FISHING TACKLE AND HOW TO MAKE IT. 5 '9 



their points of meeting. It is a device of my own, and 

 exceedingly practicable. Of course it can be varied as to 

 size. etc. 



The ordinary rings for fly-rods are shown in fig. 9. They 

 consist simply of a round metal ring held on the rod by the 

 tie, which is whipped with silk. This is a useful ring for 



Fig. 9. 



fly-fishing only, and even then not wholly satisfactory, 



because of the severe friction on the line. Nothing is so 



^^^^ discordant to the finished angler as friction in 



f ^ regard to any part of his gear. It sets his teeth 



Im^ m\ ^^ edge. Hence the folding rings (fig. 9) "must 



\ y Tip-rings are extremely various in make. One 



^ ^ of the best is that shown at fig. 10. It simply 

 ^ M consists of a hard ring — agate, preferably — set 

 ■■ between two uprights so that it will be freely 



H movable according to the angle assumed by 



H the line. Of course the size is regulated to suit 



Fi^io. the rod, though a comparatively large ring is 

 undeniably to be preferred over small ones. Fig. 1 1 also 

 shows a ring, not on the market, but the like of which I 

 made fifteen years ago. It consists of a ball and socket 

 joint. As will be perceived, it will move in any direc- 

 tion, but needs to be exceedingly well made to stand 

 wear and tear. Fig. 12 shows the solid agate tip ring; 

 and its neat and effective appearance needs no commen- 

 dation. If one can afford to put a jeweled tip to his rod, 

 the saving in the wear and tear of the line amply compen- 

 sates him. For myself I am content with the ring shown in 

 fig. 13. It is simply a bended wire, but so far as its effi- 

 ciency is concerned, is quite equal to more elaborate contriv- 



