6262. The Beef Knot

6262.    The Beef Knot. The only precaution necessary in making a reef-knot is to observe that the two parts of each string are on the same side of the loop; if they are not, tho ends (and tho bows, if any are formed) are at right angles to tho cords. The knot is less secure than tho weaver's knot, and is termed by sailors a granny-knot. Other knots are occasionally used to connect two cords, but it is unnecessary to describe them, as every useful purpose may be answered by those above mentioned.

6263. The Binding Knot

6263.    The Binding Knot. The binding knot, (Figs. 4, 5,) is exceedingly useful in connecting broken sticks, rods, etc., but some difficulty is often experienced in fastening it at the finish; if, however the string is placed over tho part to be united, as shown in Fig. 4, and the long end b, used to bind around tho rod, and finally passed through tho loop a, as shown in Fig. 5, it is readily secured by pulling d, when the loop is drawn in, and fastens tho end of the cord.

6264. The Double Half Hitch or Clove Hitch

6264. The Double Half Hitch or Clove Hitch. For fastening a cord to any cylindrical object, ono of the most useful knots is tho clove hitch, which, although exceedingly simple and most easily made, is one of the most puzzling knots to the uninitiated. There are several modes of forming it, the most simple being perhaps as follows : make two loops, precisely similar in every respect,

MISCELLANEO as a and b, Fig. 6, then bring b in front of a, so as to make both loops correspond, and pass them over the object to be tied, tightening the ends; if this is properly done, the knot will not slip, although surrounding a tolerably smooth cylindrical object, as a pillar, pole, etc.. This knot is employed by surgeons in reducing dislocations of the last joint of the thumb, and by sailors in great part of the standing rigging. The loop which is formed when a cable is passed around a post or tree to secure a vessel near shore, is fastened by what

Fig. 6. sailors term two half hitches, which is simply a clove hitch made by the end of the rope which is passed around the post or tree, and then made to describe the clove hitch around that part of itself which is tightly strained. (See Fig. 7.)

Fig. 7.

6265. The Bowline

6265. The Bowline. This knot is used in slinging heavy bodies; it cannot slip, and will never jam under the heaviest strain. It is difficult to understand at first, but with a little practice can be made very rapidly. Take the fixed or standing part of the rope in the left hand (this should be done in making all knots), lay the free end over it, and then by a twist of the wrist make a loop in the

Fig. 8. standing part which shall inclose the free-end (a, Fig. 8); then carry the free end behind the standing part and through the loop, parallel with itself (b, Fig. 8). This knot will well repay the trouble spent in learning it.