or right end used instead of the end itself.  This enables the knot to be “cast off” more readily than the regular square knot (A, Fig. 12).  Neither square nor reef knots, however, are reliable when tying two ropes of unequal size together, for under such conditions they will frequently slip and appear as in Fig. 14, and sooner or later will pull apart.  To prevent this the ends may be tied or seized as shown in Fig. 15.  A better way to join two ropes of unequal diameter is to use the “Open-hand Knot.”  This knot is shown in Fig. 16, and is very quickly and easily made; it never slips or gives, but is rather large and clumsy, and if too great a strain is put on the rope it is more likely to break at the knot than at any other spot.  The “Fisherman’s Knot,” shown in Fig. 17, is a good knot and is formed by two simple overhand knots slipped over each rope, and when drawn taut appears as in Fig. 18.  This is an important and valuable knot for anglers, as the two lines may be drawn apart by taking hold of the ends, A, B, and a third line for a sinker, or extra hook, may be inserted between them.  In joining gut lines the knot should be left slightly open and the space between wrapped with silk.  This is probably the strongest known method of fastening fine lines.

[Illustration:  FIG. 5.—­Cuckolds’ necks.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 6.—­Clinch.]

[Illustration:  FIGS. 7 and 8.—­Overhand knots.]

[Illustration:  FIGS. 9 and 10.—­Figure-eight knots.]

[Illustration:  FIGS. 11 and 12.—­Square knots.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 13.—­Granny knot.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 14.—­Slipped square knot.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 15.—­Square knot with ends seized.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 16.—­Open-hand knots.]

[Illustration:  FIG. 17.—­Fisherman’s knot (making).]

[Illustration:  FIG. 18.—­Fisherman’s knot (finished).]

The “Ordinary Knot,” for fastening heavy ropes, is shown in Fig. 19.  It is made by forming a simple knot and then interlacing the other rope or “following around,” as shown in Fig. 20.  This knot is very strong, will not slip, is easy to make, and does not strain the fibres of the rope.  Moreover, ropes joined with this knot will pay out, or hang, in a straight line.  By whipping the ends to the standing parts it becomes a neat and handsome knot (Fig. 21).  The “Weaver’s Knot” (Fig. 22) is more useful in joining small lines, or twine, than for rope, and for thread it is without doubt the best knot known.  The ends are crossed as in Fig. 23.  The end A is then looped back over the end B, and the end B is slipped through loop C and drawn tight.

[Illustration:  FIG. 19.—­Ordinary knot (finished).]

[Illustration:  FIG. 20.—­Ordinary knot (tying).]

[Illustration:  FIG. 21.—­Ordinary knot (seized).]

[Illustration:  FIG. 22.—­Weaver’s knot (complete).]