THE END LINE, AND HOOK. 29 



reel in the butt of the rod. If sufficient rapidity 

 can be given to such a reel, without much lia- 

 bility to derangement (which does not seem a 

 very difficult task), it will be an invaluable and 

 elegant acquisition. This hint seems to have 

 been partially adopted since our first edition 

 appeared. 



End Line. 



For making a good End or Casting -line, gut is 

 recommended in preference to weed, or hair ; it 

 should be of the very best quality, round, and 

 of even thickness, clear, and hyaline in colour. 

 If preferred, it can be steeped a few minutes in 

 warm ink and water. 



It may be made light, although as strong or 

 nearly so as the end of the line. The length of 

 the bottom should be about equal to that of the 

 rod : or say, a foot shorter. 



Four or five of the very finest lengths of gut 

 should first be chosen, then three or four more 

 of the middle size, and lastly one or two much 

 stronger, rejecting the flat ends. 



These may be further proved before they are 

 put together, thus : One end of a length may 

 be put between the teeth or held wtth pliers, 

 and the other pulled until the gut breaks at the 

 weakest part. This operation may be repeated 

 with the best portions, until they snap with 



