FERRULES 43 



built of double split cane with a steel core, that 

 are very powerful, and measure 12 ft. with the 

 long spinning top, and with the short or trolling 

 top II ft. The ferrules have a patent screw on 

 the end of the inner ferrule plug, a neat device 

 that effectually prevents the joints coming apart. 

 The grip is of solid cork, with the cane continued 

 through it to the pneumatic knob. Guard and 

 revolving-rings and improved winch-fittings com- 

 plete this admirable weapon, which is also exactly 

 adapted for spinning for salmon. 



Rods composed of ash for the butt, the second 

 and third joints of bamboo, and the top of solid 

 cane and greenheart, are excellent for spinning and 

 paternostering, and if the last 12 ins. of the butt 

 was bored a short trolling top could be carried 

 in the hollow. If well made, these rods are well 

 suited for pike anglers. Much depends on the 

 ferrules, which should always be made of sheet 

 brass hammered round on a steel mandrel, and 

 not lengths cut from soldered tubes, which are 

 liable under a strain to split or rip. In all the 

 rod-joints the bottom plug, as also the thin peg, 

 should be double-brazed : both must fit into the 

 ferrule so accurately that no water may trickle down 

 into the joint from the wetted line as it passes through 

 the rings when spinning, &c., and penetrate the 

 ferrules, making them stick and difficult to withdraw 

 when taking the joints apart preparatory to packing 

 up rod and tackle at the close of a day's fishing. A 

 good plan is to grease the plugs, also inside the 

 ferrules before use ; when the ferrules stick, turn them 

 slowly in the flame of a lighted match or candle 

 for a few seconds, when the joints will come apart. 

 Rods are now constructed with suction-ferrules, 



