196 The Angler's Secret 



Line Dyes. To dye a line blue, soak 

 in indigo water ; the stronger the dye the 

 deeper the color. To dye green, soak in 

 a strong decoction of green tea. To dye 

 brown soak in strong coffee. 



Rod Splicing. Don't make a splice too 

 short when mending a broken rod. Each 

 tapered end should slightly belly so as to 

 fit snug when wound with the wax thread. 



Snell. To prevent the gut snell from 

 slipping always crush the end between 

 your teeth before whipping it to the hook. 



Ring Whipping. Use silk twist in 

 whipping rings or guides in the rod. 

 Draw the final end through a few coils of 

 the whipping by means of a loose loop. 



Rod Varnish. Wipe off all grease 

 stains. Dress lightly down with the best 

 copal. 



Brass Black. To reblacken brasses, 

 mix a little lamp-blacking with spirit 

 varnish. Dress once or twice and let 

 the dressing thoroughly dry before using 

 the copal. 



