40 



This length will not debar the rod's being hid along the 

 back of a coach-seat. But there are other rods made more 

 compact, being in joints, each about two feet in length, 

 thus forming a thick short bundle, which on occasion proves 

 extremely convenient, especially for packing in a box. 



The ordinary top of a bottom-rod should be moderately- 

 supple, and strong enough co bear a weight of nearly, 

 iiiree pounds appended- to the hook. But there should be, 

 besides, a spare top, of about two -thirds the length of that 

 described, which being intended for trolling for trout, 

 jacks, &c. must be firm, and not. very pliant 5 it. should. 

 Dear a weight of four pounds, 



In dipping and trolling, you will occasionally find the- 

 wire loop at the top of your rod rather weak : many use- 

 a metal ferril, which, being made very light, fits on to a 

 tpare top- joint,. very short and stiff 5 it is rivetted on, so as 

 to remain firm. On its tip, a small metal plate is set on. 

 at right angles, playing round die tip as on a pivot, or, if 

 you please, fixed hard down. This plate projects to the 

 $ide about half an inch, and is perforated to the size of a 

 small pea, sen-ing as a fixed ring, and being very substantial; 



The 3d Fig. in Plate II. will give a full idea of this 

 kindoftip. I used one for several years* and found- it 

 answer every purpose ; besides that, it cut, and chafed my 

 line far, less than the wire tip. On the other hand, it is 

 lather more likely to get a turn of the line round it, there- 

 fcre requires some additional caution in its use. 



Such a rod will seldom fail to strike true, and to bear 

 any fish that may be hooked, provided it be kept straight, 

 and that the rest of the tackte be appropriately strong. 



It is necessary to point out in this place, that a rod; 

 should always be put into the canvas bag after use, 



and, 



