THE REEL 59 



brass and rubber are used in the cheaper grades and 

 they are the least desirable materials, although not so 

 abominably bad as some writers paint them. 



The rubber and silver construction makes a nice 

 "contrasty" looking reel, and is plenty strong enough if 

 the rubber is protected by metal bands. Otherwise 

 it is liable to breakage, which is something to be 

 avoided in a reel. 



All the higher grade reels are made of German sil- 

 ver, sometimes with aluminum spools, and it is an 

 ideal material for the purpose. It is strong, not too 

 heavy, and while it tarnishes (which is a virtue up to 

 a certain point) it can easily be "shined up." 



High grade reels are not simply a matter of good 

 materials, but of the very finest mechanical adjust- 

 ment, and this adjustment had better not be disturbed 

 by taking the reel apart, unless absolutely necessary 

 and then it had better be done by an expert. 



The quadruple multiplying reel is purely an Amer- 

 ican invention, and not of so recent origin as some 

 anglers seem to believe. The inventor to whom we 

 owe the multiplier was probably George Snyder, of 

 Paris, Ky., who made his first reel in 1810. Since 

 that time, "Kentucky" reels have been famous the 

 world over. 



A few years ago, while fishing the rapids of the 

 Maumee, in Ohio, we ran across a fisherman using one 

 of these early Kentucky reels, which he assured us was 

 made in 1849. It was in fairly good condition, quite 

 free running, and although made of brass and having 



