34 ANGLING. 



the rod is put up for use. But as few anglers re- 

 quire to make their own rods, we really deem it 

 unnecessary to enter into full details of a me- 

 chanical practice which can only be sufficiently 

 executed by an individual of professional experience. 

 We shall merely mention, that, in addition to the 

 woods already named, elder, holly, yew, mountain- 

 ash, and briar, all of which are indigenous to this 

 country, furnish materials to the makers of rods. 

 In finishing a rod the usual varnish is copal varnish, 

 or Indian rubber dissolved over a slow fire in lin- 

 seed oil. It may be stained by a dilution of nitric 

 acid or oil of vitriol. When rods are stored for 

 the winter, after use, they ought to be rubbed over 

 with tallow or salad oil. 



As lines may be purchased from the tackle- 

 makers at a cheaper rate than they can be made 

 by an amateur, whose time and labour are of value 

 for any other purpose, we shall not here enter into 

 a detail of their formation. The best hair is pro- 

 cured from the tail of a well-grown stallion. Black 

 hair is generally strong, but the colour is not very 

 serviceable. Transparent and almost colourless 

 hair is the most approved ; and it ought to be 

 round, regular, and free from blemishes. In the 

 formation of lines each hair in a link should be 

 equal, round, and even, which proportions the 

 strength and prevents single hairs from breaking, 

 and thus weakening the others. Chestnut or brown- 

 coloured hairs are best for ground angling, espe- 

 cially in muddy water. Some anglers stain their 

 lines a pale green for fishing, in weedy waters. 



