64 AMATEUR RODMAKING 



taking the wax out of the cold water, as other- 

 wise it will adhere to the fingers at first. 



Another formula, which is recommended by 

 Colonel R. F. Meysey-Thompson, in his " An- 

 gling Catechism," follows: 



Powdered white rosin, gum arabic, and lano- 

 line, one part each; or two parts rosin and 

 no gum arabic. Simmer together until melted, 

 add a few drops of essence of lemon, pour into 

 cold water, pull and roll until of the proper 

 consistency, when it can be cut into cakes and 

 wrapped in chamois skin. If too soft, add 

 rosin; if too hard, add lanoline. Obviously 

 it must be kept free from dust. 



The best colorless substance obtainable for 

 use in waxing silk thread for winding rods or 

 making artificial flies is mentioned by the late 

 Harry G. McClelland in his excellent little 

 book " The Fly-dresser's Cabinet of Devices." 

 It is made by melting together equal parts 

 (bulk) of amber rosin and turpentine and pour- 

 ing into collapsible metal tubes such as artists 

 use. When a thread is to be waxed, a little of 

 the liquid is squeezed out of the tube on the fin- 

 ger and thumb, between which the thread is 

 passed several times. The surplus wax is then 

 removed from the fingers with a drop of tur- 

 pentine. Fly-tyers use this liquid in preference 



