WAXING. 69 



to the hook of the wi e; and, holding the other 

 end with your left hand, rub it over with the wax 

 adhering round the stick, handling it lightly, and 

 twisting or twirling it between your fingers to 

 prevent the silk becoming embedded in the wax, 

 and thereby breaking. Whenever your fingers 

 get sticky, apply a little sweet oil and afterwards 

 wash them clean. 



Herb. — I should, methinks, soon become an 

 adept under your instruction. I have seen the 

 operation of waxing performed by others ; some 

 have the wax between leather, the smooth side 

 being inwards ; but a great length of fine silk is 

 sure to break. Others use, between their fingers, 

 a piece of wax for this purpose no larger than a 

 small pea, which is sure to soil their fingers. 

 I vote for your wax dissolved in spirits ! But 

 talking of spirits, where 's the whiskey 1 My 

 throat partakes of this adhesive subject, as though 

 its essence had gone downwards instead of enter- 

 ing my brain ! 



Theoph. — Before we can run we must submit 

 to the chains of leading-strings ; and before we 

 can write, must scratch pot-hooks and hangers. 

 I would not weary you, did I not think you were 

 willing to add to your pleasure in catching fish, 

 by the art of deceiving them through your own 

 devices and handiwork. Nor would I weary 

 myself, I assure you, if I could refer you to any 



