68 AMATEUR RODMAKING 



to the sun, and purple, often seen on some rods, 

 is not always lasting. Bright or flame red and 

 medium apple green are generally satisfactory, 

 but their brilliancy depends a great deal on 

 what sort of varnish protects them from the 

 wearing of the line in casting particularly on 

 a fly-rod. 



In addition to the winding silk, purchase a 

 tiny spool of buttonhole silk of any color, to 

 be used in pulling the ends of the winding silk 

 through and forming " endless " windings. Its 

 use is explained in the proper place. 



A spool of cotton or linen thread is also 

 handy for use in tying guides on temporarily 

 while testing your rods. If it is waxed it will 

 be much more effective. I use linen for this 

 purpose, fastening the guides in place with it 

 while aligning them, then cutting the thread 

 when the guide is partly fastened with silk. 



