26 THE ROD AND LINE. 



A good Rod should be such that its pliability 

 may be felt in the hand ; yet it should not de- 

 viate or droop by its own weight, if held by the 

 butt in a horizontal position, much more than a 

 foot or two from a straight line. 



The rings are usually too small ; not allowing 

 such slight obstacles on the line, as can never 

 be totally prevented, to run with sufficient free- 

 dom through them ; they should all be of the 

 size of those usually put upon the stock. The 

 rod may not have quite so neat an appearance 

 thus treated, but this will be found to be amply 

 compensated in its use ; for the sudden stops 

 occasioned by an accident to the line, whilst 

 being pulled up rapidly, has often caused the 

 escape of a good fish, the straining of, if not 

 breaking a good rod, and sometimes a total loss 

 of the angler's Vade Mecum, good temper. 



Rings may be had split down the middle, 

 in the manner of key rings, very little heavier, 

 yet larger, than the usual rings. These can be 

 easily substituted upon the little metallic loops 

 in lieu of the smaller rings, by the possessor 

 of the rod himself, without at all injuring it. 

 Verbum sapienti. 



Reel Line. 



The beginner should not take the finest FLY 

 LINE he can buy, but rather choose the strongest 



