each item on the bill.

4. Do you like the new tyre you have had put on the car?

5. Few of the party knew why you had to go to Newquay on the tenth of July.

6. A week ago I saw Doyle, but he had no time to give to my work; he had to hurry for the boat.

Exercise 25

Thank-you for-the notice of-the affair on-Saturday the sixth. 1-shall-be with-you early, and-if I-may, I-will carry you back to-the city to-lunch. Unless you have a desire to-go to-the Royal Hotel, I should like to-take you to-the usual cafe to-lunch, because the meals always seem to be both dainty and cheap. I-wish you-were ready for-the visit to Sicily. These lovely days make us long to be away. I-think-the change itself would-be likely to-make you enjoy-the peace of-the village life when-you got back. Those of us who have-had such a change of scene know this to be likely. I-shall-be ready to-leave as soon as you, and it-is for-you to name the date.

Exercise 26



If Miss Nelson wishes to see-the works, she can come to-this office on Tuesday or Wednesday of-this week, and-I-shall-be happy to show all-the details she may desire to see. I-think-it-is but fair to say this is-the busy season with us, and I-shall-have but a few minutes to spare to Miss Nelson. My deputy can take charge of-the lady. I-will thank-you if-you-will put-the facts to-the lady as nicely as you-can, because she may think I-am an idle fellow with-much time at-my disposal. I-know you-will excuse this appeal, and-I hope you- will-do what I ask, as I should-be sorry to upset Miss Nelson, or to appear to be rude when she comes.

Exercise 21

1. I-may-be with-you on-Monday the fourth of May.

2. If-you-will-be ready when I come I-shall-be happy to-take-the ride with-you to-the show.

3. I-think-you-will enjoy-the ride, and you-may take a fair share of-the game.

4. How do-you-like-the new book?

5. I-think-you-were right to-come away when you-were feeling weary.

6. I-have-had a talk with Webb and Duke, who-were both at-the party on-Monday.

7. I-saw Booth today and he-will-be with us at-the show.

8. If-you-should-know anybody who-can share the work of-the opera with us 1-shall-be happy to know.

9. I-have a new camera which I should like to show you when I-see you.

10. I-shall-be happy to see you tomorrow if-you-can come

Exercise 22

1. Why-do-you think he-was aware of-the likely failure of-the firm?

2. 1-thank-you for-the tube of colour, which I-think should be all-right.

3. They deny they-were at-the Tower at-the time of-the fire.

4. I-think-you owe the Head an apology for-the way you hurried away on-Monday.

5. If-he-were aware of-the date, he-would, I-think, have come with us.

6. Kenneth Doyle, whose view all of us share, wrote to say he-would arrive at five.

7. I-think too-much time was-given to-the topic. What-do-you think?

Exercise 29

I-am assuming you-will like to see-the details of-the sales of the new books on Siam, and-I-am asking-the cashier to-give-you these up to-this week. If-you would like to speak to-me on-the business, or if-you have special reasons for supposing you can push the sales of-the books at-this time, I-shall-be happy to see you. I-have myself seen to-the dispatch of all-the review copies, and-the head of-the mailing room has himself seen to-the dispatch of copies to buyers by mail. The subject with- which-the books deal seems-to be popular now, and-I- have-had several visitors to-the showroom each day since the issue of-the volumes.

Exercise 30

For several special reasons I should like you to-come to see me on Wednesday as early as you-can. I specially desire you to-write out-the names of all-the firms with- which-you have-had business dealings since you came to us. I-shall discuss a new policy with-you, and-the names for-which I ask may-be of use. I-am a bit upset at-the refusal of Askew and Benson to-take those Eskimo rugs, and-I should like to know-the reasons for-the refusal. I have several subjects besides these of-which I-wish to speak to-you when I-see-you on Wednesday. Ask to see me as soon as you arrive.

Exercise 33

I-wish you to-write to-me as to-the disposal of-those cases of-yours which I-have-had lying in-these offices for a year now. You have-had successive notices asking-you to remove them, but to no purpose. The cases themselves are ugly, and-they can scarcely be said to be sweet-smelling. Besides this, the space in-these offices is too small for-my business, and-I-have-no room to spare for-these packages. This-is an unnecessary annoyance and-I insist on-your taking-the cases away by-the tenth of July at-the outside.

: Exercise 34

The invoices and bills of lading for-the valances and laces are ready for dispatch, and-the cases themselves are to-leave by-the "Swiss Valley," sailing on Wednesday. The advices should-be with our customers by-the tenth of March, and-they-will-do all-they can to-make a success of-the deal. They know-the business thoroughly, and you-may safely leave it to them. It-is scarcely necessary to emphasize what they them- selves know already.

