Fig. 2.—Metal plate and screw.
Strong hooks should now be driven into the floor just below the wainscoting and in a line with the screw plates. Lengths of very strong wire are to connect these hooks with the cross at H ([Fig. 1]). When it is remembered that these pieces of wire bear the whole strain of the rope, it will be evident that too much care cannot be exercised in making them secure and trustworthy.
A similar cross with its attachment must then be erected at the other side of the room where the tight-rope is to terminate. At the spot H of this latter cross a piece of bright-colored cloth should be fastened, for a purpose which will appear later.
The rope can now be stretched between the crosses, every care being taken to see that it is securely fastened and is not in the least slack.
To simplify explanation, the two ends of the rope, with their respective supports, will be called A and B, the latter having the piece of colored rag. In [Fig. 3] will be seen the arrangements so far completed.
For the purpose of mounting the rope and resting between the turns, a pair of steps should be placed between A and the wall, and so adjusted that the top step is on a level with the rope, or even slightly higher, say at 41⁄2 feet.
The Balancing Pole
There is much difference of opinion amongst acrobats regarding the balancing pole. Some prefer it long and heavy, whilst others dispense with it altogether. Amateurs can scarcely hope to do the latter, however, and 4 ft. 6 in. may be considered a suitable length. The pole should be smooth, round, and even, rather heavier than an ordinary broom-handle. It will probably prove useful to mark its exact center by a notch.
A mattress must be laid beneath the rope to break any falls. Thin-soled dancing pumps should be worn, the soles being well chalked before use.
Such is the apparatus connected with the public performance of tight-rope walking. The first attempts should be, however, on a rope suspended much lower, not more than 1 foot from the ground, as it is useless to try a high rope until the knack of balancing has been acquired.