216 



CORK-FLOAT AND CAP. 



in. Some fishing-tackle dealers display these implements 

 decked in all the colours of the rainbow, and more re- 

 sembling children's toys than any part of a sportsman's 

 paraperhnalia ; but it is doubtless the case that the more 

 sombre in colour and the less con- 

 spicuous these articles are the 

 better ; and a coating of the under- 

 noted beautiful but sober green 

 varnish* will render the float a 

 less glaring, though equally artistic 

 object, than the bright blues and 

 gaudy reds and yellows we so fre- 

 quently see them covered with. 



The float is now completed by 

 the addition of a cap to retain it 

 in its place on the line according 

 to the depth of the water. This 

 cap consists of a ring of one-fifth 

 of an inch broad cut off a quill, 

 and lapped round with a few turns 

 of silk to prevent it splitting ; and it must be taken off 



* VARNISH FOR FLOATS. Boil some powdered resin in a solution 

 of carbonate of soda till all dissolved, taking care to add as much 

 resin as the soda will dissolve : this forms a solution of resinous 

 soap. 



Then add to the above solution a solution of sulphate of copper 

 until no more precipitate falls down, and filter it through blotting- 

 paper. The gelatinous green precipitate thus obtained is a soapy com- 

 bination of resin with oxide of copper ; and, after drying it thoroughly, 

 it will readily dissolve in spirits of wine, and form a beautiful green 

 Japan varnish. 



FIG. 25. 



FIG. 26. 



