Things to do in the summer: a knot can save your life

'Few people realise the great variety of knots in use by sailors, builders and others. There are simple knots for rope ends, knots for joining ropes, ties and lashings, anchor and mooring fastenings, shortenings, and for various other purposes. Everybody should learn to tie some at least of them. There are many occasions when life itself depends on a knot having been properly tied. The great things to remember are that knots should be capable of bearing any kind of strain and that they should be so tied that it is easy to undo them when required. By means of the illustrations any intelligent lad can soon acquire the necessary knowledge, and elaborate directions are not needed. The knots should be practiced constantly, and you will be surprised at the amount of interest they yield."

The Wonder Book of Things to do, Fifth edition, Ward, Lock & Co., Limited, London and Melbourne, n.d., p.157