812 SALMON-REELS AND LINES. 



in ordinary salmon-fishing that one parts with more than, 

 or rven as much as 100 yards, but the weight of a score 

 or two of extra yards of line is so insignificant a matter, 

 and the confidence and satisfaction there is when playing 

 a large fish, in knowing that you have ample for all 

 hazards, incline me to hold to my opinion ; besides, a line 

 of that length can easily be turned end for end when at all 

 worn, and will serve as two good lines, which is a matter 

 of economy, whereas in a sixty or seventy yards line turned 

 thus you would so soon get into the weak part in a good 

 run that you would always be in danger, because the pull 

 would come just at the distance where a fish is at his 

 strongest at the end of a forty or fifty yards run. 



Formerly salmon lines were twisted and made of horse- 

 hair alone, or of horsehair and silk ; but eight-plait dressed 

 silk lines having been introduced, the others are now not 

 often used, as the eight-plait silk line which has been 

 carefully and well dressed runs through the rings so much 

 more smoothly, is less liable to kink or catch, and does 

 not hold so much water, besides thi owing better against 

 the wind. Tapered lines, or lines which are gradually 

 reduced to a smaller size towards the end, are usually 

 much preferred. Their cost is greater, but they have this 

 advantage: they cast more evenly, and do not sink so 

 deeply in the water towards the point, and are therefore 

 fetched off it more easily ; and, as already stated, as the 

 length of the cast is governed by the quantity which can 

 be easily and quickly withdrawn from the surface, it will 

 at once be seen that there is a considerable advantage in 

 a well-tapered line. It must be remembered that heavy 

 rods and heavy waters require heavy lines ; but unless the 

 angler wishes to strain his top joint, and open the splices, 

 he should never use a heavy line to a light rod. It is 

 inconceivable what an amount of mischief in wear and 

 tear, and what a lot of bad casting, and what a bad style 



