THE ROD. 65 



constant entanglement of the line. The disad- 

 vantages of a long and over flexible rod are well 

 known to us: we can, indeed, speak very feelingly 

 upon the subject, for it was once our misfortune 

 to be the proprietor of one. Its original cost was 

 thirty shillings, and right glad were we to ex- 

 change it with a " brother of the angle " for a ten 

 shilling rod, not above two-thirds its size, but the 

 equal of which, for power and general excellence, 

 we have never yet met with. Our friend, how- 

 ever, was well pleased with the exchange ; so 

 were we very. It is but fair to add that good 

 rods are nothing like so scarce as they formerly 

 were. The last three or four years have seen 

 some great improvements, and from what cause 

 we presume not to say a very general falling in 

 with the opinions we have long and repeatedly 

 set forth. 



As from the wrist proceeds the chief action in 

 the process of throwing the line, it is obvious that 

 the choice of the rod should be influenced by the 

 strength or weakness of that joint. What is a 

 stiff and cumbersome rod to one man may exactly 

 suit another of stronger muscle ; and the same rod 

 tried by a third person, possessing still greater 

 strength, may handle light and airy as an en- 

 chanter's wand, and, therefore, will be to him, 

 F 



