430 APrENDIX. 



A fishing-basket, creel, or game pouch. 



A pair of pliers, a pair of scissors, and a penknife. 



A book of artificial flies. 



A book of general tackle. 



RODS. 



Choice rods are of the utmost consequence to the angler's success, 

 and various instructions have been given by diff"erent authors for select- 

 in o- proper kinds of wood for the purpose, and the method of making 

 them ; but as excellent rods of every description are now to be purchased 

 in almost every part of the United Kingdom, I shall recommend such 

 as will be generally useful, and may be procured without difficulty at 

 any of the fishing-tackle shops in London. 



In choosing a I'od, be careful to examine if the joints fit securely, 

 if it be perfectly straight when put together, and if it spring equally 

 in all its parts, from the butt to the top, when bent. 



That which is commonly termed a " general rod " will be found 

 most useful to the traveller Avho has not an opportunity of carrying 

 more than one with him at a time, it being so contrived that it may 

 be used either for fly-fishing, trolling, or bottom fishing, as the butt 

 of the rod is bored, and contains several spare tops, i. e., one for the 

 fly, one for spinning the minnow, one for the float, and another for 

 trollino- — the whole being conveniently packed up in a canvas bag. 



Although this kind of rod will be found highly serviceable on many 

 occasions, I would by no means recommend the use of it Avhen you 

 have an opportunity of employing separate and appropriate rods for 

 the difl'erent kinds of angling. The rods used exclusively for fly- 

 fishing should be as light as possible, consistent with strength, and if 

 for throwing with one hand, not more than from twelve to fourteen 

 feet long, and if with both hands not more than from sixteen to 

 eighteen feet. Indeed, a rod shorter than either of these would be 

 found very convenient in a narrow, closely-wooded stream, where it is 

 frequently necessary to force your fly with a short line under overhanging 

 bushes. 



I am acquainted with some excellent anglers in the north of England, 

 who cannot be persuaded to use any other fly-rod than one composed 

 of two pieces only, and sliced in the middle ; but this is incon- 



