890 



THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



The strand that is to be interwoven is then pushed through with* 

 the thumb of the left hand. Twisting thus to make room for the- 

 strands loosens the rope, and it should be twisted back again every 

 time to its original position before starting with the next strand. 

 Continuing, the other two strands of rope 1 follow suit, going over the 

 strand immediately the other side, and under the next. To make it con- 

 venient, the rope is gradually turned over, taking the greatest care not. 

 to loosen the grip in the left hand. When one side is completed,, 



Fig. 4. — Short Splice. Each of the six strands woven once and hauled taut. 



the rope is turned so that the strands of rope 2 can be woven -into 

 rope 1 with the right hand. The six strands are tlien hauled taut 

 (Fig. 4), the durability of the splice largely depending on whether 

 this is done thoroughly. The weaving continues in the same way, 

 working at each end alternately, hauling the strands taut, and 

 twisting the rope back into its original position to prevent^ its- 

 L f ettin« slack. 



Fig. 5. — Short Splice finished. For comparison, one end has been tapered, and the 

 other ended abruptly. 



For thick rope, especially when new, a sharpened piece of iron or hardwood' 

 called a marlinspike has to be used for levering up the strands, as the rope is 

 too stift 1 and rough for the finger*. 



To taper a short splice at each end, and thus enable it to pass over 

 obstacles with less likelihood of jamming, one or more yarns, according to the,- 



