bight as before. Then lead the end
around back of the standing part and down through the bight.

After these preliminary steps, the prospective tenderfoot may proceed
to learn the required knots.

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[Illustration: Reef knot.]

_Square or Reef Knot_. The commonest knot for tying two ropes together.
Frequently used in first-aid bandaging. Never slips or jams; easy to
untie.

[Illustration: False reef knot.]

_False Reef or Granny_. If the ends are not crossed correctly when
making the reef knot, the false reef or granny is the result. This
knot is always bad.

[Illustration: Sheet bend knot.]

_Sheet Bend or Weaver's Knot_. This knot is used in bending the sheet to
the clew of a sail and in tying two rope-ends together.

Make a bight with one rope A, B, then pass end C, of other rope up
through and around the entire bight and bend it under its own standing
part.

[Illustration: Bowline knot.]

_The Bowline_. A noose that neither jams nor slips. Used in lowering a
person from a burning building, etc.

Form a small loop on the standing part leaving the end long enough for
the size of the noose required. Pass the end up through the bight
around the standing part and down through the bight again. To tighten,
hold noose in position and pull standing part.

[Illustration: Halter knot.]

_Halter, Slip, or Running Knot_. A bight is first formed and an overhand
knot made with the end around the standing part.

[Illustration: Sheepshank knot.]

_Sheepshank_. Used for shortening ropes. Gather up the amount to be
shortened, then make a half hitch round each of the bends as shown in
the diagram.

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[Illustration: Clove hitch knot.]

_Clove Hitch_. Used to fasten one pole to another in fitting up
scaffolding; this knot holds snugly; is not liable to slip laterally.
Hold the standing part in left hand, then pass the rope around the
pole; cross the standing part, making a second turn around the pole,
and pass the end under the last turn.

[Illustration: Fisherman's bend knot.]

_The Fisherman's Bend_. Used aboard yachts for bending on the gaff
topsail halliards. It consists of two turns around a spar or ring,
then a half hitch around the standing part and through the turns on
the spar, and another half hitch above it around the standing part.

[Illustration: Timber hitch knot.]

_Timber Hitch_. Used in hauling timber. Pass the end of the rope around
the timber. Then lead it around