Page 75 - The Ashley Book of Knots

THE ASHLEY BOOK OF KNOTS

411. A policeman's nippers, sometimes called twisters, after en-

circling a wrist, are adjusted to a close fit by twisting; the two han-

dles are brought together and held in the grip of one hand toggle-

fashion, with the cord leading from between the second and third

fingers. Formerly they were of rope, but nowadays they are more

often of chain.

411

412. The HANDCUFF KNOT. After adjustment around the wrists of

a culprit, the ends are half hitched around the neck of the loops (see

J1i.' 1140). The TOM FOOL'S KNOT (J1i.' 1141) has also been used for the

same purpose and in the same manner.

The Porter

413. The PORTER'S KNOT consists of a loosely twisted grommet

made of a large bandanna or other cloth. It dissipates the weight of a

burden carried on the head so that even a novice can bear a difficult

4J2.
load with assurance and without the need of a steadying hand.

First make a long left twist of the bandanna, and tie a large RIGHT-

HANDED DOUBLE or THREEFOLD OVERHAND KNOT somewhat larger

than the completed knot is to be. Continue to lay the material around

the knot, parallel with the established strands and constantly impart-

ing twist to the strand. Finally bury the ends between two leads,

which secures them.

There is another apparatus that also bears the name PORTER'S KNOT

which consists of either a rope or a long strip of cloth with the ends

tied together in a REEF KNOT (J1i.' 1204), the whole apparatus being

termed "PORTER'S KNOT." It is or was placed by the porters of London

over their foreheads, and the loop which hung down the back helped

to support whatever load was carried. It was mentioned in Pills to

Purge Melancholy, by Thomas d'Urfey (17 19)' Much the same

method of transport is employed by North American Indians and

guides. A wide strap is used which is termed a tump or tote line or

rope.

The Prospector

414. To make up a pack: The process of lashing a pack is described

at some length in Chapter 28, "Lashings and Slings." The pack is

made up in a square canvas cover called a manta and is lashed with a

rope that is called a lair rope.

415. A pack animal may be a donkey, mule, horse, camel, llama, or

elephant, but in our country a mule is preferred. The load is carried

either on a packsaddle, which is a piece of furniture resembling a

sawbuck, or on an aparejo, which is a heavy hay-stuffed pad, stiffened

along its bottom edges with wooden battens.

[ 66 ]