TIPS. 



described, and finally tic the other end to the far stick. 



In six or eight days, according to the condition of tlie weather, 

 llie dressing will begin to set, and then certain portions are likely to 

 appear somewhat lumiiy. Siiouki tiiis be so, catch the line gently 

 between the fingers of both hands and, with it so held, walk down the 

 whole length and back again. In thus smoothing the surface do not 

 rub off too much liquid. The operation may require repeating in wet 

 weather, after which the line may be left to dry. How long this 

 drying process will take is hardly possible to foretell, because so 

 much depends upon climate and atmospheric conditions. 



Should rain fall in torrents while the surface oil is wet, the line 

 will probably assume a frothy appearance, and then you must use a 

 duster instead of your fingers to rub it smooth. But while even a 

 heavy rainfall will have no injurious effect ultimately, the duster may 

 necessitate another application of oil to fill up the interstices of the 

 plait. In giving this thin coating, use your fingers, though a piece of 

 rag will answer the purpose almost as well. In any case the line will 

 take some few months to dr}', e\en in air destitute of moisture like 

 that on the north side of the Grampians. 



The chief point to bear in mind is that all further work must be 

 deferred until this body-dressing is absolutely dr}-. In order that 

 you should not be mistaken on this point, the following sure, but 

 rather severe test is given. Press, say, half-an-inch of the line at the 

 middle part by holding it between the forefinger and tliumb of both 

 hands. While thus held, press the line by bringing the hands 

 together as though you were trying to open the plaits of the silk, and 

 repeat tlie operation two or three times. If tlie plaits turn at a]l 

 while in appearance, the dressing is still moist ; if you cannot move 



