DRESSING FOB SALMON-LINES. 



109 



measure on the stiffness of tlie rod. Ninety yards of back 

 line, and 35yds. of casting line (tapered at both ends) is not 

 too mncli, except on small rivers. For salmon-lines, tbe dressing 

 already given (page 20) 

 is improved by tbe addi- 

 tion of one-tbird copal 

 varnisb. Lines should al- 

 ways be dried after use, 

 by merely being unwound 

 on to the floor, or on to 

 some such line-drier as 

 that shown in Fig. 67, 

 which was invented by 

 Farlow & Co. 



Fig. 67. Line-drier. 



Salmon-gnt both thick and long is difficult to get, and 

 expensive; but as it lasts a long time, it is less costly than 

 it seems. It is difficult to improve on a 3-yd. cast of the 

 best salmon-gut (not tapered), the strands tied with the 

 "buffer" knot (see Fig. 68). A less troublesome (because no 

 silk whipping is necessary) but less strong gut-knot, is given 



on page 22. A good and cheaper 

 cast may be made in the following 

 way : Take two casts of medium 

 gut, soak them well, and tie them 

 together. Hang them by the 

 middle over a hook attached to 

 the wall, and then separately 

 twist each end the same way with 

 the finger and thumb. Having twisted each end almost as 

 much as it will bear, lay the ends together, and twist them 

 both together the reverse way. This operation requires a little 

 skill and care, but the result is good. I have to acknowledge 

 my obligation to Mr. Pennell for this idea. A hank of 

 good salmon-gut is worth taking care of. It should be ex- 

 posed to the light as little as possible, and should be kept either 

 in a sheet of pure rubber, or in a piece of wash-leather. 



Hooks for salmon should be of the best quality ; the barbs 



Fig. 68. The Strongest Knot 

 FOR Gut-casts. 



