Reels. 148 



the best obtainable steel, about ^ of an inch thick, and 

 drilled the screw holes, I next polish out every trans- 

 verse scratch. After hardening the spring in water in 

 the usual way, I heat some sperm-oil in a small vessel 

 until it takes fire. Securing my spring to a wire, I sub- 

 merge it in the burning oil until I think both are at the 

 same temperature, and then withdraw it, ignite the ad- 

 hering oil, and allow it to burn off. Having repeated 

 this three times, I immediately swing it around my head 

 until it is cold. 



