PREFACE

The study of knots is always fascinating. To twist ropes so that they will hold and not break is an art that comes natural to the sailor and the amateur will watch him in wonder as he does his work. Knots are just as important in these days of steam vessels as they were in the days of the sailing vessel, and now when thousands of men are being trained to handle the fleets of vessels building tying knots is a part of their training.

At the Naval camps and the nautical schools the men are trained in squads and with a little practice they soon acquire the art. To aid those students this book has been published. It has been compiled from American and British Government records and from many other sources, so that it is as complete a collection of knots as it is possible to obtain.

It will be of great assistance to men of the U. S. Navy, U. S. Naval Reserve, U. S. Junior Naval Reserve, the U. S. Nautical Schools and the U. S. Power Squadrons who are working so loyally to aid their country in its time of need. To these men this book is dedicated in the hope that it may be of some help to them in their work.