70 THE ROD. 



too much of one size throughout, and therefore 

 too pliable for any but the very weakest wrist and 

 the most dandy summer-day fly-whipper. 



We like no nick-knackery in our fishing gear 



nothing ornamental only without commensu- 

 rate utility. Out-of-the-way things are our 

 abhorrence. Not that we are prejudiced against 

 novelty, but because all novelties are not im- 

 provements, and because, therefore, the inexpe- 

 rienced angler may be allured by new and well- 

 puffed articles from things of sterling value, 

 though of old-fashioned fabrication. What are 

 called general rods, that is, rods intended for 

 all sorts of fishing, worm, fly, float, and minnow, 



may be classed in this category, and should, 

 therefore, be avoided as religiously as Morison's 

 pills, for both are quackery alike. It is impos- 

 sible to adapt one rod to all sorts of work, let the 

 joints be appropriated as they may. Nor is it 

 necessary that it should be so adapted. If you 

 want a fly-rod, reader, be content to buy a fly-rod 

 alone ; if a worm-rod or a trolling-rod, let it be 

 so, made for the one particular purpose, and 

 nothing more ; nor begrudge a few shillings in 

 the purchase, if dealing with an honest man, who 

 practically understands his business. All others, 

 for the craft's sake, thou wilt, of course, reli- 

 giously eschew. 