Exercise 37

The first cost of-the new styles may-be heavy, but it-will soon be repaid by-the saving in waste and by-the immense sales which-will follow. Business must be influenced by-the fact of-our having-the best and cheapest and latest styles to show to customers, and-we-think they-will endorse our hopes. We-are seeking, also, to influence the big buyers to ask to see-the new designs, and-if-they can-be induced to-look at-them we-think business must follow.

: Exercise 38

The language of-the young barrister in-the case was most stately, and it-must have influenced both judge and jury. It almost looked as-if-the case was lost at-the first, because of-the calm way in-which-the opposing counsel set out to state-the facts for-his side. But-the young barrister faced the test fairly, and-his language and style, though different, showed him to be a master of-law and logic. We-shall watch his career at-the bar, and-we-think he-must succeed because of-his abilities.

Revisionary Exercise (A)

If-you-can put me up for a week in August, 1-shall-be ready to-go and stay with-you. You-can-have as much walking as you-like. I-shall-be at-your disposal at almost any hour, and-as I-am a rare walker myself, 1-think I-can say you-will-have all-the exercise you wish. You ought-to be a different fellow when I-leave, if-you- will-be influenced by-me. I-think I-can give-you a mile in six and beat you. 1-have-had some talk with young Lord Robson several-times in-the past week, and he says you-can-do five miles an hour. Those who saw you last autumn and-know what you-can-do, all say-th same thing. This-is all I-know as to-your form. But we-shall-see for ourselves. 1-think-you-will own I-an far beyond you in speed. If-will-be a case of each for himself and-the race to-the faster of-the two. Ok I-know I-shall beat you, unless you-are faster this year. Those who think poorly of-themselves only induce those who know them to-think-the same. I speak for-myself because I-know myself. I-can say a deal on-this subject, and-I usually do-so. You ask why I-have stayed away so-long. The answer is business keeps me away. When would-you like me to-come? The best of luck to-you and to-the rest of-the family! It-will-be nice to see them all, though I-saw most of-them a month or-two ago.

Exercise 41

Dear Clay,

If-you-are at liberty on-Friday next, I-shall-be pleased if-you-will try to-come in and see Dr. Driver, our principal member for-the Borough. He-is to-take- the chair at-the club dinner in April, and-I should like you to know him. The number at-the dinner may-be larger this year, because of the increase in-the number of-members in-the local and neighbouring clubs during the past year. 1-think-you ought-to-be at-least an honorary member of our club. The other members would-be happy to-have-you with-them, and-they would cheer you up, and-in truth you-can do with-it. It-would- be no trouble to-me to push the case for-you if-you care to apply.

Faithfully yours,

PETER FLETCHER

Exercise 42

Dear-Sir, Thank-you for-yours of-the first of April, and-for mailing me your price-lists and samples of blue and black inks and glue in-the several sizes of bottles. I- think-the labels are better and brighter now. I-shall give-the samples a fair trial during-the next few weeks, and, if suitable, I-may-be able to stock a large number of-the smaller sizes. As 1-think-you know, my principal business is with legal offices, and, as you-will agree, it-is essential to offer them only first-class inks.

Yours truly.

Exercise 45

I-believe you-are proposing to buy some house property in Beverley. If-this-is so, I-shall-be-pleased to-call and show you details of Waverley House and Crowther Grange, and other desirable houses which I-wish you would look over. If-you-will tell-me just what-you desire, I-think I-can suit you. I-shall, however, leave all details till I-see-you. If-it-is largely a case oflow price, as I gather it-is, I-know I-can offer you value equal to any, and-with early delivery of the premises, in all-cases. I specialize in valuation business, and-this brings me into touch with just the right people for-your purpose.

Faithfully yours,

Exercise 46

Have you ever noticed what useful lessons you-may- receive through a shrewd look at-the faces of the people you come across in travelling? You-will-see in-them humour and gloom: generosity and miserable stingi- ness: pluck and nervous fear; wisdom and simplicity. You-will-notice the drinker and-the abstainer: the hopeful and-the fearful; the clever talker and-the bore; the flighty and the modest; the pilferer and-the honest fellow; the loafer and-the worker. Five minutes in a tramway car may offer us many lessons if-we care to- take them.

Exercise 49

From what I-know of Cedric Spring he-has no claims to supreme cleverness. It-would-be safer to describe him as a spruce young fellow, with a very strong belief in himself. He-is, possibly, a bit masterful in-his manner; but he-is-the more likely to succeed because of-his liking for work. Nor do I-think he is in any extreme sense a pleasure seeker. Far from it. I-am-sure there-is-no-more honourable fellow in-the city, and it-will surprise me if-he fails to-make a name for-himself. As-he lives near me, I travel with him several days a week, and 1-must say he-has a plausible tongue, which-should assist him in-his business.

