6 The A ngler's Tackle and Equipment. 



success, this little work, I trust, will not be entirely 

 without value. And first, then, as to the angler's 

 tools. 



The Rod. The trouting-rod which I am in the 

 habit of using is a two-handed spliced rod, meas- 

 uring from 13 feet 6 inches to 13 feet 8 inches. 

 It consists of three pieces. The butt is made of 

 ash, the middle piece of hickory, and the top of lance- 

 wood. When greater lightness is desired, lime- 

 tree may be used for the butt : what the rod gains 

 in this respect, however, is lost in durability. 

 Attached to the extremity of the top piece is a 

 strong loop of twisted horse-hair, through which is 

 passed the loop of the hair-line used in casting. If 

 the rod be well balanced, nicely tapered, and neatly 

 and firmly tied together, its sweep and action in 

 casting will be smooth and even throughout its 

 entire length. But it is as well to have the middle 

 piece somewhat stiff when one is using the loop- 

 line. For undue suppleness in a rod and in the 

 middle piece lies the test is just as fatal to good 

 casting as too great rigidity. A spliced rod of this 

 kind is much lighter than the ordinary brass-jointed 

 rod, and casts a much better line. 



The butt, middle piece, and top may be made 

 of equal length, but I frequently use a short middle 

 piece and a long top ; and this arrangement, I think, 

 improves the spring. The following measurements 



