240 SALMON-FISHING. 



described in this work, as I consider it will be a very 

 efficient implement if properly made ; but as its merits 

 have not yet been tested, 1 cannot at present do more 

 than lay the invention before the angling community. 

 Every reel, of whatever construction, ought to be narrow 

 in width and broad in diameter, so as to facilitate the 

 dispatch with which the line can be reeled in. 



Reel-Line. This ought to consist of from 80 to 100 

 yards of waterproofed silk, or silk and hair line, tapered 

 a little towards the end, as directed for the trouting- 

 line. (Directions for waterproofing are given in 

 Chapter I.) I have seen a very good and exceedingly 

 strong line made of plaited cotton ; but it becomes 

 rather heavy when soaked with water, and I should be 

 afraid that if any dressing containing linseed oil were 

 applied to it, its action would be injurious, as the chemi- 

 cal action of the one upon the other is so energetic, that 

 a heap of cotton rags saturated with the oil will 

 speedily generate spontaneous combustion. But the 

 india-rubber and naphtha solution would be harmless. 



The Casting -Line, intervening between the end of 

 the reel-line and the fly-cast, may consist of 6 feet of 

 the best three-ply twisted gut. Some at once attach 

 the flies to this ; as the salmon is not nearly so wary 

 and easily frightened by rough tackle, or a disturbance 

 on the water, as the trout, provided the angler only keeps 

 his own person carefully out of sight ; but in this, as in 

 all other kinds of fishing, I regard neatness and un- 

 obtrusiveness to be the foundation of the angler's success. 

 I certainly have seen a salmon of 12 Ib. taken upon a 



