THE WINCH. 307 



mechanics, has attained the mastery of this system. He is of the opinion, 

 and wisely so, that to make a Salmon line absolutely solid it should be 

 immersed three times and baked in a temperature of 130, allowing on each 

 occasion a little longer time for drying. 



This is pretty much what I have found in my own experience ; but I 

 rub the line with powdered pumice stone, dry it in the sun, or, better 

 still, on the plate-rack over a kitchen fire, and polish it before use. By 

 this process a line holds double the amount of oil and therefore it takes 

 much longer to dry. 



The air-pump suggested itself to me many years ago while repairing 

 knuckles. In so doing, the froth or air-bubbles that quickly appeared 

 made room for the drop of dressing to disappear as quickly, and this spoke 

 volumes. Although not wanted as a safeguard against knuckles when the 

 air-pump is used, the second process of mine is still beneficial insomuch 

 that it favours those who pride themselves on " shooting " line. 



Eton and Deller, I understand, have brought out a salmon line for 

 Mr. Halford, whose name alone is quite enough to recommend it. 



I have pointed out the little debt to the air-pump which ought to be 

 paid in fact, I may say, liquidated in full by subsequent patience ; and 

 with that condition fulfilled, the machine may have an ideal career for the 

 Fisherman, who, by its aid, should escape that acute unpleasantness of 

 being " under a cloud." 



PAET THIED. CHAPTEE VI. 



" Witul up your watch a* you please, but, in bringing a fish to bank, wind quickly 

 n-hen yon yet the. chance." 



THE WINCH. 



AT a period well within the memory of the middle-aged Fisherman the 

 winch was an ugly, heavy, barrel-shaped article, without any check and 

 having sharp shoulders to the cross-bars, square edges to the plates and 

 a, crank handle attached to the spindle. In dimension it was large enough 



