160 FISHING IN AMERICAN WATERS. 



splice ; the thin end of each splice fits so tightly into (under) 

 the brass rim or ring at the thick end of the other one that 

 it will not shift in the least degree ; a length of waxed glov- 

 er's or tailor's thread, tied on at your leisure (for all is hard 

 held to your hand by the brass rings), completes the splice." 



Numbers 1, 2, 3 present a side view of the splice, and 4, 5 

 a surface view. Of course the ferrules or rings are fastened 

 firmly on the thick ende of each splice, and splice ends are 

 requisite after unjointing the rod for protecting the thin ends 

 of the splice when thrusting the joints into a case to carry 

 the rod after a day's fishing, or when the angler desires to 

 pack his rod. That is, " corresponding pieces of spliced wood, 

 with brass rings (or ferrules) attached, are made, joined to- 

 gether, carried in the pocket, and when the rod is untied and 

 unjointed they are detached from each other, and attached 

 to the spliced parts of the rod, to save the splices from any 

 accident." This is a precaution necessary for protecting all 

 kinds of splices of rods. 



In returning to the general subject, the spring opens earlier 

 on the south .side of Long Island than in any other part of the 

 state. This is owing to the island extending so far into the 

 Atlantic that the Gulf Stream mellows the air by its warmth. 

 Radishes, celery, lettuce, and sometimes eschalots, are not un- 

 common on the 1st of March, while the martin and meadow- 

 lark enliven the air, and the robin is not far behind in putting 

 in an appearance to open the full court of Spring ; and as the 

 angler casts from the bank or from a boat, all nature is alive. 

 The island being in the direct route for the passage of wild- 

 fowl, the honking of them high in air, and the gunners' in- 

 tonations on the bay, give a touch of sublimity and grand- 

 eur which, when mingling with the sounds of lowing herds 

 and the music of birds, brings heaven and earth together, and 



