12 



AN ANGLER'S YEAR 



The average undressed silk lines in general use are 

 braided round, either with or without a core ; they are 

 not to be relied on. A square-braided solid line is now 

 to be obtained, which works and lasts well in all but the 

 very smallest sizes (when possibly the twisted line is 

 safer). This square-braided line is frequently lightly 

 dressed at home either with oil or preferably with 

 Ozokerit (the crude, such as is used for cable work). A 

 simple dressing for this line, which gives it some damp- 

 resisting properties, is to be found in King's Ceroleum. 

 If the line be rubbed well with this substance, and then 



Fig. 9. The Gresham Bag. 



exposed to the air for a day or two, it can be used for 

 some months without the need of redressing. 



Of pump-dressed lines only a word or two need be 

 said, but that word or two is important A well-dressed 

 flexible silk line of, say F. to special H. size (see Fig. 3) 

 100 yards long, is worth care and attention, and will 

 repay the angler a hundred-fold. Such can be pur- 

 chased for a price, and the price must he paid, or else 

 long and valuable time must be devoted to dressing one 

 at home. 



The life of such a line is greatly prolonged if bridge, 

 rather than snake, rings be fitted to the rod, as the line 

 is apt to get into the angle between the snake ring and 



