52 FISHING TACKLE 



of bottom fishing. To attach gut to a hook, wax some 

 fly-tying silk, hold the hook between the thumb and 

 finger of the left hand and commence to wrap on the 

 silk from the tapered end of the hook, wrapping 

 firmly towards the bend. Every precaution should be 

 taken to see that the silk is firm and not loose when 

 the start is made. To finish off, make four loops, 

 insert the end through them, and then wrap off from 

 the first loop and pull tight, just as in finishing off 

 the binding of a rod ring. Smooth and wax the 

 wrapping and apply celluloid varnish. 



How TO TIE A HOOK TO GUT AND TO FASTEN OFF THE SILK. 



Here is a useful recipe for making celluloid varnish 

 which is impervious to wet : Get a piece of old film 

 from a photographer and dissolve in amyl acetate or 

 acetone, procurable from any chemist. If the varnish 

 is required hurriedly, the solution will dissolve quickly 

 if the old gelatine is soaked off the film first by hot 

 water or strong washing soda. The consistency can 

 be varied by using more or less of the solvent. 



