288 Rod and Tackle. CHAP. xx. 



for the Mahseer is sudden. Beyond the ordinary check there must be 

 no friction but what is under the most complete and prompt control, 

 and that can only be by raising and lowering the rod top, or by the 

 thoroughly controllable means given you below in my brake. 



In all my fishing I have used the Manchester Cotton Twine Spin- 

 ning Company's line No. / , and 120 yards of it will go comfortably 

 into a winch of 4^ inches in diameter, with the ordinary bar of if inch, 

 and 150 yards will just go tightly into a winch of 4- inches with the 

 same bar, but comfortably if the bar is |- inch. I still recommend the 

 same line because it is so strong and so durable, being so well water- 

 proofed. And as to 150 yards of line going tightly with the ordinary 

 bar, it may be remembered that, when fishing, there is always the rod 

 length, 1 6 feet, and something more off the reel. 



The company issue with their lines the following advice for those 

 who have time to read it and apply it. I never had. 



" FISHERMEN SHOULD BE PREPARED TO RE-DRESS THEIR 

 OWN LINES. 



"We consider one of the greatest troubles connected with a spinning 

 line is the imperfect waterproofing or dressing. It has long since been 

 proved that to steep a line in wax and boiled oil is only to rot it ; and we 

 find neither this nor any other dressing will resist for any length of time 

 the friction of the rings along with the washing of the water, so that the 

 only remedy a fisherman can have is some simple, clean, and quick way 

 of re-dressing his own line at a moment's notice. For this purpose we 

 make up our composition of indiarubber, guttapercha, tar, etc., into cakes, 

 is. each, sufficient to dress or re- dress twenty or thirty lines, or that portion 

 of the line most used. It is put on cold, with little or no trouble, and 

 becomes dry and ready for use in three minutes after dressing. Of course 

 this is only a top dressing and not expected to stand any great wear and 

 tear, but our friends tell us it is very effective for present use, particularly for 

 re-dressing that portion of the line so constantly passing through the rings 

 of the rod, which can be done without removing the hooks, etc. The line 

 will be equal to new after each dressing. Our enamel waterproof salmon 

 and trout lines are perfect. 



" Directions. Stretch the portion of line you wish to dress tight from 

 post to post, rub on the composition quickly to cause friction heat, let the 

 composition cover the line as regular as possible and not too thickly. 

 After you have covered the whole length, nip the line lightly with a bit 

 of woollen cloth or wash leather, and rub quickly to cause as much friction 

 heat as possible ; you must feel the heat to your fingers through the rubber , 



