"The Angler's Equipment" 153 



mere traps for the unwary, or the lover of 

 bargains. You will find this cheap rubbish 

 often advertised, but never will you hear 

 any good fisherman singing their praises, 

 save when he does so, by blessing them, 

 backwards. 



The rings which are most in favour 

 at present are, I fancy, up-right and snake 



rings. 



For myself, I confess that I see no 

 reason for changing the old-fashioned 

 ordinary rings and keepers. Indeed, I once 

 had one of my own rods fitted with snake 

 rings, and afterwards had them removed. 

 Here again it is very much a matter of 

 individual taste, and it is not one of over- 

 powering importance. I own that long 

 habit makes me somewhat conservative in 

 such matters. 



Now as to reel fittings : the double- 

 brazed and slide-reel fittings, or " The 

 Universal" are surely good enough for the 

 most fastidious of men and of anglers. 



Again, as to " Joints. " The old-fashioned 

 joints are still much used, which are tied 

 together with thread, after the rod is put 

 up. They have stood the test ever since 

 I can remember anything, and are most 

 serviceable. 



