SPLICED RODS. 31 



be so strong ; and as the only other object of 

 having it so hollowed out, is the convenience of 

 carrying a spare top, in case of accidents, in my 

 opinion, it is worse than useless ; because the 

 tops are thereby inevitably injured at the ends. 

 If the carriage of a spare top be the only recom- 

 mendation to hollow buts, have a gaff, or land- 

 ing-net-pole made hollow, of sufficient length. 

 I would rather even strap the spare top to a 

 piece of common straight wood, and sling it in 

 some way at my back, if I went to the river un- 

 attended, than forego solidity in this part. But 

 I am always inclined to leave such incumbrances 

 at my nightly resting-place, carrying with me a 

 sharp knife, and plenty of well-waxed twine in 

 lieu, to repair damages to the single top that 

 accompanies me. 



The Groove and Ring for attaching: the 

 winch should be about a foot from the end of 

 the but of a salmon rod, or less, according to 

 the size of it ; and above all things it is neces- 

 sary to take care that the winch fits with sufficient 

 tightness. " Experience makes one wise." By 

 disregarding this caution, I once, when snap- 

 fishing, lost a monster of a pike, the winch coming 

 off whilst 1 was in the very act of winding up to 

 land him. 



Spliced Rods. — With regard to spliced rods 

 (I mean those of which all the pieces or joints 



