_b_; the knot is completed by turning the end _b_ downwards in front of _d_, passing it through the loop, securing it under the left thumb, and tightening the whole by pulling _d_. As formed in this mode, it is more rapidly made than almost any other knot; and, as before stated, it excels all in security and compactness, so firmly do the various turns grip each other, that after having been tightly pulled, it is very difficult to untie; this is the only drawback to its usefulness, and in this respect it is inferior to the reef-knot, _Fig. 16_, which is made in precisely the same manner that a shoestring is tied, only pulling out the ends instead of leaving them as bows. The only precaution necessary in making a reef-knot is, to observe that the two parts of each string are on the same side of the loop; if they are not, the ends (and the bows, if any are formed) are at right angles to the cords; the knot is less secure, and is termed by sailors a granny-knot. Other knots are occasionally used to connect two cords, but it is unnecessary to describe them, as every useful purpose may be answered by those above mentioned. [Illustration: _Fig. 14._] [Illustration: _Fig. 15._] [Illustration: _Fig. 16._] The binding knot (_Figs. 17_ and _18_) is exceedingly useful in connecting broken sticks, rods, &c., but some difficulty is often experienced in fastening it at the finish; if, however, the string is placed over the part to be united, as shown in _Fig. 17_, and the long end _b_, used to bind around the rod, and finally passed through the loop _a_, as shown in _Fig. 18_, it is readily secured by pulling _d_, when the loop is drawn in, and fastens the end of the cord. For fastening a cord to any cylindrical object, one of the most useful knots is the clove hitch, which, although exceedingly simple and most easily made, is one of the most puzzling knots to the uninitiated. There are several modes of forming it, the most simple being perhaps as follows:—Make two loops, precisely similar in every respect, as _a_ and _b_, _Fig. 19_, then bring _b_ in front of _a_, so as to make both loops correspond, and pass them over the object to be tied, tightening the ends; if this is properly done, the knot will not slip, although surrounding a tolerably smooth cylindrical object, as a pillar, pole, &c. This knot is employed by surgeons in reducing dislocations of the last joint of the thumb, and by sailors in great part of the standing rigging. The loop which is formed when a cable is passed around a post or tree to secure a vessel near shore is fastened by what sailors term two half hitches, which is simply a clove hitch made by the end of the rope which is passed around the post or tree, and then made to describe the clove hitch around that part of itself which is tightly strained. [Illustration: _Fig. 17._] [Illustration: _Fig. 18._] [Illustration: _Fig. 19._]