254 FLY-FISHING. 



fit accurately, and of course after the wood is swollen 

 by exposure to rain, they will not come apart even 

 if the joint-ends are all brass, a difficulty that can 

 be obviated by rubbing them with mutton tallow, 

 and loosening them every night, and we advise the 

 same precaution in wet weather with the reel bands. 

 In this connection it may be well to tell the reader 

 how he can, with a little trouble, separate the fer- 

 rules, no matter how solid they may seem to be ; in 

 the first place heat them moderately, and pour a lit- 

 tle oil round the joint; then take two stout pieces 

 of string, or better, braid, about a foot long, and 

 tying the ends of each together, wrap one close 

 above and the other below the joint in the contrary 

 directions ; then insert a stick in each loop, and turn 

 one one way, and the other the opposite. If the 

 bands slip, rub them with wax. 



The English ferrules, not fitting so closely, are not 

 liable to this objection ; but, on the other hand, would 

 come apart in use, to the intense disgust of the 

 angler, were they not held together by a piece of 

 silk, that, when they are set up, has to be wound 

 round a loop of brass fastened upon each for the pur- 

 pose. This silk must be cut every time the rod is 

 taken apart, and occasions much trouble. The Irish 

 use a screw-joint, which is firm and not liable to 

 bind ; but it is difficult to fit, easy to break, and, in 

 the woods, impossible to replace. Among these plans 

 the simple socket has obtained the preference, and 

 probably is entitled to the distinction. 



It is doubtless useless for me at this day to tell any 



