^Rod-making. 175 



weighted with the line when in use, and consequently, 

 that a degree of flexibility which seems excellent in the 

 shop may be excessive when on the stream. Hence, gov- 

 ern the final adjustment of the rod by actual casting, if 

 possible. 



FEKKULES. 



It does seem as though some precise diameter should 

 be given for the ferrules of fly-rods, but from the very 

 nature of the case it is impossible. As well ask a tailor 

 for the size of a coat to fit all men. 



I have used the following for years: Handle female fer- 

 rule, inside measurement, % of an inch, length 2f inches, 

 unless ferrule is sunk into the handle so only its mouth 

 appears. Then it should run the whole length of the 

 gripe, and be fastened with cement as heretofore di- 

 rected. This is the better construction, since then the 

 utmost possible length of the rod is efficient. The fe- 

 male ferrule uniting the butt and middle joint is -J-| of 

 an inch inside and 2-J inches long. The female ferrule 

 uniting the middle joint and tip is -^f of an inch inside 

 and 2 J inches long. One-eighth of an inch may be taken 

 off these ferrules throughout the series with profit, if 

 the fitting is tolerably good. I vary the position of 

 the ferrule, uniting the butt and middle joint" consider- 

 ably, shortening the butt and lengthening the middle 

 joint for stiffer material such as split - bamboo, green- 

 heart, or bethabara. These sizes I have used without 

 change, and find that with them, in conjunction with a 

 forty-one inch split-bamboo tip, I can make a rod of any 

 material from nine feet eight inches to ten feet six inch- 

 es in length, by varying the position of the juncture of 

 the butt and middle joint as aforesaid. The male fer- 

 rule on the larger end of the tip is 1 T 7 ^- inches long, of 



