28 BOTTOM OR FLOAT-FISHING. 



reels generally, by the substitution of narrow 

 grooves and deep side-plates for the old-fashioned 

 shallow-plated, broad-grooved winches. The ad- 

 vantages thus gained are increased speed and 

 power; speed, inasmuch as the diameter of the 

 axle, on which the line is wound is enlarged ; and 

 power, because the handle being further from the 

 axle, a greater leverage is obtained. The handles 

 should be always attached to the side-plate of the 

 reel itself, without any crank, as they obviate the 

 constant catching of the line which takes place 

 with handles of the ordinary shape. 



One serious drawback, and so far as my ex- 

 perience goes, one only, is common to every reel 

 hitherto made ; namely, that the line is apt to get 

 caught or hitched under the posterior curve of the 

 reel itself, thus involving a constant trifling annoy- 

 ance, and in case of trolling and Salmon fishing, a 

 serious danger. To obviate it I have had a small 

 spring attached to the last of the lateral girders, or 

 supports, and so arranged that when the reel is in 

 its place, the spring presses closely on the wood or 

 fittings behind. This spring, of which a diagram 

 is annexed, is very inexpensive, and- can be at- 



