the loose end of the rope to the left hand
(see Fig. 136). Now insert marlin spike, lifting two strands (as shown
in Fig. 137), and tuck away towards the right hand (that is inserting
the strand at the point, and over the spike) strand No. 1, pulling the
strand well home. Next {80} insert marlin spike through next strand to
the left, only lifting one strand, the point of the spike coming out at
the same place as before. Tuck away strand No. 2 as before.

[Illustration: Fig. 135. Fig. 136. Fig. 137. Fig. 138.]

The next tuck is the locking tuck. Insert marlin spike in next strand,
and, missing No. 3, tuck away strand No. 4 from the point of the spike
towards the right hand. Now, without taking out the spike, tuck away
strand No. 3 behind the spike towards the left hand (as shown in Fig.
138). Now insert spike in next strand, and tuck away strand No. 5
behind and over the spike. No. 6 likewise. Pull all the loose strands
well down.

[Illustration: Fig. 139. Fig. 140.]

This completes the first series of tucks, and the splice will, if made
properly, be as Fig. 139. Now, starting with strand No. 1 and taking
each strand in rotation, tuck away under one strand and over the next
strand till all the strands have been tucked four times. If {81} it is
intended to taper the splice, the strands may at this point be split,
and half of the wires being tucked away as before, the other half cut
close to the splice. Fig. 127 [Transcriber's note: 140?] shows the
finished splice ready for serving over.

[Illustration: Fig. 141.]

{82}

It will be noticed that this style of splice possesses a plaited
appearance, and the more strain applied to the rope, the tighter the
splice will grip, and there is no fear of the splice drawing owing to
rotation of the rope.

LIVERPOOL OR SPIRAL STYLE (See Fig. 141).--Hawsers, or any ropes not
hanging free and liable to spin, may be spliced in this style, in which
the strands, instead of being interlocked together, are merely tucked
round and round one particular strand in the rope. Each loose strand
is of course tucked round a different strand in the rope. This is
sometimes called the "Liverpool" style (See Fig. 141).

[Illustration: Fig. 141.]

{83}

TABLES

+Showing Weights, etc., of Various Cordage+.

KINDS. LENGTH. WEIGHT.

Reefing twine, 24 skeins 8 to 9 lbs.
Sewing twine, 24