OIL FOB DEESSING A LINE. 305 



as much oil as the air-pump drives into it. The material, be what it may, 

 never enters those numberless interstices in which air settles and remains. 

 As I have pointed out, our security is of a temporary nature, dependent 

 on care taken in polishing and repolishing ; and perhaps not one 

 Fisherman in a hundred is gifted with that imperturbable temperament 

 for the undertaking. 



Seeing, however, that a thoroughly saturated line keeps nearer the 

 surface of the water, it would appear that, to a certain extent, some com- 

 pensation exists for those tiresome knuckles. Air-pumps are, moreover, 

 luxurious articles, expensive to purchase,* and troublesome to take from 

 place to place. But to those who like to take the hint and snap their 

 fingers at all such trifling difficulties, I must say the air-pump is simplicity 

 itself and a luxury indeed. 



A few plain directions for its employment will suffice. 



To begin with, "the dressing for fishing lines " is not suitable in this 

 case. Better it is by far to use the Clarified Oil specially prepared by 

 Naylor Brothers & Quick, 12, James Street, Oxford Street, London. 

 This firm of merchants have devoted ample attention to our wants. By 

 a process of their own they have succeeded in removing all flocculent matter 

 which can always be traced in the finest sample oils. In order to clarify 

 the oil completely and make it stable they keep it in cisterns, on hot water 

 beds until the liquid is ready for our purpose. 



Secondly, the lines can be dried artificially ; this is an advantage in 

 the South, though in the North-east of Scotland they dry in the open air. 



With regard to my more recent experiments with various dressing 

 ingredients under the air-pump, it has been my privilege to consult 

 gentlemen who have had the wisdom to work out the problem by the 

 excellent method of practical common sense. I allude to my friends 

 Mr. Halford and Mr. Hawkesley both well known for their skill in dry-fly 

 fishing and for possessing Trout lines that never knuckle. To these lovers 

 of art and science we are entirely indebted for the pains taken in 

 finding that infinitely more suitable waterproofing for this particular 

 system. 



* Since writing these remarks, Messrs. Baker & Co. have brought out an inexpensive 

 air-pump that answers the purpose admirably (nee engraving). 



