MANUAL OF PACK TEANSPOETATION. 105 



on free end of rope at rear and brings this portion under the pack to 

 center, then with the end of the rope take a turn around the rope 

 along the side of the pack at center and draw snug. This will hold 

 the pack or support it, and forms a bowline knot on end of rope; he 

 now brings the rope upward at center of pack and waits for the call, 

 "Rope!" from the "near" packer. 



The "near" packer proceeds in similar manner (without forming 

 bowline knot), and when ready calls out "Rope!" He will then pass 

 the end of rope over and under through the eye of bowline knot and 

 draw the packs well together, each packer holding packs well up, to 

 assist in doing so, and secure the end of rope at bowline knot, or at 

 center of side pack at turn of sling rope, as it is always within easy 

 reach. (Fig. 65; same on "off" side.) 



This operation may be performed by one packer. 



Another method in common use is, the near packer forms two half 

 hitches on the ' 'forks" at front of saddle and allows each half to drop 

 to ground on each side of the animal. 



The near packer places the side pack well up toward forks and, 

 holding it there with the right hand, with the left he brings the rope 

 upward and over the side pack, and then forming a loop or half hitch, 

 he brings this loop over the forks of the saddle ; in forming the loop 

 keep the free end under and draw the pack well up, or as may be 

 determined, if carrying one or more top packs, change position of 

 hands and with the right hand bring the fore or running rope to rear 

 and form a similar loop or half hitch on the forks at rear and draw all 

 slack taut; now bring the fore or running portion under and over 

 the pack at rear and form a similar half hitch over the forks and tie 

 at intersection of ropes below the forks; the operation for the ojf 

 side is entirely similar. This operation may be performed by one 

 packer. 



HOW TO FORM THE CROSSTEEE HITCH. 



Sec. 40. For this purpose take a lash rope with cincha, about 35 

 feet long, and stand on the near side of the animal, facing the load; 

 take the cincha and throw or pass it over the load in such manner 

 that the cincha will pass under the animal's belly, convenient to 



E acker; pick up the cincha and, taking in all slack, engage rope on 

 ook; now briag a portion of the running rope up to side of pack, 

 double this portion, and pass it under the standing rope from rear 

 to front, so as to be caught in a bight between standing rope and pack ; 

 this will hold the rope. 



Now bring the running rope upward, double the rope and bring 

 it under ajid forward of the standing rope, and take slack on double 

 of rope, then form a loop or half hitch on this portion, keeping the 

 free end under and turn loop over, drawing sufficient slack on rope to 

 pass over the "off" side pack, from front to rear; step to "off' side 

 to place rope over upper corners and along the lower side of pack; 

 now come to "near' side, and bring the running rope around the 

 lower side of pack, and pass the end over and under the standing, 

 running, and rear ropes at center or top of load, from above down, 

 and take in all slack, in similar manner as performed on the "off" 

 side, and the hitch is formed, ready to tighten the load. 



Or, in forming the hitch, after engaging the rope onto hook, bring 

 the running rope upward and then pass the rope to rear without 



