THE ANGLER'S OUTFIT 29 



length are usually made in two or three 

 joints. The fewer the joints, the less will 

 the spring and power of the rod be affected. 

 Split-bamboo rods can be had in one piece, 

 and these are excellent for anyone who 

 lives close to a stream or lake. For conveni- 

 ence of transport by rail or motor, jointed 

 rods are of course preferable. Rod joints 

 are of the plain suction type or the " lock- 

 fast " variety. There are several of the 

 latter pattern, all of which are satisfactory. 

 The " lock-fast " joint is slightly heavier 

 than the suction joint, but is firmer than the 

 latter, and entirely eliminates any chance 

 of the several portions of the rod working 

 loose in action. The handle or " hand 

 grasp " portion of the rod butt may be of 

 plain wood or cork-covered. Cork is easier 

 on the hand, and gives a firmer grip ; it is 

 convenient too for sticking the tail fly of the 

 cast into, when the angler is resting or moving 

 from place to place. The metal ferrules 

 which compose the joint or joints may 

 occasionally show signs of looseness on 

 wooden rods owing to a slight shrinking of 

 the wood, whereas with bamboo rods this 

 does not happen. 



Reiterating the desirable qualities in the 

 rod, we have stiffness and resiliency, and in 



