298 THE SALMON FLY. 



quarter yards of plaited gut, tapered, having a small loop for the single 

 trace, is attached in front. In its complete form, as explained, the 

 combination "packs" a 4J inch aluminium winch. 



I have never yet experienced a fish running out the whole of this 

 length ; nor has it ever been my lot to fear the strength of the line from 

 end to end, though it has been well tested on numerous rivers. The 

 whole of the back line should be packed on the winch tightly, not wound 

 loosely in disorder, but firmly, in even close coils, after the fashion of the 

 tinsel upon a silver-bodied fly. Thus packed, all "jamming" in running 

 a fish is entirely obviated. 



Not many years ago I explained my ideas to Farlaw of a contrivance 

 for drying lines, with the result that the "Skeleton Line Drier" was 

 made and patented. Constructed so that the air passes through to every 

 portion of the line, this machine is fixed to a mantle piece by a screw 

 clamp grooved to steady the winch in winding off, as shown in the 

 illustration. 



THE LINE DKIEK OPEN. SHUT. 



One amongst other advantages gained in using this Winder is that 

 all " kinking " is prevented. 



It is quite as needful to dry the line in safe custody after use as to 

 saturate the gut trace before use, and perhaps more so. If left on the 

 winch, even in a damp state, the line soon becomes worthless. 



In the matter of "knuckles" (which invariably come with bad 

 dressing), so far as remedial measures are concerned, the sooner they 

 are doctored the better. But when once these sores break out, the 

 seat of disturbance is of a magnitude that makes the prospect of cure 



