that it conveys each thought into the mind step by step with little
liability to error; and of the other, that it gets the right thought
conceived by a series of approximations.

27. The superiority of the direct over the indirect form of
sentence, implied by the several conclusions that have been drawn,
must not, however, be affirmed without reservation. Though, up to
a certain point, it is well for the qualifying clauses of a period
to precede those qualified; yet, as carrying forward each qualifying
clause costs some mental effort, it follows that when the number of
them and the time they are carried become great, we reach a limit
beyond which more is lost than is gained. Other things equal,
the arrangement should be such that no concrete image shall be
suggested until the materials out of which it is to be made have
been presented. And yet, as lately pointed out, other things equal,
the fewer the materials to be held at once, and the shorter the
distance they have to be borne, the better. Hence in some cases it
becomes a question whether most mental effort will be entailed by
the many and long suspensions, or by the correction of successive
misconceptions.

28. This question may sometimes be decided by considering
the capacity of the persons addressed. A greater grasp of mind
is required for the ready comprehension of thoughts expressed in
the direct manner, where the sentences are anywise intricate. To
recollect a number of preliminaries stated in elucidation of a coming
idea, and to apply them all to the formation of it when suggested,
demands a good memory and considerable power of concentration.
To one possessing these, the direct method will mostly seem the
best; while to one deficient in them it will seem the worst. Just