Page:Small-boat sailing; an explanation of the management of small yachts, half-decked and open sailing-boats of various rigs; sailing on sea and on river; cruising, etc (IA smallboatsailing01knig).pdf/47

 two rope-ends that have to be joined are unlaid for a few inches, so that the three strands of which each rope is formed are separated. Each strand-end is greased and twisted up into a point so that it can be easily manipulated. Then the three strands of one rope are so placed across the three strands of the other rope that each strand lies closely between two strands of the rope opposite. Each strand is then passed under the next strand but one to it, of the opposite rope, and is drawn tightly through. The process is repeated, and as a rule each strand is, in all, drawn three times through the alternate strands; but before being passed through for the last time it is tapered, so as to give the splice a neater appearance, by cutting off half the yarns composing it. Lastly, the loose ends are cut off and the spliced part of the rope is hammered into shape with a mallet. In order to open the strands out so as to make way for the ends to pass through, a marlinespike or pricker—which should be well greased—is employed.

When two ropes are connected by a short splice, the spliced part is thicker than the rope itself. But if the ropes are joined by a, the spliced portion is no thicker than the rope, and can