Lines. 43 



give nor take line, you will then agree with me that 

 such a line is more demoralizing to the angler than the 

 fish. 



The choice then lies between two varieties of water- 

 proofed line : one being that made from raw silk and 

 treated with linseed oil, and known as an " oiled " line ; 

 the other that from boiled silk, and waterproofed by a 

 secret process, and known as " enamelled waterproofed 

 line." The best quality of the former may be had at an 

 expense of from three and a half to four cents a yard ; 

 but while the cheaper of the two, its lesser strength, its 

 rough surface, and its inferior durability, make it in 

 effect the dearer. 



If Phariseeism be ever pardonable, it is when a good 

 enamelled waterproofed line of American manufacture 

 is compared with the best produced in any other coun- 

 try. If not decrepit through old age and their longev- 

 ity is far in excess of any other line in strength they 

 leave nothing to be desired. Smooth as ivory on the 

 surface, they render through the rings with the minimum 

 of friction. Their weight is sufficient to cast nicely 

 without being excessive, and at the same time this is 

 always uniform ; while their flexibility is just as it 

 should be, neither so great as to foul the tip, nor so stiff 

 as to cause inconvenience. In short, they are as nearly 

 perfect as the work of man's hands is permitted to be. 



The secret of their preparation is most carefully 

 guarded, and they are in constantly increasing demand 

 abroad, where their imitation has been in vain attempted. 

 Nothing in reference to fly-fishing can be answered with 

 such ease and confidence, as the question what line 

 should be used. Unquestionably the enamelled water- 

 proofed line, and no other. 



