374 



APPENDIX. NO. VI. 



must be very small ; use it double, and wax it, and indeed 

 any other kind of binding, with shoemaker's wax, which 

 of all wax is the toughest, and holds best : if your wax is 

 too stiff, temper it with tallow. 



IV. If for strong fishing you use grass, which when 

 you can get it fine is to be preferred to gut, remember 

 always to soak it about an hour in water before you use 

 it ; this will make it tough, and prevent its kinking. 



V. Whenever you begin fishing, wet the ends of the 

 joints of your rod, which, as it makes them swell, will 

 prevent their loosening. And, 



VI. If you happen with rain or otherwise to wet your 

 rod, so that you cannot pull the joints asunder, turn the 

 ferule a few times round in the flame of a candle, and 

 they will easily separate. 



VII. Before you fix the loop of bristle to your hook in 

 order to make a fly, to prevent its drawing, be sure to 

 singe the ends of it in the flame of a candle ; do the same 

 by the hair to which at any time you whip a hook. 



VIII. Make flies in warm weather only, for in cold 

 your waxed silk will not draw. 



IX. In rainy weather, or when the season for fishing is 

 over, repair whatever damage your tackle has sustained. 



X. Never regard what bunglers and slovens tell you ; 

 but believe that neatness in your tackle, and a nice and 

 curious hand in all your work, especially in fly-making, 

 are absolutely necessary. 



XI. Be ever so provided as to be able to help yourself 

 in all exigences ; nor deem it a small incivility to inter- 

 rupt your companion in his sport, by frequently calling 

 to him to lend you a plummet or a knife, or to supply 

 you with a hook, a float, a few shot, or any thing else 

 that you ought to be furnished with before you set out 

 for your recreation. 



XII. Never fish in any water that is not common, with- 

 out leave of the owner, which is seldom denied to any but 

 those who do not deserve it. 



XIII. If at any time you happen to be overheated with 

 walking or other exercise, avoid small liquors, especially 

 water, as you would poison, and rather take a glass of 

 rum or brandy ; the instantaneous effects whereof, in cool- 

 ing the body and quenching drought, are amazing. 



