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THE FARMERS HANDBOOK. 



as in the case of railway trucks, &c, the top loop should take a half- 

 hitch around the taut rope (Fig. 31). If this precaution is not observed, 

 anyone stepping on the upper loop will cause it to slip. The knot will, of 

 course, only hold while the rope is taut. 



It is often necessary to temporarily shorten a rope, and for this purpose 

 nothing is more satisfactory than the "Sheep-shank" (Fig. 32). If the 

 strain slackens off, or becomes intermittent, there is danger of the knot 



Fig. 31.— The Hay Knot made so as to 

 prevent any chance o' slipping. 



I 

 Fig. 32.— The Sheep-shank. 



Fig. 33.— Making the Military Tie. 



