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Primitive Weaving Method

Categories: X On And In The Water

For tying the logs together use the primitive weaving method. Lay three

lengths of rope on the ground, one for the middle and one each for the

ends of the logs. Roll one log along the ropes until it rests across the

middle of each rope, then turn each rope over the log, forming a bight

as in Fig. 37. Bring the lower rope over the upper (Fig. 38) to form a

loop, and turn it back over the log (Fig. 39). This leaves the log with

three loops of rope around it, one end of each rope lying on the

ground, the other end turned back over the log. Now roll another log

over the lower ropes up close to the first log (Fig. 40). Bring down the

upper ropes over the second log (Fig. 41), cross the lower ropes _over_

the upper ones and turn them back (Fig. 42). Draw the ropes tight and

push the logs as closely together as possible; unless your logs are

straight there will be wide spaces between. Roll the third log over the

lower ropes and make the weaving loop as with the other two, _always_

crossing the lower rope _over_ the upper (Fig. 43). Continue weaving in

new logs until the raft is the required width, then tie the ends of the

ropes around the last log. Remember to keep the ropes on the ground

always in a straight line without slanting them, otherwise the sides of

your raft will not be at right angles to the ends, and it will be a

crazily built affair, cranky and difficult to manage.



Chop notches on the outside logs where the ropes are to pass over them,

and they will keep the rope from slipping out of place (Fig. 44). Cut

two, more slender, logs for the ends of the raft and lash them on across

the others as in Fig. 45. The end logs should extend a little beyond

each side of the raft. Fasten a rope with a strong slip knot to one end

of the cross log and wrap it over the log and under the first lengthwise

log, then over and under again to form a cross on top. When the rope is

under the second time bring it up between the second and third log, then

down between the third and fourth log, and so on to the end, when you

must make a secure fastening. These cross logs give additional strength,

keep the raft in shape, and prevent its shipping too much water.



If you will make a miniature raft, following these directions carefully,

when the time comes for you to build a full-sized one you will be quite

familiar with the method of construction and will know exactly how to go

about it.





For the little raft use small, straight branches about twelve inches

long. Twist your slender rope of fibre if you can get it, of string if

you cannot, and weave it around the sticks just as you would weave the

rope around the logs, finishing off with the two end sticks for the end

logs.



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