CONCLUDING REMARKS. 451 



fully dried a fifty-cent handkerchief for fear it would mil- 

 dew, while he left a three-dollar line, wet, on a twenty- 

 dollar reel and a thirty-dollar rod, standing in the corner 

 all night, because he was "going a-fishiiig again in the 

 morning." 



The line should be thoroughly tested at the beginning 

 of the season, along its wliole length; and, if not found 

 fully up to the standard, should be discarded. It should 

 also be tested, occasionally, during the season ; in fact, the 

 better way is to test it always before using it. A line that 

 will sustain a dead weight of two pounds is strong enough, 

 if used with a pliant rod, and no other should be used 

 for Black Bass angling. By examining and testing the 

 line, always, before using it, it may save much morti- 

 fication, and many a fish. Though you can not loose a 

 fish by the breaking of the line — for, as Father Izaak 

 says, "no man can lose what he never had" — you can 

 lose your temper under such trying circumstances, which 

 is worse. 



It would be useless to give any directions for water- 

 proofing lines, for it is a very difficult thing to do well; 

 and, moreover, prepared lines are now so cheaply and well 

 made, that it will pay the angler to buy them, if he wants 

 waterproof lines. If a line loses its color or tint, it can 

 be soaked in strong green tea, or a weak solution of indigo, 

 to be afterward well dried. To take the kink — so fir as it 

 can be done — out of laid or twisted lines, kt them out their 

 full length, and draw them loosely through tlie water, with- 

 out hook or sinker, from the stern of a boat as it is rowed 

 along; to be then stretched and dried. Never use a reel- 

 line with a knot in it; better, by far, make some boy happy 

 by giving it to him to catch Perch and "Sunnies." 



