THE COMSTOCK MINES. 139 



consideration when the space allowed for winding reels is limited) and 

 greater strength. 



Flat ropes are wound on narrow reels, the width of which is but very 

 little greater than that of the rope. The latter therefore winds upon itself 

 at each revolution of the reel. A common form of the reel used in this 

 district is shown in Fig. 1, Plate XIV. It is a central wheel of cast iron, 

 6 or 8 feet in diameter, to which are bolted a number of wooden arms, 

 making the total diameter about 12 feet. They are sometimes cast with a 

 rim for the application of a brake. 



For hemp ropes, spools or drums are used, one form of which, combined 

 with a friction wheel, is shown in Fig. 2, Plate XIV ; and another form, in 

 the plan of the Crown Point hoisting works, on Plate XII. 



The rope or cable passes from the reel or spool, over a sheave, which is 

 supported directly above the hoisting shaft, and thence downward into the 

 mine, its end being attached to the cage or bucket. 



The sheaves are made of wood or iron, and of various dimensions. 

 Those of large diameter, 8 or 10 feet, are preferred, as they cause less wear 

 and tear to the fiber of the cable. A sheave of common form is shown in Fig. 

 4, Plate XIV. It is made of cast iron. It is supported in a gallows-frame, 

 which is built at the mouth of the shaft, and so placed, with reference to it, 

 that the rope, passing over the sheave, may be suspended over the middle of 

 the compartment in which it is employed. A frame of this sort is shown on 

 Plate XVI, representing the arrangement of the hoisting machinery of the 

 Savage mine. In Fig. 4, a and &, Plate XIV, show the piUow-blocks in 

 which the sheave is supported. 



The following description of the Savage hoisting works may serve to 

 illustrate some of the details referred to in the foregoing pages. They are 

 weU arranged and liberally provided with the necessary power and other 

 •%cilities for extensive and permanent operations. The general arrangement 

 of the works at the shaft is represented on Plate XV, which gives the 

 ground-plan of the most essential parts of the establishment, showing the 

 engine and boiler-rooms, the pumping and hoisting engines and their rela- 

 tive positions to the other pumping and winding apparatus, the shaft-landing 



