Fig. 6.
A bowline is one of the best knots in use, and can be applied in many different ways. Lay the parts together as in Fig. 4. Then curl the part a over b, bringing the end up through the loop as in Fig. 5. This little twist must be acquired by practice. Now carry b around and under a, passing it down through the loop as in Fig. 6. Here you have a knot that is perfectly secure, and will not slip. A man can sit in the bight (c), and be hoisted to any height with safety; and if you want to lead an ox, a calf, or a horse, you can pass the bowline around his neck for a temporary halter, without any danger of choking in case of a sudden prance. This is the most important knot, and can be used in more situations than any other, and is always readily undone. It is very handy in making fast a boat's painter, and in tying fish-lines to sinkers.
Fig. 7.
Fig. 8.
Fig. 9.
