16 WINCH-HANDLES. 



is struck, or rather in the striking of a fish ; nor 

 be so loose in play as to let out line when the 

 fly is worked against the current, or lifted from 

 the water for the repetition of a cast. I would 

 rather have its action a little harsh at first, be- 

 cause I know that every salmon that runs out its 

 line bravely, will add, infinitessimally no doubt, 

 to its freedom of play. The scoop and cross-bar 

 should be of one solid piece, and should be riveted 

 to the plates by, at least, three strong rivets on 

 each side. Winch fittings cannot be too strong. 

 The shoulder of the handle of a winch should lie 

 close to the plate, or be guarded by a raised rim 

 running round the edge of the plate on the 

 handle side. This will prevent the line from 

 catching between the handle and the plate, and 

 it will also prevent the handle from being bent 

 or broken by a fall, or any other accidental col- 

 lision. For the future, I shall have my winches 

 bronzed, and the knobs of the handles, instead of 

 being made of brittle bone or ivory, shall be made 

 of horn, or some other substance hardy enough to 

 withstand a good thump against a rock's side. 



Salmon-Lines. — Winch salmon-lines should 

 never be twisted. Twisted lines never uncoil 

 perfectly straight. They invariably kink in a 

 more or less degree, and attrition against the rod- 



