68 Tree Climbing 
movement, but in practice the operation of stopping when half-way 
down and hauling up the rope and dropping it over an adjacent 
bough involves but little trouble. I have met with occasions when 
it was more convenient to throw the line and lead weight over 
a bough than the rope itself. When this is done, the same process 
is repeated as at the first start and the rope is subsequently hauled 
up. Frequently in emergencies a small length of rope used as 
a life-line is of great assistance and for this I usually carry 20 ft. 
of silk rope. 
Very likely some may have been surprised that I have hitherto 
made no mention of climbing irons. The reason is because I have 
for many years strongly discountenanced their use, save as an 
adjunct to climbing with a rope. I used them myself until 1876. 
It was then that I first met with Lord Lilford and it was owing 
to him that I gave them up. For he described to me how he knew 
of an unfortunate man who, having climbed a tall tree with the 
aid of irons, lost his hand-hold and fell backwards. His life was 
saved by the cause of his disaster, for one iron was so deeply set 
in that it held. But he hung head downwards with his weight 
on his dislocated ankle! To assist him by climbing to him was 
impossible. Fortunately the accident occurred in a civilized country 
where it was possible to fetch a ladder and by this means he 
was rescued. 
At the time of my meeting with Lord Lilford I was constantly 
riding alone into wild spots in Spain, picketing my horse and 
climbing big trees. After hearing the story I came to the con- 
clusion that it was tempting Providence to continue to use irons 
in a country where, if one came to grief, the chances were against 
being found and where, moreover, ladders did not exist. 
For over twenty years subsequently I would have nothing to 
do with them; meanwhile, in 1882 I had taken to using ropes in 
trees, but it was not till 1898 that I once again became a 
