MANUAL OF PACK TEANSPOKTATION. 139 



rope (M, fig. 41) — that is, pulls from rear to front on rope at front 

 corner of boot and draws it from under the standing rope (R, fig. 41). 



The "ofl^" packer pulls on the running rope so as to slacken the 

 tension at the cincha hook. 



The hitch is now loosened throughout. 



The "near" packer adjusts the load in its proper place, and the 

 two packers then begin and tighten the hitch, taking up slack as pre- 

 scribed in paragraphs 4 to 8, section 32. 



To indicate that the load has been tightened, however, the follow- 

 ing variation is made in the hitch: 



The "near" packer passes the bight of the running or marking 

 rope under the standing rope, as usual (R, fig. 41), but does not bring 

 it around front corner of boot. He allows the marking rope to drop 

 down to center of boot; then with the right hand he receives the slack 

 as usualj in rear of cincha. The hitch is then finished as usual; or the 

 top rope may be passed to rear of near pack in finishing the hitch; 

 this latter method is preferred by some pack masters. 



HOW TO TEACH SADDLE MULES TO STAND. 



Sec. 69. For this purpose, when in bivouac and using a picket line, 

 the riding mules should aways be tied at the opposite end of the 

 line from the bell horse; this rule should be followed when stables 

 are provided. In preparation for the day's march after "saddling 

 up," tie the animals as far away from the bell horse as opportunity 

 oners. On the trail do not endeavor to be always rear the "bell;" 

 and when necessary to catch a pack mule, when his load needs balanc- 

 ing, tie the riding mule with the shank of the bridle rein, when other 

 opportunities are not convenient, to either hind leg above the hock; in 

 doing so bring the mule's head well around so that should he endeavor 

 to travel he will "mill," or travel in a circle. Should the animal get 

 loose and endeavor to overtake the "bell," do not maltreat him when 

 caught as he will become more difficult to catch on the next occasion; 

 instead, pet the animal — that is, treat him kindly. A crust of bread 

 or a little sugar is a great aid to teach the mule to become attached 

 to its rider. In time the animal will show a disposition to wait for 

 its master, who, in turn, should show appreciation by patting the 

 animal's neck or other kind attention. Kindness will teach the riding 

 mule to wait for its master or approach him when called for. 



SIGNAL CODE. 



Sec. 70. When desiring to slacken gait of pack train the pack master 

 raises either hand above the shoulder, fingers extended. 



To increase the gait he raises the hat vertically. 



Requiring the assistance of two packers at head of train he waves 

 the hat in front of him from side to side in such manner as to be 

 distinctly seen. 



Requiring the assistance of all packers but one, driving in rear, at 

 head of train he waves the hat in circular motion over his head. 



When a halt is necessary he will extend both arms sideways; or, 

 "bell" animal will be led to one side of trail and brought to a halt; 

 packers then ride quickly to head of train and give attention to packs, 

 the packer in rear riding quickly forward keeping the animals well 

 rounded up. 



