Cut the iron rope into four lengths of 25 ft. to form the stays (C C C C). One of these stays must be fitted with a coupling screw, for tightening the whole, when fixed. Most telegraph-posts are stayed in this manner; they would, therefore, be a good guide for you to see how the wire ropes are fastened.
The two uprights are not let into the ground; it is best to let them stand on some hard substance, such as a stone or a block of wood, to prevent their sinking when the stays are strained.
Fig. 5
The next illustration ([Fig. 5]) represents another method of constructing a portable frame. This has the advantage of the uprights being readily removed, as the whole consists of tube-iron. The Norway spars are here represented by two 14-feet lengths of 2-inch gas tube. If, however, the length be a difficulty, then get four 7-feet lengths of 2-inch gas tube, two of which may be screwed together to form one upright. The screwed sockets, by means of which the tubes are joined, are supplied with them. A horizontal bar (D) may be added by introducing the T pieces (A A), which should be 21⁄2 inches, to slide up and down the iron tube, and a hole drilled through the T piece and into the tube will enable it to be fixed at the requisite height.
The four stays (F F F F) and stakes (G G G G) just the same as described in [Fig. 4].
Any gas-fitter would supply these tubes, but on the score of economy it is best to go to a wholesale house.
Jumping Stands.
Fig. 6