Author Description

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1883 Excerpt:...of the same diameter as the pole upon which it rests. The flange is fitted on one side with a hinged handle, having a knob and peg to coincide in size with the perforations on the ferrule. The method of working is now perhaps obvious; the net cord is attached above the flange to a small projection, and the peg and spindle revolved by means of the knob handle until the requisite tension is reached. Then the handle is doubled down at the hinge and the small peg put into one of the perforations on the ferrule, by which means the position is maintained. As the handle in its circuit has to pass under the cord, the net itself can be first pressed back and drawn up closer afterwards. These details are, of course, only necessary at one end of the net; the pole at the other end has simply a fixed brass peg, around which the net cord is fastened. The cost of the "Dickinson " is 17s. 6d. Ayres' Patent "Cavendish" Pole. Another variety, on a rather more elaborate principle, is Ayres' Patent " Cavendish " pole (Fig. 20). In this the pole is Fig. 20.--Ayres' Patent "cavendish" Pole. of considerable thickness, and fitted permanently at the bottom with a heavy cast-iron shoe, which advances on the side next to the net some fifteen inches into the court. This shoe is to be pegged down by iron pegs, passed through holes in the casting. At the top of the post is a deep slot, in which is fitted a brass pulley. So far, both posts are similar. The difference between the pole at the fixed end of the net and that at the tightening end is as follows: At the former the net cord is merely passed over the pulley and hooked to a strong indiambber spring; at the latter end it passes from the pulley to a small shaft, and is tightened up by turning...