RODS AND ROD-MAKING. 49 



the mode of manufacturing the two descriptions of 

 ferrule referred to, may be given. 



Ferrules used for common rods, or tube-cut ferrules, 

 are simply cylinders, of the same size at both ends, and 

 cut off, 2 or 3 inches at a time, as required, from a piece of 

 common soldered brass piping. These, of course, cost 

 next to nothing, and break or bulge with the first strain 

 put upon them. The ferrules used in really good rods 

 are made, each one separately, out of sheet brass, hard- 

 soldered or brazed; and then hammered out cold into the 

 proper shape upon steel triblets — a process which though 

 somewhat expensive and tedious makes the ferrule in the 

 end very nearly as hard and strong as the steel itself. 



A gentleman who does not wish his name published, 

 but who has a large and practical acquaintance with the 

 subject of rod-making, writes to me : — 



I am inclined to think that the cases (referred to in your 

 "Modern Practical Angler") where the brass ferrules of rods 

 " bulge " and give way, are to be thus explained. The best tubing 

 is mandrel-drawn, and I do not think any hammering would pro- 

 duce a density of metal so hard as that which results from well- 

 drawn tubing : but it often happens (too often) that the tube and its 

 correcter do not fit with that nice accuracy which is essential. In 

 such case what does the ferrule-maker do ? I will tell you, he 

 anneals his tubing, and then with the furnisher adapts it to its 

 fellow. For all practical uses its strength is then gone. 



My own impression is that mandrel-drawn tube not tampered 

 with, is (caeteris paribus) denser and harder than hammered tubing 

 is, and no hammered tube could be so uniform. 



I hope you will forgive this criticism of a work with which I am 

 really charmed, but I shall be only glad to find that you accept it 

 as it is meant, in all courtesy. 



E 



