REEL-LINES. 55 
be used, the interjection of 2 or 3 feet of twisted gut point—an 
advantage in almost all cases—will be found highly desirable, 
breaking as it does the otherwise abrupt transition from reel- 
line to gut. 
Dry-fly fishers, who generally use stiffer rods than common, 
have canons of their own on these questions, and the latest 
science of reel-lines for the floating fly will be found in Mr. 
F. M. Halford’s able article. 
Let me, in quitting the subject, emphasise one parting 
caution : The thickness (and swell) of the line must absolutely 
be proportioned to the capacities of the rod if the most artistic 
results are to be obtained. A heavy line demands a stiff 
rod (and top), and wice versé, and a light whippy rod with a 
fine top a line of corresponding lightness. A transposition of 
these conditions—either way—will produce failure. 
One other hint—if a reel-line is not absolutely smooth, 
reject it unhesitatingly, no matter what its other qualifications 
may be. I know of lines admirably strong, capitally tapered, 
long wearing—‘ conscientious’ lines in fact in every way—but 
of which J would have none at any price. With such, every 
time you want to lengthen or shorten your cast there is friction 
on the rod-rings, and an impediment more or less to free 
passage ; in giving line to a fish ditto (often the cause of losing 
it) ; whilst both in casting through the air and lifting out of the 
water, such a line entails at every cast of every day, from its 
‘cradle to its grave,’ a certain small comparative disability, 
which to willingly subject oneself to is stupid, because wholly 
unnecessary. 
This naturally applies to any kind of line, dressed or un- 
dressed. 
