46 ANGLER'S TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT. 



loop, but simply a small knot at the head of the gut it 

 is attached to. When inserted betwixt the closing ends 

 above described, this knot, on their being drawn toge- 

 ther, will prevent the dropper from slipping off : at the 

 same time it can readily be disengaged, and another, at 

 the option of the angler, substituted in its place. 



THE REEL, OR WINCH. A great improvement has 

 of recent years taken place in the form and construc- 

 tion of the reel, or winch. By reducing the length of 

 the barrel and pillars, and enlarging the diameter of 

 the brass plates between which they are confined, the 

 line can be wound up with much greater speed and 

 regularity than when the plates used were narrow, and 

 the distance betwixt them considerable.* 



The catch, also, or rack, is generally abolished, 

 although some anglers naturally enough retain a pre- 

 judice in its behalf. This appendage, however, and all 



* This improvement was originally suggested by the late Mr. W. 

 Brockie, tenant at Laughton, Berwickshire, and the first brass reel, on 

 the narrow principle, constructed under the superintendence of Signor 

 Justinelli, a friend of the late Earl of Hume, by Mr. Sharp, watch- 

 maker at Coldstream. 



