STRIPED BASS. 215 



in a mixture made of one pound of printer's varnish, 

 half a pound of siccity, and one gill of spirits of tur- 

 pentine,' warmed up together, or in the ordinary drying 

 oil sold at the paint shops, and although they do not 

 render quite so easy, I have all mine, trout and bass 

 lines, so prepared. I cannot take the trouble to dry my 

 lines after every exposure, and if once forgotten, without 

 being so protected, they are ruined. A well-made silk 

 line is strong enough to hang oneself by, if the angler 

 should be disgusted with life by his ill luck, and coated 

 in this manner they will last a long time. They do not 

 get saturated or take up water in casting, and do not 

 stick to the rod as they otherwise would. Lines for fly- 

 fishing, prepared in a similar manner, are sold in the 

 fishing-tackle stores, although the makers are opposed to 

 an improvement that will diminish their business. The 

 line is dipped in the preparation when warm, and left in 

 all night ; it is removed next morning after the mixture 

 has been rewarmed, and is stretched in a garret or . other 

 place not exposed to the sun or rain, and the superfluous 

 vamish wiped ofi", and after it is thoroughly dried, it is 

 well rubbed. This preparation cannot be used with linen 

 or cotton lines, as it will rot them. 



In striking a bass you cannot be too quick, and when 

 fishing with a float your line will sink in the water" and 

 enable you to trip the float and fix the hook at once. 

 The fish must then be kept well in hand; but never 

 exhibit severity unless coniipelled by circumstances ; be 

 rough, and the fish will be rough ; be gentle, and he will 

 come to you like a friend. Keep him from the rocks and 

 bottom if possible ; but give to his willful rushes till he 



