from rubbing on anything, and in the manhole one or more men to see that
the cable feeds into the duct straight and to guide it if necessary. If
the ducts are of iron and are not perfectly smooth at the ends, these
should be made so with a file, and in addition a protector of some sort
should be placed in the mouths of the duct, both above and below the
cable. Six inches of lead pipe, split lengthwise and bent over at one
end to prevent being drawn into the duct with the cable, makes a very
good protector. The cable should be reeled off the drum just fast enough
to prevent any of the power used in pulling the cable through the duct
being utilized in unreeling it. If this latter is allowed to occur the
cable will be bent too short and the lead covering buckled or broken,
and also the cable may be jammed against the upper edge of the duct and
perhaps cut through.

If the reel is allowed to turn faster than the cable is drawn in, the
first three or four turns on the reel will slacken up, and the lead
covering may either be dented or cut through by scraping on the ground.
If the cable end when pulled through up to the block is not long enough
to bend around the hole more than half way, the rope should be
unfastened from its end, a length of rope with a well frayed out end
should be run through the block, and by fastening to the cable close to
the duct, with a series of half hitches, as much slack as necessary can
be pulled in. If this is properly manipulated there need not be a
scratch on the cable, but unless great care is taken the lead may be
pressed up into ridges and the core itself damaged.

Immediately after the cable is drawn in, if the joint is not to be at
once made, the open end or ends should be cut off and the cable soldered
up, as most cables are very susceptible to moisture and readily absorb
water even from the atmosphere. Where practicable it is always a good