o the notice of the writer
through one of the Chicago banks, with the request that they be
allowed whatever they were worth. The government always redeems notes
at the face value, and as the faces in this case were of a $1 and a $5
note, $6 was allowed. It is not known whether the bank was caught on
the split notes or not.

Another scheme for altering bank-notes is practiced with more or less
success. It is to take a one dollar silver certificate and by means of
powerful acids and fine penwork the large figure "one" on the reverse
side is split into two "tens," and the intermediate portion transformed
into a scroll. On the other side the "one" over the representation of
the silver dollar is obliterated and "ten" substituted, but the "s" is
left off the dollar. The single "1" figures in the corners are neatly
eaten off and the figure "10" substituted. The small "one" is changed
to an "X" and a new series number is printed in red upon the face. The
bill would pass anywhere. None but an expert would detect the fraud.

APPENDIX

INTERESTING WRITINGS OF VARIOUS KINDS FOR STUDY AND COMPARISON

FOUR ORDINARY SIGNATURES WITH DESCRIPTIONS

[Illustration: A mechanical or artificial hand in copy-book style,
lightly and delicately traced.

Characteristic signature, connected and rapidly traced letters
expressing great animation and mental activity.

A natural hand, letters vary in size, written with great spontaneity
and expression.

A restrained hand, letters slowly and deliberately traced, indicating
a slow intelligence and perception.]

STUDENTS' HANDWRITING--CRIMINALS' HANDWRITING

[Illustration: The above is a comparison of the students' and
criminals' handwriting, the selections being made from the records of
each class.]

[Illustration: The tremor of feebleness is shown in this signature.
This was written by a gentleman ninety-two years of age. Writing of
one who is ill or feeble is usually characterized by a light stroke.
The simulated tremor of a skilful penman is rarely successful in
deceiving a trained eye.]

[Illustration: This signature represents the tremor due to illiteracy.
The tremors and angular features shown are by no means indicative of
lack of power, but the power is misdirected.]

[Illustration: The signature of Ivan Wilson, herewith given, will serve
as an illustration of the tremor almost inseparable from forgery. The
tremors of a simulating hand are never so numerous nor so fine