The dry line is the location on a Fourdrinier paper machine forming section where the appearance of the wet web of paper changes abruptly. Before the dry line the furnish has a glossy, wet appearance. After the dry line the wet web appears dull. The optical change is related to the effect of fibers poking through the air-water interface. On a well-adjusted paper machine the dry line ought to be straight. Increased refining and lower freeness of the pulp tend to move the dry line in the direction of the couch. Chemicals that promote drainage tend to move the dry line in the direction of the slice.