50 MODERN PRACTICAL ANGLER. 



The bottoms of all joints should be " double brazed " 

 — i.e., covered with brass — not only round the thick part 

 of the joint where it fits the ferrule, but also round the 

 thinner end, or plug below it. 



This is a very useful precaution, as it tends to prevent 

 the joints swelling and sticking fast. If the joints are 

 only half brazed or not brazed at all, the best way to 

 avoid sticking is to grease or soap them before use. 

 Joints which have become stuck, may in general be 

 easily separated by being turned slowly round and 

 round at the " sticking point " in the flame of a candle 

 for sopie seconds, or until it is found that the joints will 

 come apart. This process does not damage anything 

 but the varnish of the ferrule. 



A General Rod. 



Considering the great diversities of tastes which prevail 

 on the subject of the exact shape and material of which 

 rods for different kinds of fishing should be made — some 

 fishermen preferring hollow woods, others solid — some 

 stiff rods, others pliable ones — it is impossible that I 

 can within any reasonable limits give a detailed raisonnc 

 account of what is in my opinion the best description 

 of rod for each description of fishing : nor if I should 

 do so could I expect my brother fishermen to adopt 

 my taste instead of their own. In other parts of the 

 book, and wherever it seemed necessary — especially 

 under the head of Salmon-fishing — I have made such 



