Page 50 - The Ashley Book of Knots

OCCUPATIONAL KNOTS

213. The JUMPER HITCH (for quarter poles). Circus poles can have

no cleats or other prnjectiOll.l, as they are unloaded in a heap on the

ground and afterwards are dragged all over the lot. After the rope

has been hauled hand taut, a SINGLE HITCH is taken around the pole

waist-high, the line is backed one turn, or a round turn is put on (as

in 'It: 2 I 2), and then a HALF HITCH is placed on the standing part above 213

the first SINGLE HITCH. The rope is then staggered (zigzagged) up

the back of the pole, and after each crossing it is strongly h:>.uled

and a HALF HITCH taken around the standing part. The mechanical

principle involved is excellent, and it might serve well for reef pen-

nants in small boats, as it is much neater than a tackle, quite as effec-

tive, and much less in the way.

214. The CENTER-POLE HITCH. A center pole has a shiv near the

base. After the tent top is hoisted two turns are taken around the 214

pole under the standing part just above the shiv and these are jammed

down close to the shiv. The surplus rope is then wrapped around the -

pole until exhausted. In raising a tent the center poles are first erected

and guyed, the guys being outside the tent, leadin to the pole tops.

The canvas is latched together and the top partia ly hoisted before

the other poles are placed in position.

215. CAMEL HITCH. The camel is the most ruminative of animals,

and he slobbers constantly while he ruminates, particularly on his

215"
PICKET-LINE HITCH, which he believes is provided for the purpose.

His knot is always sopping, but it has been very nicely planned; and

so, wet or dry, it is never difficult to untie and it does not slip in

either direction.

216, 217. NET POLE KNOTS. These guy the short poles that stretch

the safety net of the aerialists.

218. BALANCING-POLE HITCH: To support a man from the top of

his balancing pole while he is climbing aloft. The knot is adjusted

before the pole is elevated. Everything must be taut before the stand-

ing part is brought over the top of the pole. The rope is instantly

removed by flirting the standing part. I know of no knot with a

smaller margin of safety. Another and possibly better arrangement

of the knot is given as 'It: 1812. •
2.18

Ib
219. SLIP TACKLE KNOT. Practically all appantus tackles in a circus

are made fast in this manner, which at sea is merely a temporary

-~
expedient. House painters and carpenters also employ the knot.

220. Tent stakes are broken out by means of a lever on wheels.

Several snug turns with a chain are taken close to the ground.

The Cook

221. To spit tmd truss a fowl. The spit is a long, flattened rod,

sharpened at one end and with a wheel or crank at the other. Down 22.0

its length are a number of slots through which to thrust skewers.

After spitting the fowl, stick the first skewer through the meaty part

of one leg, through a slot in the skewer, and then out through the

other leg. According to the size of your fowl, stick either one or two

additional skewers, which do not need to be so solidly imbedded. 221

Middle a long cord and secure it with a RING HITCH Olh8S9) to the

eye of a skewer. Take several belaying-pin turns across the back of

the fowl and around the two ends of the skewer; then do the same

across the breastbone. Repeat with the other skewers. Splay the turlL~

widely in order to support the tenderer parts of the fowl.