MAKING AND CHUSING RODS, &C. 13 



9. ' r 



with sallad, or linseed oil ; if they are bored 

 pour in cither of the oils, and let them soak there- 

 with for twenty-four hours, then pour it out again, 

 and it will preserve them from the least injury. 

 In general the length of the rod is to be deter- 

 mined by the breadth of the river you angle in, 

 but a long rod is always of more use than one 

 too short ; provided it is truly made, one of 

 about five yards and a half long you will experi- 

 mentally find to be quite sufficient. When you 

 have taken your stocks and tops from the place 

 that 3^ou put them in for seasoning, (where the}' 

 must have remained sixteen montlis at least,) 

 match them together in just proportion ; and let 

 the rod consist of five or six })ieccs; if you ferrei 

 it, observe that they fit with the greatest nicety, 

 and in such a manner as when put altogether 

 they may not wriggle in the least, but be in pro- 

 portion, and strength, as if the whole rod were 

 but one piece. If you bind them together, it 

 must be with thread stronuly waxed, havin^r first 

 cut the pieces with a slo[)e, or slant, that tliey 

 may join each other with the greatest exactness, 

 and then spread a thin layer of shoemaker's wax 

 over the slants, or d glue, which 1 have set down 

 in the arcana for the angler's use ; afterwards 

 youmustcut about six inches oft^" the top of the 

 rod, and in its place whip on a smooth, round and 

 taper piece of whalebone, at the top of that a strong 

 loop of horsehair; then the whole will be com- 

 pleted, and thus made will always ply with a true 

 bent to the hand. Your flv rods mav be made in 

 the same manner ; but note, must be much more 

 pliant than the others, and more taper from stock 

 to top. It is of service to them to lay by some 

 time before you use them. 



Your top for the running line must be always 



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