RODS AND ROD MAKING. 4/ 



longer without coming off or getting broken. In all 

 general rods rings of the ordinary diameter, but made of 

 steel wire, in the form shown in the engraving, Avill be 

 found most convenient. Rings of this shape v/ill not 



answer, however, for the bottom ring of 



all, as the line has a constant tendency to 

 be catching round that ring in making a 

 cast. The bottom ring should, therefore, be made in 

 the form that is called '' pronged," out of iron wire, 

 twisted into a ring, in the form and of about the size 

 shown in the woodcut annexed, 

 with separate side-pieces brazed 

 on. The perpendicular sup- 

 ports or arms being a good deal 

 wider apart at the base than at 



the apex, throw off instantly any curls of the line 

 which may be inclined to twist round them. This 

 will be found a really great practical advantage 

 in every description of fishing, and especially in 

 spinning. 



Of even greater importance, however, is the form of 

 the top ring, as this is both more liable to catch in the 

 line, and proportionately more difficult to clear at the 

 distance of from 12 to 20 feet from the fisherman ; (the 

 material, as in the case of the lowest ring, should be of 

 steel wire). In order to remedy this catching of the line 

 over the top ring, the great point is the avoidance of all 

 projections over which the line can possibly hitch itself; 



