SPECIAL HINTS FOR ANGLERS 181 



own weight will straighten them out. In addition, 

 they will dry out thoroughly, so that they can receive 

 a good coat of varnish in the spring, which should 

 always be given them. Spar varnish will be found 

 to be the most elastic and lasting. Lines should be 

 wound from reels on blocks, and the reels properly 

 oiled. Fly books should be placed out of reach of 

 moths, and a little camphor packed with them. The 

 leader box must be dried out, and anything liable to 

 rust coated with oil. A little care will avoid loss 

 and the unnecessary expense of replacing tackle 

 spoiled through lack of it. 



Especial care should be taken in using split bam- 

 boo rods. The most necessary rule to observe is to 

 change tips constantly, in order that they may not 

 become water-soaked from too long service, as this 

 causes them to untwist and break. A change should 

 be made at least twice a day. Never leave rods out 

 in the rain ; always keep them under cover and dry. 



A rule to be closely observed, but generally 

 neglected, is always to examine all tackle, particularly 

 lines, leaders, flies, and snell hooks, before using in 

 the spring. With the best of care, age will weaken 

 them so that they will break easily, especially in the 

 case of gut. It is far from pleasant to lose a fish 

 through faulty tackle, which an examination would 

 have discovered and thrown aside. In fact, leaders, 



