VARNISHING AND FINISHING 195 



smooth surface is obtained, apply water with a 

 sponge, to raise the grain of the wood; when dry, 

 make a second application of fine sandpaper and 

 elbow-grease; give now two coats of varnish; rub 

 down with pummice-stone and water; apply a third 

 coat of varnish; rub with the wet rotten-stone or 

 with linseed oil and rotten-stone; give a fourth and 

 last coat of varnish, very lightly. 



For the last finishing-touches both on joints and 

 handgrasp, rub with a bunch of curled horsehair 

 (see the upholsterer), then with a little " Three-in- 

 One " oil applied with a soft rag, then with a buck- 

 skin glove or piece of chamois-skin or felt, then with 

 an old silk-handkerchief; and in conclusion, apply 

 as much hand-friction with the heel of your palm 

 as your inclination and perseverance will allow. 

 The ultimate result is that you have produced on all 

 a smooth but not glassy finish, that is not dulled by 

 handling the rod whose subdued luster is very 

 durable. The whole rod now requires but an occa- 

 sional rubbing with the silk-handkerchief and a few 

 drops of oil, and the application of a single light 

 coat of varnish about every second season if used 

 regularly. 



At last, my Brother of the Angle, your rods are 

 completed in every fascinating detail and if they 

 do not appear as the illustrations depict, and are not 

 a delight to your eye and a joy to your hand, it is 



