STRIPED BASS. 215 
in a mixture made of one pound of printer's varnish, 
half a pound of siccitj, and one gill of spirits of tur- 
pentine, warmed up together, or in the ordinary drying 
oil sold at the paint shops, and although they do not 
render quite so easy, I have all mine, trout and bass 
lines, so j)repared. I cannot take the trouble to dry my 
lines after every ex]30sure, and if once forgotten, without 
being so protected, they are ruined. A well-made silk 
line is strong enough to hang oneself by, if the angler 
should be disgusted with life by his ill luck, and coated 
in this manner they will last a long time. They do not 
get saturated or take up water in casting, and do not 
stick to the rod as they otherwise would. Lines for fly- 
fishing, prepared in a similar manner, are sold in the 
fishing-tackle stores, although the makers are opposed to 
an improvement that will diminish their business. The 
line is dipped in the preparation when warm, and left in 
all night ; it is removed next morning after the^iiixture 
has been rewarmed, and is stretched in a garret or other 
place not exposed to the sun or rain, and the superfluous 
varnish wiped ofl', and after it is thoroughly dried, it is 
well rubbed. This preparation cannot be used with linen 
or cotton lines, as it will rot them. 
In striking a bass you cannot be too quick, and when 
fishing with a float your line will sink in the water and 
enable you to trip the float and fix the hook at once. 
The fish must then be kept well in hand; but never 
exhibit severity unless . compelled by circumstances ; be 
rough, and the fish will be rough ; be gentle, and he will 
come to you like a friend. Keep him from the rocks and 
bottom if possible ; but give to his willful rushes till he 
