When a man who cannot write is asked to sign a deed or mortgage or other legal document, the usual custom is to have him affix a cross as in the illustration, some one doing the writing for him. Such a signature should be witnessed. (See illustration.) An indorsement of this kind is legal and is quite common. There are no legal rules governing the shape of the mark.

An Important Provision. A very important provision of the National Bank act is as follows: "No bank shall loan or discount on the security of shares in its own capital stock unless such se curity or purchase shall be necessary to prevent loss upon a debt previously contracted in good faith."