48 To make a Casting-line. 



in with the others ; and so on with the other hairs ; as 

 you come towards the end of each continue this process, 

 adding an extra hair every two or three yards, according 

 to the stoutness required, until you have made it of the 

 intended length, and you will have a nice tapering line. 

 Then cut off closely all the ends which are standing out ; 

 but if you have put the hairs in nicely there will be very 

 few of these. Next put the thick end through the hole 

 in the axle of your reel, tie a knot securely and wind it 

 evenly on. After this take the thin end and tie a loop 

 with well-waxed silk thread, cutting off a hair every turn 

 or two as you wrap, from the loop, up the line, so that it 

 may taper and not be liable to catch at the rings when 

 being wound up after using ; for, if it does, you will most 

 likely break your rod- top. If you do not wish to take 

 so much trouble as this, purchase a Reel-line at the tackle 

 shop ; remembering that a hair-line is better than one 

 of hair and silk, or one entirely of silk, as it does not get 

 so flabby as either of these and has a springiness which 

 neither of them possesses. Be sure to select one that is 

 well and evenly twisted and smoothly finished. 



To make a Casting -line. 



TAKE three well and carefully selected hairs, but do not 

 stretch any of them by pulling, or your line when wet will 

 pirik, that is, one or more hairs will stand out like a loop, 

 a thing which by all means is to be avoided, since your 

 line will be liable to break in that link. Tie these to- 

 gether by a knot at one end, place the knot on the inside 

 of your left hand, holding it uppermost, and put a hair 

 between each of your fingers (or hairs when you have 

 more than three for your length), the separate hairs 

 hanging down from the back of your hand, join your 



