PRELIMINARIES. 5 



practically make a second rod of it, stiffen, stronger, 

 and suitable for more arduous purposes than its 

 other self. Some general rods seem to have about 

 a dozen other selves, what with various tops, spare 

 butts, interchangeable joints, and other refinements. 

 But for the novice these weapons are confusing, 

 and he should avoid them till he feels able to 

 distinguish one from another, and possibly even 

 then unless he is very methodical and clear-headed. 

 Lastly, it is well to see that the canvas bag in 

 which the rod is placed is roomy and allows plenty 

 of space in each partition for the joint which goes 

 into it with its upright rings. Allowance has to be 

 made for shrinkage if the bag gets wet. And it is 

 well to form a resolution then and there, on the 

 threshold of the angling career, never to place the 

 rod back in its case without carefully putting the 

 little stoppers into each ferrule. The resolution 

 will not have much effect, but it is well to make it 

 and to intend to keep it. 



The reel, or winch, is the next object which the 

 novice must acquire, and it is probable that he can- 

 not do better than purchase the wooden Nottingham 

 reel, with which the rod was balanced, if its price 

 is not prohibitive. I recommend a good reel, for in 

 some ways the angler is more dependent on it than 

 on his rod ; an inferior article, which warps after 



