96 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 
FLyY-RoODS, LINES, HOOKS, &c. 
As regards fly-rods it is difficult to give any opinion 
upon a matter which is so much one of taste, and de- 
pendent to a great extent on the strength and height of 
the individual angler. As far as my experience goes, a 
twelve-foot rod inclined rather to stiffness than to pliancy 
will be found the most generally efficient weapon. It is 
also convenient to have a hollow butt, so that one or 
two shorter tops—one for Minnow spinning, and one 
for worm-fishing—may be carried in it. 
The single-handed fly-rod contained in the general 
rod described at page 51, will be found to answer the 
above description. A square ring of india-rubber slipped 
half way down the butt will throw off the rain-drippings, 
which would otherwise run down the rod on to the 
angler’s hands and sleeves. 
Full observations on the subject of Reels, Reel-lines, 
Gut-lines, and how to stain gut, hooks for flies, nets, &c., 
are given in the preliminary chapters on tackle. 
FISHING WITH THE DRY-FLY., 
The object of the dry-fly is evident from its name—it 
is made to float dry on the water like the natural insect, 
thus affording the solitary instance of the “formalist” or 
entomological theory being carried to its legitimate 
result. The peculiarities in the construction of the fly 
to enable it to fulfil this 7d/e, are first its wings, which 
generally consist of the whole tops of feathers (mal- 
