32 SPLICED HODS. 



are so made, that instead of being fitted together 

 with socket and ferrule, the joints are tied by the 

 owner when required for use, and separated 

 again when laid by, and these are sometimes 

 called " scared"), there is much trouble attending 

 them ; yet the advantages are infinite if some 

 little pains-taking, such as I shall here point out, 

 is bestowed, it is only the trouble that keeps 

 them out of fashion. The advantages are, they 

 are lighter by the weight of the brass ferrules ; 

 nor is there that stiffness about the joints which 

 ferrules inevitably cause ; and they are decidedly 

 stronger, inasmuch as the letting in and on of the 

 brass work tends to weaken the wood. Besides, 

 there is always a sudden resistance in the spring 

 close to the ferrule, which is the part where 

 experience tells us anglers, rods generally break. 

 However, as the only objection to splicing is a 

 very formidable one, I do not like a rod joined 

 entirely by this means. On the contrary, let the 

 but and " joints" be made with ferrules and 

 sockets in the usual way, the joints being pro- 

 vided with corresponding hitchers to secure them 

 together by tying, while throwing. But of all 

 things, avoid any except plain ferrules ; the Irish 

 socket, peg and groove, or the socket and screw, 

 being very seldom perfectly made to begin with; 

 and never continuing long in order; besides 

 adding much in point of weight. I recommend 



