520 



AMERICAN GAME FISHES. 



ances. Perhaps the best rings of the whole number are figs. 

 12 and 13 only do not hesitate to have them large. 



Ferrules form an important part of the ordinary rod, and 



Fig. 11. Fig. i2. Fig. 13. 



require some careful consideration. 



It has been pretty generally thought that the shape of the 

 male ferrule should be as shown in fig. 14 that is, provided 

 with a dowel (A). This was supposed to render the joint more 

 secure, and probably to render it more pliant and elastic. 



It certainly does not allow a joint to be secure, unless the 

 latter is tied in, for the wedge-shape of the dowel is precisely 

 the shape of all others most likely to loosen the joint in the 

 act of casting, etc. In the most approved rods of the pres- 

 ent day this dowel is, however, omitted, and thus we witness 

 another return to first principles for my father bought and 

 made rods after this style at least twenty-five years ago, to 

 my certain knowledge, and he always preferred the undow- 

 eled ferrule. 



