90 



MANUAL OF PACK TEANSPORTATION. 



The "top" rope may be used as a marking rope by bringing the 

 rope to rear of the near pack instead of to the center, to indicate 

 that the load has been tightened, in lieu of the marking rope, and 

 by many packers is preferred as a better method of marking the 



load. 



The formation of the "diamond" hitch and tightemng of the load 

 is performed in from twenty-five to thirty seconds. 



The operation of loading a pack mule (this includes putting on the 

 aparejo) is performed by experts in from forty-five to sixty seconds. '' 





HOW TO FORM THE DOUBLE DIAMOND. 



Sec. 33. This hitch is sometimes used when employing top packs 

 or top loads, kegs and barrels excepted; for these latter the "double 

 hitch" is employed. 



The near packer takes a lash rope and uncoils about 15 feet of 

 ,,the free end, and passes it over the animal's haunch to the "off" 

 packer, who in turn passes the rope between the top and side pack 

 and allows the end to fall over the animal's neck to ground. 



" As an aid to learn how to form the diamond and other hitches, a wooden horse, 

 such as used by "carpenters" may be provided. 



i^ It should stand 4 feet high, the center or ridge pole to be 6 feet long, the legs to be 

 spaced 9 inches on each side, from center of ridgepole, so as to have 18 inches spread 

 on each side. Bevel the upper ends of legs adjoining ridgepole so that their extremi- 

 ties will stand on the ground about 2 feet apart. As a reenforce supply a small cleat 

 of wood on the upper and outer ends of legs underneath the ridgepole. 

 ' Now place the corona, blanket, and aparejo on this wooden horse, turn the crupper 

 and cinch the aparejo in the customary manner; place the sling rope on the aparejo 

 and proceed to put on the side packs, forming the load as described in sections 25 

 to 38. 



