Lines. 63 



no tendency to rot the fibre as do the waterproofing 

 mixtures now in use. But in these experiments, as in 

 all experiments of the kind, measured quantities should 

 be used and a written record kept, so that an achieved 

 success may be readily repeated. 



Nothing in reference to fly-fishing can be answered 

 with such ease and confidence as the question what line 

 should be used. Unquestionably the enamelled water- 

 proofed line, and no other. If not decrepit through 

 old age and their longevity is far in excess of any other 

 line in strength they leave nothing to be desired. 

 Smooth as ivory on the surface, they render through 

 the rings with the minimum of friction. Their weight 

 is sufficient to cast nicely without being excessive, and 

 at the same time is always uniform ; while their flexi- 

 bility is just as it should be, neither so great as to foul 

 the tip, nor so stiff as to cause inconvenience. In short, 

 they are as nearly perfect as the work of man's hands 

 is permitted to be. 



The illustration on the following page shows the most 

 available of the various sizes manufactured, and the 

 numbers or letters by which they are known to the trade. 



Aside from the difference in diameter, two styles of 

 these lines are to be had: "tapered," in which the last 

 twenty feet or less is gradually diminished in thick- 

 ness by dropping out a strand at proper intervals ; and 

 ' level," in which that dimension is uniform throughout. 



Which shall I use, "tapered" or "level"? The an- 

 swer to this question is not so simple as it may look. A 

 good working method in such cases is to analyze the 

 problem, setting down not what we can have, but what 

 we would like to have. If we find that our wishes are 

 inconsistent and that we cannot have each desired feat- 



