32 THE PRACTICAL ANGLER 



stockings and the boots, to prevent the latter from 

 cutting the former, another pair of worsted stockings 

 must be put. 



Waterproof stockings will last a long time, if, 

 after having been used, they are turned inside out to 

 allow the perspiration which accumulates in the 

 inside to dry off, otherwise it will cause the material 

 to rot. Over them the angler should have a pair of 

 good stout shoes, or boots well ironed. In all boots 

 or shoes meant for wading this should be attended 

 to, or the angler may slip among the stones, and get 

 an unexpected bath some morning. It will also be 

 found an improvement to bore holes in the soles of 

 them to permit the water to escape, as much water 

 about the feet is disagreeable as well as weighty ; 

 and wading gear of any description is quite heavy 

 enough in itself. To keep wading-boots and shoes 

 soft, and prevent the leather from cracking, it is 

 necessary that when drying they should be well 

 greased. For this purpose we know nothing better 

 than the grease which curriers use for their leather, 

 and which may be had at any currier's. 



Rods. There is no article for an angler's equip- 

 ment that affords more room for the exercise of taste 

 in its selection than the rod. Rods may be bought 

 at such a moderate price, and withal so much better 

 than any angler can make them for himself, that it 

 is unnecessary to give any instructions for the 

 mechanical part of rod-making, and we shall merely 

 mention what a good rod should be made of, and the 

 qualities it should possess. The two great requisites 



