62 



MANUAL OF PACK TEANSPOETATION. 



Now, holding on to the rope held in the right hand, he draws on the 

 running portion between the packs, bringing the right hand down by 

 the side, arm's length, and reaches up with the left hand and grips 

 the rope, so as to have the back of the hand upward. This brings the 

 thumb under the rope (do not get the fingers under) . He then draws 

 on the running portion between the packs, in similar manner as done 

 by the right hand, bringing the left hand down by the side, arm's 

 length; do not let go of the rope held in each hand. 



Now, with an outward and circular motion, bring the left hand 

 holding the rope to the elbow of the right arm — this leaves the rope, 

 or loop, on the outside of the right arm — and raise both hands to 

 the position as seen in fig. 14. 



Next bring the right hand to the center of the pack, and with one 

 motion, both hands assisting, throw the "standing" rope, held in the 



Fig. 14. 



right hand, over the center of the load, to the "off" packer; the "run- 

 ning ' ' rope, held in the left hand, over the mule's neck. " (In this action 

 the back of the left hand rests on the mule's neck as seen in fig. 15.) 

 Now, draw sufficient slack on the "running" portion between the 

 packs, about 6 or more feet, to form the rear half of the diamond, 

 and throw this rope to the rear of the "near" pack, allowing the 

 rope to go free from the hands. (This rope now becomes the ' 'rear" 

 rope.) Next take hold of the running rope on the mule's neck, the 

 left hand forward of the right, and with the assistance of the "off" 

 packer, bring this running rope to the center of the load (fig. 16), by 



oThe separating of the standing from the running rope is done purposely, to avoid 

 confusing the " off " packer ; both ropes should never be thrown together. Further 

 when throwing the standing rope over the load, do not give the rope a wild outward 

 and circular swing, else the standing portion below the hand will become engaged 

 around the rear corner of the aparejo and cause delay, with perhaps a strenuous 

 expression from the " off " packer. 



