Rod-making. 257 



The practical deduction from all this is obvious. 

 When the joint is ready to varnish it should be exposed 

 for some days, more or less according to its thickness, 

 to a temperature as near 120 F. as is available. Thus 

 the wood will be dried as much as is possible without 

 injury, and the maximum of strength and elasticity be 

 obtained. When so dried no opportunity should be 

 given it to absorb moisture from the atmosphere, but it 

 should receive its first coat of varnish at once. This is 

 the ideal procedure, to be approached in practice as 

 nearly as circumstances will permit. Room, joint, brush, 

 and varnish should by no means be cold when varnishing. 



WRAPPING ON THE KINGS. 



This is the next step in order. Assuming that you 

 have never either done this yourself or seen it done, 

 the first requisite is the mastery of the " invisible knot." 

 In the Chapter on Repairs you will find illustrated 

 directions for tying this. Another method is also given 

 of accomplishing the same result the fastening off of 

 the silk wrappings. But the acquisition of the true " in- 

 visible knot " is strongly recommended, since it may be 

 applied in many cases where the other cannot. I believe 

 it one of the most important and useful additions that 

 the angler can make to his general knowledge of the art; 

 and this not only on account of the benefit to your indi- 

 vidual self, but because it will enable you to help many 

 a brother angler, much your senior in experience and skill, 

 out of a scrape, and thus requite him for advice and in- 

 struction. The value of aid from the experienced to the 

 beginner, when given at the water's side and rod in hand, 

 cannot be exaggerated, and you should lose no opportu- 

 nity to avail yourself of such assistance. 

 17 



