Hand Lead

A conical shape length of lead weighing from 7 to 14 pounds, used for sounding in water of less than 20 fathoms. It has 9 marks and II deeps, the latter being the unmarked fathoms of the lead line. The following shows the order of the marking:

At 2 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with 2 strips of leather.

At 3 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with 3 strips of leather.

At 5 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with a white rag.

At 7 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with a red rag.

At 10 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with a round piece of leather.

At 13 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with a blue rag.

At 15 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with a white rag.

At 17 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with a red rag.

At 20 fathoms from the bottom of the lead with a strand having two knots.

About 6 feet above the lead a toggle is slipped between the strands of the lead line, the former resting across the fingers of the hand when swinging the lead preparatory to heaving it. The cavity in the end of the lead is to be filled with tallow or soap, so that a sample of the bottom may be obtained.