Transcription

3
 

from the brushes the tough and pliable vine was usually about three fourths of an inch in diameter and was cut to a length of 15 to 20 feet. Of one end a knot was tied forming a loop for the left hand. The vine was then cast round the tree the loop end then being stripped by the left hand while the right hand while the right hand closed on the tree end. With tomahawk in belt the climber was now ready to start. With slippery smooth barked trees it was necessary to cut shallow steps for the big toe all the way up, the first one or two being cut before leaving the ground. To cut subsequent steps, the climber, with left toe in a notch, brought the right hand end of the vine under the right knee and then over the shin bone and gripped it between the big toe and the next one which gave a secure purchase and prevented the vine from slipping. The right hand was then released to grasp the tomahawk and cut two more notches one to right and one to left and some as became necessary. With rough barks, such as bloodwoods, an expert climber "walked" right up to the fork even wore the tree perpendicular and 80 to 100 feet from ground to branches. The "walk" was really a series of jerks, toes pressed against the bark and the body lurching towards the tree thus slacking the vine and enabling it to be jerked upwards a couple of feet or as of every stride. At the fork or first branch came

Current Status: 
Ready for review