64 



Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



ure in its entirety, then we must consider what conces- 

 sion each conflicting element shall make to the others 

 in order to effect the best practical compromise. 



Fig. IT. 



In a fly-fishing line the following would seem to be 

 the desiderata : 



First. We should like invisibility, so that the fish 

 may not see the line and detect our false pretence. The 

 line should be thin to the vanishing degree. 



Second. We should like such strength that, even af- 

 ter the deterioration incident to protracted use, a suffi- 

 cient reserve will remain not only to handle the largest 

 fish to be hoped for, but also to clear the line without 

 breaking from any not too obdurate bush or snag. 



