Repairs. 313 



the screw beside the thread, and about three-quarters 

 of its length ; then cut off the projecting end close, and 

 turn the screw down to its head. 



Broken rods, when the break is in the upper half, may 

 be temporarily repaired much more speedily than by 

 the method I showed you, though not so well. All 

 that is necessary is a piece of twine and a rubber band 

 or two those about half an inch wide are best and as 

 long as possible. Cut the rubber band so as to form a 

 strap, lap one part of the break over the other without 

 any trimming, wrap the rubber band around the lap, 

 stretching the rubber well when so doing, and tie its 

 end down with the twine so that it cannot unwind. 

 The lap should be covered with at least a double layer 

 of well-stretched rubber, using one or more bands as 

 may be required. 



Breaks in the upper half of a tip may be very nicely 

 repaired with a quill. The quill is to be soaked in 

 water, preferably warm, until quite soft. It is then to 

 be split lengthwise on one side, flattened out, and one 

 edge trimmed until it just fits when wrapped over the 

 break. When so fitted the quill is to be wrapped over 

 the break and tightly wound with silk its whole length. 

 Then it is allowed to dry thoroughly so as to regain its 

 pristine stiffness, and well varnished. 



There, I think I have covered all the reparable con- 

 tingencies. 



There is, however, one other suggestion which I should 

 like to submit for your consideration a matter more 

 important, in my judgment, than all I have so far said 

 to you, since, while they are matters of convenience, this 

 should be a matter of principle. 



Never permit a desire to catch more or larger fish 



