308 
BULLETIN OF THE UNITED STATES FISH COMMISSION. 
of east iron, is 22.89 indies in diameter, and mounted in a cast-steel frame bolted to a 
heavy oak bed plate. On the reel shaft between the reel and frame is a worm wheel 
which actuates the register. 
THE BLADE. 
The blade is used in coiinectioii with the measuring reel for ti'ansferring wire from 
the commercial coil to the service reel of tlie sounding machine. Cut 35 is a sectional 
elevation, and Cut 30 a general view of the blade used with American wire. It is 
made of oak, has an iron screw and washer at the top of the spindle to hold the reel 
in place, a galvanized iron disk that slips over the reel above the coil of wire to prevent 
