THE BAIT-CASTING ROD 29 



Three materials are used for ferrules, and we 

 mention them in the order of their value : brass, 

 nickel and German silver. The first we dismiss with 

 but a word, do not employ it. Nickel is better and 

 more sightly, but unfortunately in course of time the 

 plating wears away and the ferrules present a very 

 unsatisfactory appearance. For a little more money 

 one can secure German silver, a durable and beauti- 

 ful material. German silver is hereby recommended 

 for all rod mountings. 



As to the type of ferrule to employ, personally I 

 prefer the welted and capped, with caps "serrated" 

 or split, so that the winding can be brought up over 

 the saw-tooth-like ends. It is my belief that wood 

 rods are not so apt to break at the ferrule when the 

 metal is serrated as there is a wee bit of elasticity at 

 the danger point. The "welt" at the end of the fer- 

 rul strengthens the edge, and should never be 

 omitted. The center should have a closed end. It 

 is true that all good rods are to-day equipped with 

 capped and welted ferrules, closed end centers, 

 whether or not they are serrated; but in ordering, it 

 is part of wisdom to know what you want and why 

 you want it, then make your specifications. 



Guides are made in many shapes, and while prob- 

 ably there is no "best" shape, still I have found that 

 the more simple the guide the better it will satisfy. 

 One sometimes sees casting rods equipped with 

 trumpet guides, but upon the whole I prefer the 



