66 ROD AND RIVER 



to revolve, is very accurate, and that there is not 

 the slightest space between them and the outer 

 plates. If there is, be the space ever so slight, 

 the line is very likely to get in between them, and 

 the most dreadful trouble is thereby caused, for the 

 reel must be taken to pieces to get it out. In 

 nearly all well-made reels there is a small hole 

 which is left for the purpose of dropping in a little 

 oil from time to time. Care should be taken to 

 use suitable oil that sold for sewing - machines 

 or gun-oil is the best for the purpose, as these oils 

 do not clog. 



Should it be found necessary to take a reel to 

 pieces, the following is the way : 



Lay a piece of white paper or a handkerchief 

 on the table or ground, unscrew the outer plate- 

 screws on the handle side, and then, holding the 

 inner and outer plates firmly with the fingers to keep 

 them from moving, turn the handle the reverse 

 way ; the screws which hold the bars can then, if 

 necessary, be taken out, and the work is completed. 



A good trout-rod reel cannot be purchased much 

 under half a guinea, or even twelve or thirteen 

 shillings ; and it is money well spent, and should 

 not be grudged, if a good article is obtained. 



Lines may be purchased for almost any price, 

 from a penny a yard, up to twelve or thirteen 

 shillings for thirty yards. Of course, it cannot be 

 expected that the cheaper lines can possibly wear 



