Rod-making. 171 



to paste patches on shoes, which generally consists of 

 this gum dissolved in carbon bisulphide. I have not 

 used this long enough to speak positively, but it is con- 

 fidently expected that a ferrule once fastened with it, 

 will withstand every vicissitude of time and weather, 

 and only become loose when desired.* 



Avoid all fastening pins. The professional rod-makers 

 fancy they are necessary to the sale, or at least the repu- 

 tation, of their rods. Some fishermen think that any rod 

 they buy and pay for should stand every form of abuse, 

 and if it does not, the rod-maker is blamed and his work 

 decried. The makers know this, and that their reputation 

 for skilled and honest work is as sensitive as that of a 

 woman. It is for this class the fastening pin is intended. 

 You will hear each of the better known makers abused in 

 turn, something in this fashion: "Oh, yes, John Doe made 

 a good rod once upon a time, but now his business is so 

 grown that he trades upon his reputation, and uses any 

 kind of material, good, bad, and indifferent. Why, my 



* Gutta-percha gum hardens after fusion with such extreme slowness 

 that, a rod to which it has been applied should not be jointed for at least 

 twenty-four hours. This tax upon the patience may be avoided by adding 

 to it about one-fourth part of shellac in scales, or of Burgundy pitch. 

 Melt the shellac or pitch first, then add the gutta-percha, and stir with a 

 stick until amalgamation is complete. Then pour the melted mass into 

 cold water, and work it well with the fingers while submerged, finally 

 drawing it out into a cylinder about one-third of an inch thick and three 

 inches long. This quantity will last quite a while, and, since it seems to 

 improve with age, it is well to arrange to produce at least so much. Any 

 small tin dish will serve to melt it in, and this can readily be cleaned by 

 heating and wiping with a rag. 



The reader is cautioned that the solution of the gum alluded to above 

 has an odor that is simply appalling. Chloroform dissolves it readily, is 

 equally volatile, and much less offensive. 



