228 DESCRIPTION OF THE TRIMMER. 



bored in it, through which to secure the end of the line, 

 as well as have a lead weight attached to it for ballast, 

 to keep it floating straight. The whole of the cork must 

 be pared smooth, and then have a covering of the 

 resinous cement, or a coating of caoutchouc varnish,* to 

 render it impervious to water, and consequently the 

 more buoyant. If the whole is dressed over with a 

 coating of the green Japan varnish recommended for 

 floats, after being covered with either of the above, it 

 will give the apparatus an exceedingly neat and finished 

 appearance. 



Fig 33 shows the trimmer in its complete state, 

 with the hook baited and ready to be set afloat, a Is 

 the mast carrying a small slip of stout paper or a morsel 

 of white silk secured in the slit at its top, to render it 

 easily seen at a distance ; I is the under extremity of 

 the mast, to which the end of the line is fastened, and 

 to which the leaden plummet, c, is also suspended, to 

 cause the apparatus to sit upright on the water when 

 afloat ; d is the cork body of the trimmer ; e is a 

 small ring of twisted brass wire, loosely stuck into the 

 periphery of the cork, for the purpose of suspending the 

 bait at a proper depth, and keeping the line from un- 

 winding off the trimmer, but which will be easily with- 

 drawn, and allow the whole line to run off, on a fish 



* CAOUTCHOUC VARNISH. Put a small piece of India rubber, cut 

 into minute pieces, into half a pint of linseed oil, and place it over a slow 

 fire, and stir it all the time till the rubber is entirely dissolved ; then 

 allow it to boil, skim it, and apply it while warm. This forms an 

 efficient and durable varnish for rods and all kinds of fishing im- 

 plements. 



