Lines. 



55 



proofing weakens the line somewhat, it does not weak- 

 en it nearly as much as wetting ; while thereafter the 

 strength remains constant, natural wear and tear ex- 

 cepted, whether the line be wet or dry. 



The choice then lies between two varieties of water- 

 proofed line : one being that made from raw silk and 

 treated with linseed oil, and known as an " oiled " line ; 

 the other that from boiled silk, and waterproofed by a 

 secret process, and known as " enamelled waterproofed 

 line." The best quality of the former may be had at an 

 expense of from three and a half to four cents a yard ; 

 but while the cheaper of the two, its lesser strength, its 

 rough surface, and its inferior durability, make it in 

 effect the dearer. 



Few, familiar with the subject, will question that the 

 general average of the American enamelled water- 

 proofed lines of to-day is inferior to the average of, say, 

 fifteen years ago. Then a marked difference in appear- 

 ance and price distinguished the good from the bad. 

 Now lines of all grades, good, bad, and indifferent, are 

 for sale, all made to resemble the best grade in appear- 

 ance as closely as possible. 



Economy of production is of the first consideration 

 in modern manufacture. One, hoping to increase his 

 trade at the expense of the others, cuts his price. The 

 others first meet his cut to hold their trade, and then 

 study to cheapen the cost of production so as far as pos- 

 sible to retain their former percentage of profit. A 

 cheaper silk and a more speedy process of waterproof- 

 ing naturally suggest themselves, and an inferior prod- 

 uct is the result. 



An enamelled waterproofed line in some respects re- 

 sembles a well-painted board. It is very difficult to 



