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1[ 234-236 SIGNIFICANT MARKS. 299
ers, shorthand ability is usually expected, and many
similar fields of labor, in which the art is in daily
employment, might be mentioned. Skill in the kindred
art of typewriting is also very generally required
in connection with the occupations mentioned
above; this is, indeed, now so generally recognized,
that it is unnecessary to do more than allude to it
here.
235. In most offices the shorthand writer will
find some reference books. But he will soon discover
that it is needful to have on his own bookshelf
or in his desk certain books of reference for
his own use. The most indispensable work is undoubtedly
a good English Dictionary. Next in importance,
if his work is of a Hterary character, will
be a guide to all proper names in biography, geography,
mythology, etc. For the shorthand writer's
purpose, "The Century Cyclopedia of Names" will
prove more serviceable than an encyclopedia. In
place of this comprehensive work, a good biographical
dictionary and a gazetteer will be found useful.
236. It may not be out of place to observe that
the more thoroughly equipped the shorthand writer
is in the matter of general knowledge the more
accurate and reliable will his shorthand work prove
to be. If, in addition to the necessary dexterity in the
writing of shorthand, he possesses a good knowledge
of business and other matters, it is obvious
that his work will be performed with much greater
ease and satisfaction to himself and to his employers.
There are numerous books on almost every
conceivable subject now published at moderate prices,
and the shorthand-writer should have no difficulty
in obtaining suitable books for the purpose of increasing
his knowledge in any direction desired.