8 CHATS ON ANGLING. 



make them. This firm produces many forms of rods suitable for dry fly 

 work. Their " Perfection " rod is a very sweet weapon for the purpose, 

 quick in its action, true as steel, has great power of recovery, and is light 

 in the hand ; but for choice I would pin my faith to one of their ioft. 6in. 

 " Pope " rods in two pieces. Such a one has been my constant companion 

 for some seasons, and, though other makers may be able to turn out 

 as good a rod, I feel convinced that none could turn out a better. The 

 old attachments of the ferrules of former days have also gone by the board, 

 and a bayonet joint has superseded them, to our great advantage. The 

 upper ring on the point should be of the Bickerdyke pattern, the other 

 rod rings of the ordinary snake pattern and made of German silver. 

 The reel fittings should be of the " Universal " type, a conical socket 

 taking one end of the reel base, the other end being secured by a loose 

 ring. Personally, I do not care for a spear ; I find them awkward 

 at times, their only advantage being that your rod may be spiked when 

 putting on a fly or when hand-lining a " weeded " fish. If one is desired, 

 it should be carried inside the handle of the butt, the button screwing over 

 it and holding it in its place. 



I would not advocate a steel-centred rod, at any rate for a single- 

 handed trout rod. The absolute union of metal and cane can never be 

 secured, nor can the action of the two be precisely identical. Besides, 

 how are you advantaged ? The hexagonal form of the built-up rod 

 is ideal for strength, and a rod without a steel centre can be made with 

 perfect action, able to do all that may be required of it. 



Reels also have undergone great improvements of late years. They are 

 lighter, more easily cleaned, the check action is better regulated ; a double 

 check spring that allows the line to be reeled up quickly and easily, and at 

 the same time offers a stronger resistance to an outward pull, is now almost 

 universally employed. Aluminium, thin-brazed steel, have replaced brass 

 and even ebonite. The air is admitted to the coils of line, and reeling up 

 is rendered more rapid and effective. The " Moscrop " reel is excellent in 

 many ways, and fulfils many of the chief requirements of modern reels. 

 It has, moreover, a screw drag, which can be used to regulate the retarding 

 action of the check. Messrs. Hardy produce an altogether admirable reel, 

 which they have patented and call the " Perfect." Such a reel for an 

 ordinary cane-built rod of the length we have chosen should be three 



