SUCTION FEEEULES. 



17 



being lengthened to that extent) — more than with any other 

 rings at present made. I have used these top 

 rings on all my rods for about three years, and 

 never had one break or get out of working order. 



Ferrules can be and are made which, 

 being accurately fitted, hold together very 

 tightly by mere force of suction, never allow- 

 ing a joint to throw out. I cannot help asking 

 what more is required.* My rod is fitted with 

 these feiTules, and nothing can answer better. 

 Of course, these suction ferrules, like any- 

 thing else, can be made badly, in which case 

 they will not answer. All ferrules, both male 

 and female, should have a small rim of 

 metal round the top edge. This doubles the 

 strength at the weakest points. Never buy 

 a rod which has the ferrules countersunk — 

 i.e., let in level with the wood. 



I must not forget to mention the flexible 

 ferrule invented by Mr. Kirker, of Belfast (see 

 Fig. 5). I tried a two-joint rod fitted with one 

 of these ferrules for a month. The ferrule, 

 undoubtedly, was flexible, and in every 

 respect answered its purpose. One fault 

 only I found with it : the joints twisted 

 occasionally; but it was impossible for them 

 to throw out. 



Fig. 5. Flexible 

 Ferrule. 



* Mr. Henry B. Wells wrote in the Fishing Gazette that our English ferrules 

 are too long, that dowels are not required, and that the proper measurements are : 



"There are," he says, "many thousands of ferruled fishing-rods in use in this 

 country (America). Of these, not one in 5000, unless of foreign make (and they are 

 uncommon), has any device whatever to prevent the joints from throwing apart, 

 except the fit of the ferrules— the cohesion of one ferrule within the other. Yet 

 for a rod to throw apart here is one of the rarest accidents which the angler 

 encounters." In "Angling for Pike," a lockfast joint, made by Farlow, is illus- 

 trated; and in "Angling for Coarse Fish," another, made by Hardy Bros. 



