26 CASTING WITH ROPES. 



eyelets, through which the rope is returned, these eyelets diminishing 

 friction and permitting the rope to run more freely. 



A commoner method of procedure is to form in the centre of a 

 long rope a fixed loop sufficiently large to pass round the animals 

 neck and rest on its shoulders. The knot lies in front of the chest. 

 and the tree ends of the rope are passed from within outwards round 



bbles. 



the hind legs above the hocks, and back again through the neck 

 loop. They are then held on each side by one or two men. according 

 to the animal's size and weight. When all is ready one of the fore- 

 feet is lifted, the loops of rope are slipped from above the hocks 

 downwards into the hollows of the heels, and the men pull steadily 

 on the free ends of the rope, causing the animal to subside on its 



Fie. 43. — Cross-hobbles, or thigh and forearm straps 



hocks, whence it usually falls gently on to its quarters. It is best 

 if one group of men pulls outwards at right angles to the shoulder 

 and the other somewhat backwards. Immediately the animal is 

 on the ground it is pushed on to its back, the ropes are pulled tight, 

 drawing down the hind legs level with the abdomen, and secured to 

 the pastern with one or two half-hitches. The fore legs are firmly 



