AND HOW TO CATCH THEM. 3 



waterproofing liquid, referred to under the head 

 "Dressing," should be "barked," which can be done 

 at any tan-yard for a mere trifle. 



The time occupied in barking an ordinary hand line 

 is about forty-eight hours. The durability of lines is 

 much increased by their being so treated. Their sizes 

 and lengths will be given under the particular head- 

 ings relating to their use. Care should be taken that 

 tackle, particularly lines, should never be put away 

 wet, kept in a damp place, or wound on any board 

 or other winder not admitting of free ventilation. 

 The woodcut represents one of the description I 

 always use. The size must be regulated, of course, 

 by the size and length of line they are intended to 

 hold. Straight-grained oak is the best wood for the 

 purpose ; and a small-sized bung, with a hole in the 

 middle for the frame bar to go through, serves to 

 stick the hooks into, keeping* their points good, and 

 preventing endless entanglements. Lines and winches 

 used in rod fishing will be dealt with when that sub- 

 ject comes under consideration. Before mounting a 

 new line it should be stretched, and the " kinks " 

 taken out, which is best done by fastening one end to 

 any fixed object, such as a post, take a turn round a 

 smooth stick and walk back to the end. Eepeat the 

 process two or three times, when the surplus twist 

 will be taken out, and the line become far less liable 

 to entangle. For waterproofing liquid, vide that 

 heading. 



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