ds are treated the same way,
three alternate strands being laid towards the right hand and three to
the left. The strands being now all laid in their places, the ends are
cut off, as with the first strands, to five feet. The appearance of
splice will now be the same as in Fig. 134.

[Illustration: Fig. 134.]

The next thing is to tuck in the ends, and this is where the skill
comes in. Before doing this, _care should be observed to see that the
spliced portion of the rope is perfectly limp, or free of tension,
otherwise this operation cannot be well performed_. The core is then
cut and pulled out on the side corresponding with the end to be tucked
in for a distance equal to the length of the end which is to replace
it. It is desirable, especially if the rope is composed of small
wires, to tie the ends of the strands with soft twine or threads of
jute yarn in order to keep the wires well bunched. A marlin spike is
then passed over +1+ and under two of the strands, when the core is cut
off at the proper point, and by moving the spike along the rope
spirally with the strands, the loose end +1+ is passed into the core
space and the spike withdrawn. {78} Then pull out the core on the
other side, pass the marlin spike over A and under two strands as
before, cut off the core, and tuck in the end A in precisely the same
manner, after which the rope is twisted back again as tightly as
possible, and the clamps or other appliances that may be used are
removed to the next pair of projecting ends. Any slight inequality in
the symmetrical shape of the rope may be taken out by pounding with a
wooden mallet. Some prefer to tuck in first all the ends projecting in
one direction, and then the ends projecting the other way; it is
immaterial in what order they are tucked in.

If these directions are implicitly followed, the spliced portion of the
rope will be of uniform diameter with other portions, and will present
a smooth and even appearance throughout. After running a day or two,
the locality of the splice cannot be readily detected, and the rope
will be quite as strong in this portion as any other.

+Splicing Thimbles+.

UNDER AND OVER STYLE--Ordinary type of Wire Rope. Serve the rope with
wire or tarred yarn to suit the circumference of the thimble, bend
round thimble and tie securely in place with temporary lashing till
splice is finished (as in Fig. 135). Open out the strands (as in Fig.
136), taking care to keep