FISHERMAN'S WAX. 499 



omitted. The quality of all these should be well tested 

 "by the intending purchaser before buying, to see that 

 they are perfectly sound and evenly twisted. 



Cobblers' wax is best carried, whilst travelling, in a 

 piece of chamois leather. Wax for tying is easily 

 made, if necessary, and the following is a good recipe 

 for wax suitable for a fisherman's use: Take of 

 Best yellow resin 2 ounces, in powder 

 White bees' wax, sliced fine i drachm 

 Best fresh lard 2% drachma 



Melt the first two together in a small jar, standing in 

 boiling water, then add the lard, let simmer for ten 

 minutes, stirring till well mixed ; then pour into a basin 

 of cold water and knead till cold, to give toughness. 

 Make it into small balls and keep it on a piece of" 

 window glass in a box, so as to exclude dust. This 

 must be kept in a cellar or cool place. * 



For fly-tying where a colourless wax is wanted, the 

 following is recommended: 



Resin, very clean, 4 ounces 

 Diachylon i ounce 

 to be made up in the same manner as the other. 



An exellent varnish for rods and tackle is made as 

 follows : 



Orange gum shellac i ounces 

 Gum benzoin ounce 

 Spirits of wine 3 fluid ounces f 



Dissolve, allow it to stand one week before using, or 

 until it is well dissolved. When these things are not 

 to be had, a good useful varnish used by the author 

 was made by simply dissolving common sealing wax 



* The Practical Fisherman, by J. H. Keane. 

 T Ibid. 



