38 FISHING TACKLE 



and then hang it up close to a wall, it may dry 

 on one side, while on the other, nearest the wall, 

 the varnish may crawl. This may happen if the 

 temperature is low or the air damp. 



When the windings are finished and given 

 two coats of shellac, to preserve the color of 

 the silk, the exposed wood may be rubbed with 

 a strip of linen or silk until most of the oil 

 from your hands has been removed. After this, 

 do not touch the wood with your hands until 

 after the rod has been varnished. Rub the 

 wood lightly, else friction will damage the wind- 

 ings. 



Possibly you may forget how old your var- 

 nish is, or neglect to have the rod and the var- 

 nish warm, or the day selected may turn cold, 

 with the result that the varnish may dry uneven- 

 ly, remain tacky, or even crawl in places. Old 

 coach varnish may be thinned by adding a little 

 turpentine, then let it stand for a while before 

 using. It is better, however, to buy fresh var- 

 nish, particularly as a small bottle or can will 

 furnish enough for several rods. Always ap- 

 ply varnish while warm. 



If the varnish does crawl, or fail to dry after 

 several days' time, so that all of your work 

 seems to have been wasted, take a narrow 

 strip of canvas, which has a rough surface and 



