140 HORSE PACKING 



THE SQUAIV HITCH 

 {Also l^nown as the Cross-Tree Hitch) 



This is one of the earliest of "one-man hitches" and 

 has been used by the American Indians for centuries. 

 As the squaws do the packing the early frontiersmen 

 gave it the name "squaw hitch." It is a very simple 

 hitch and in very general use in small one-man pros- 

 pecting outfits. It is not to be compared with any 

 of the diamond hitches. The Wiman one-man hitch 

 is much more scientific in its adjustment and is invaria- 

 bly to be preferred. 



To avoid confusion in the diagrams the sling ropes are not shoi»n. 



The load being balanced and slung to throiv the squan> hitch: 



Fig. /. The packer throws the cincha across the cargo 

 and reaching under the mule's belly catches the 

 hook end of the cincha bringing it through and up 

 into position on the near side. 



He then engages the lash rope that falls from 

 the cargo in such a manner that the free end of the 

 lash rope leaves the hook on the outside (See 

 Fig. f). He adjust the cincha and throws a light 

 strain on the rope to hold it in position. 

 With the free or running portion of the lash rope 



