HINTS ON CHURCH BELLS AND FITTINGS.
At all times when it may be desired to produce a good performer upon any musical instrument, it is well that he should understand the instrument itself; for just as the driver who understands his steam engine thoroughly in its parts and details, is the man who can work it best, so is it with the ringer with his bell in the steeple or tower. It is not at all difficult to picture the scene, surroundings, and thoughts of an intended ringer, upon his first visit to the bell-tower, or ringing chamber, unless it be as has been the experience of many, as well as that of the writer, to learn to pull the rope and catch the sally when a boy at school on the large school-bell, or that at the parish church. And even then, if not in the midst of an octave of ropes, the dancing of the rope upon which he had to start or practice was, at first sight, perplexing; graceful, however, if handled well, but yet a mystery.
(Illustration of a Ring of Eight Bells as they would appear in the Frame or Cage in the Belfry.)