30 WORM-FISHING. 



a rod of this description commands, with a mode- 

 rate length of line, every variety of water, 

 Although apparently a small matter to write 

 about, we here caution our readers against having 

 their rods highly varnished. At no period of 

 the angling season is this of greater importance 

 than at midsummer, as the trout then lie in the 

 shallowest water, and easily perceive the angler's 

 approach. To dull the rod a simple process com- 

 mends itself, viz. to rub it with wet earth or 

 clay. This dries in a minute, and completely 

 covers any glitter. 



KEEL. A reel in proportion to the rod not 

 only looks better, but improves the balance con- 

 siderably. 



LINE. Silk and hair make a capital line, which 

 lasts a long time. 



CASTING-LINE. The gut cast should not be 

 shorter than two, nor exceed three yards in 

 length. The lower portion should consist of 

 drawn gut, and above it the best undrawn, taper- 

 ing towards the reel line, while the addition of a 

 few feet triple gut or twisted horse hair, will be 

 found of service in casting. Much, however, 

 depends on the character of the weather. The 

 angler will at times require to shorten his gut 

 cast to suit the wind, while on calm days the 

 addition of a few strands of finest gut is ne- 

 cessary, 