Exercise 50

Write in shorthand

We-are surprised to know from-your favour of-the sixth of August of-the extremely long delay in-the delivery of the Surrey and Gloucestershire books. So far as-we-can discover, there-is-no very clear reason for-the delay. We-have looked into-the case, as you- may-be-sure, and it-is still a mystery. Mr. Strong, our dispatch clerk, expressly disclaims any blame, but, if- possible, he-will take more care with-the books still to-come. He-will personally supervise the addressing of-the parcels. By-the way, we hope to-have-the new Uxbridge book ready very soon. It-will-be in-the same style as our classical library.

Exercise 53

It-may-be difficult for-you to follow the general principles upon-which foreign business is carried-on, but if-you-are to-win your way in a firm which does business with-the Northern and Southern States of America, you-will-have to-try. No business man, and, above all, no business man whose principal business is with foreigners, can possibly leave this branch of economics from-his training. If-he should refrain because of a general dislike of-the science, he-will surely suffer in-the long run. The truth of-this has-been shown over and over again within my-own circle, and-1 speak -for-your advantage. The principles may appear difficult to follow, and-if-you imagine the task beyond you, it-will prove so. But be brave; face the plain truth; and you- will lighten the work and succeed, as you-will deserve to succeed.

Exercise 54

Write in shorthand

Local authorities, as borough and urban councils, generally derive their main revenue from-the rates they levy. They-may, of course, receive profits from any business carried-on by-them within-the borough. Over and above all-this they receive allowances from-the state. Either men or women may appeal to-the authori- ties, and-they very often do, if-they think they-have- been unfairly assessed. But it-will-be difficult for-them to obtain relief unless they-are able to-prove their case and satisfy-the authorities as to a supposed overcharge.

Exercise 57

The Fens, a stretch of marsh along-the shores of-the Wash, used to-be-the scene of many a chance affray and many a set battle owing to-the inroads of-the Saxons and Danes on-the domains of-the natives. It-seems to-have-been a vast primeval forest at-the-time of-the Romans, who, with their usual vigilance, saw a means of saving this expanse from-the ravages of the waves by a clearance of the trees and-the raising of banks, King John, of whose violence against the barons there-is but one opinion, nearly lost his life in one of the treacherous channels of the Wash. Those-who-have read Kingsley's romance of the endurance and stout resistance of-the Saxons in-the Isle of Ely, must have-been struck by-the graphic details of-the rough roads of-those days, and even now they are none too easy for transit. Times out-of number, the waves of-the-sea carried away property, causing havoc and distress fo-the farmers.

Exercise 58

If I annoy you in-the deliverance of-my opinion, as-the chances are 1-may, put it down to a reading man's reverence for books, and his diligence in the pursuit of a course which lightens many an hour for him Think of these significant facts, and your frowns may vanish. If-you have a love of books, you will feel no loneliness if and when men forget you. You-can dispense with-them in-the circumstances; for you-will-have within yourself, through the brains of your authors, many better men to-replace them. The balance of advantage in-the change is likely to be in-your favour. You-will grasp the significance of this remark, 1-am-sure: for-the man who derives pleasure from reading books makes for himself reserves of strength to-call-upon against the time of-trouble or stress.

: Exercise 63

In 1858 was set up a Royal Commission on popular education in all-the nation. The commissioners, at their discretion, were to arrange examinations; to obtain information from every direction, to-the exclusion of none; to-call-upon physicians, musicians and educa- tionalists of every class; to-take depositions when necessary; and, briefly, to-review the general situation, so-as-to secure satisfaction, beyond all mere generaliza- tion, and show if there-had-been progression or retrogression. The commissioners' work was sensational in the facts brought out. There-was ample justification for-the commission, and-the adoption of the commis- sioners' advice was followed by an alteration in-the general scheme of national education.

Exercise 64

Lord Macaulay was blessed with-the possession of rare powers of-memory. His accumulation of facts was immense. He-was almost in a state of subjection to-his memory, and a subjective examination of-the information in-his possession at any-time would have- been a revelation even to-himself. The retention and repetition of figures, the manipulation of facts in discussion, the selection and citation of authorities caused him no hesitation. He-was to-have-been a barrister, but-the legal profession had no fascination for-him. Macaulay took a share in-the promotion of education, bur-his reputation rests mainly on-his famous essays. His criticisms brought him into opposition with several fashionable authors, and-his expositions occa- sionally produced bitterness in opposite factions.