FISHING TACKLE AND HOW TO MAKE IT. 519 



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 



o 



>< .u,fls- f e,i ;jjH 



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 

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

 on edge. Hence the folding rings (fig. 9) "must 

 go." 



Tip-rings are extremely various in make. One 

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

 consists of a hard ring agate, preferably set 

 between two uprights so that it will be freely 

 movable according to the angle assumed by 

 the line. Of course the size is regulated to suit 

 FigTio. 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 Mis 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- 



