352 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
liable to kink, and consequently more durable. The loss of strength resulting from 
a kink is about 40 per cent. 
A long splice, from 20 to 25 feet, is used to joiu two pieces of dredge rope, and its 
general features are the same as a long splice in hemp or manila, due regard being 
had for the difference in material. It re(iuires close observation to detect a well-made 
splice, and it is as strong as any other part of the rope; at least it was found by 
experience on board the Albatross that it parted away from the splices quite as often 
as at them. 
To turn in a thimble on the working end of the dredge ro])e, make an ordinary eye 
splice over a large oblong thimble, sticking the ends three times, tapering them as 
is usual with hemp or manila rope, and if a neat job is required serve the splice with 
annealed wire or marline. 
A swivel shackle is used to attach the trawl to the dredge rope. Its utility is a 
mooted (piestion, for the swivel will not work under tension, yet it turns freely the 
moment the strain is removed from the rope after a long or heavy lift, and this relief 
may be of service in lessening the liability to kink while lowering the trawl for a sub- 
se<{uent cast. 
The preservation of galvanized steel-wire dredge ro]ie from rust is of little 
moment while it is new, but as the zinc wears off and the steel is exposed its life may 
be materially lengthened by the systematic application of a suitable preservative. 
It rarely happens in service that more than one-half of the rope is paid out, and 
when it is reeled in it is always wet with salt water, which percolates from laj^er to 
layer through the rope remaining on the reel, keeping it constantly wet during the 
working season. It is to the action of sea water thus coutined that we trace one 
of the main causes of oxidation. 
It has been the custom on board the Albatross to run the rope oil' from its reel 
twice a year, winding it directly upon the steam capstan, which is furnished with 
suitable wooden heads for the purpose. It is carefully wiped as it leaves the reel, 
the splices and nips or partial kinks are examined, and the necessary repairs made; 
and a clear day having been selected for the transfer, the rope reaches the capstan 
quite dry. 
The service reel having been examined and painted, the rope is replaced upon it, 
and during its transit it is again wiped and given a coat of linseed oil, as many men 
as can work to advantage being stationed between the capstan and reeling engine for 
this purpose; oil is freely distributed over the rope after it has reached the reel, and 
by constant dripping from layer to layer during the process of winding it penetrates 
the interstices of wires and strands, and by the time the rope is all upon the reel it 
has become thoroughly coated. 
The fluidity of the oil may be greatly increased, and its application facilitated by 
warming it; this may be done by keeping it in a bucket of hot water while it is 
being applied. 
Spare rope on wooden reels recpiires no attention, providing the storeroom is dry 
and secure against occasional leakage; otherwise it will be Avell to see that the reel 
heads are., tight and give the surface of the rope two or three coats of lead-colored paint. 
The proper lengths in which dredge rope should be ordered will be governed by 
circumstances. It can be procured from the manufacturers in any desired length, 
delivered on wooden reels in convenient form for transfer to the service reel, or for 
storage. If large storerooms are available and facilities are at hand for handling 
