To  tighten  the  load,  bring  the  running  rope  under  the  standing  rope
so  as  to  be  caught  in  a  bight,  now,  take  hold  of  the  running  rope,
close  the  cinch  hook  and  take  all  slack  possible,  allowing  the  hands  to
come  quickly  to  standing  rope,  and  grasp  both  ropes  with  the  left
hand;  receive  this  slack  from  above  the  bight,  pass  to  the  "off"  side
and  take  in  all  slack  from  front  to  rear,  keeping  the  rope  against  the
lower  edge  of  pack;  pass  to  "near"  side,  and  take  in  all  slack  by
pulling  the  end  of  rope  and  place  the  rope  in  similar  manner  as  for
the  "off"  side  and  secure  the  end  of  rope  on  the  near  or  off  side  or
on  top  of  load.  (Figs.  56,  57.)

The  forks  of  the  saddle  act  as  a  holdfast  in  keeping  the  packs  from
moving  fore  and  aft,  the  lash  rope  tightening  the  load  at  the  center  of
side  packs.
NOTE. — This  form  of  hitch  is  the  parent  of  all  other  hitches  used
in  pack-train  service.  The  change  in  not  bringing  the  loop  under  the
standing  rope  forms  the  "Oregon  diamond,"  the  latter  leading  to  the
"diamond,"  "double  diamond,"  etc.  This  hitch  is  used  by  pros-
pectors, miners,  hunting  parties,  the  Bureau  of  Forestry,  and  is
known  and  practiced  in  many  countries.
HOW   TO    FORM   THE    STIRRUP   HITCH.
SEC.  41.  This  form  of  hitch  is  used  principally  by  cattlemen  ("cow
punchers")  on  the  "round-up"  or  trail,  the  ordinary  riding  saddle
being  sometimes  employed  for  the  purpose.
