46 Fly -rods and Fly-taclde. 



line, and of a thickness greater than the angler would 

 prefer. Therefore it seems advisable, if economy be 

 any object, to buy a level line of the very best quality, 

 and at least forty yards better fifty of it. Such a 

 line will last for years. About twenty-five yards is the 

 minimum length that a trout fly-line should be, so this 

 gives a good reserve to meet either accident or decay; 

 and it will be long before you are encumbered with that 

 mass of trash which is the angler's bane flies, leaders, 

 and lines, which you dare not use, are ashamed to give 

 away, but still seem too good to throw in the fire where 

 they properly belong. 



There is great temptation to economy in the purchase 

 of lines. Plenty that look equally well can be had at 

 half price. But you know the consequences of yielding 

 to temptation, and believe me, this will not prove the 

 exception which makes the rule. A little cold common- 

 sense will teach that in this benighted age and country, 

 no man sells an article in the regular way of trade for 

 two or three cents a yard, the market value of which is 

 seven or eight. The swindler who plies the pocket-book 

 drop game, when viewed in one light, may be regarded 

 as a missionary, teaching his fellow-man his folly that 

 he may turn from it. Take the lesson to heart, though 

 you shun the teacher. 



Remember the integrity of your tackle should always 

 be absolutely above suspicion. Buy your line of a house 

 with a reputation to maintain, and ask for the best and 

 pay the price, and you will get it. Be sure if a seeming 

 bargain is offered you in fishing-tackle, you will eventu- 

 ally find it dear at any price. For trout-fishing F is the 

 best size if the line is " level," but E if " tapered." 



For actual fly-fishing these seem to me the sizes best 



