THE WET-FLY EQUIPMENT. 81 



will see more. Similarly, a guinea will purchase a 

 greenheart of serviceable quality. Where the more 

 expensive rods score is partly in the careful selec- 

 tion of the material of which they are made, and 

 partly in the care with which they are finished ; the 

 ferrules are put on properly, and do not get loose, 

 the varnish is good and well set, and the whippings, 

 rings, &c., are of the best. All these things help to 

 give a rod a longer lease of life. 



The length of rod which I should advise a novice 

 to get is i oft. or loft. 6in., in three joints, and, 

 whatever its material, it should not weigh more 

 than an ounce to the foot. Personally, I prefer 

 one which is much lighter, e.g., 6oz. to loft. But 

 so light a rod is not suitable for all kinds of 

 fishing, and I am not sure that the novice would 

 not do well to begin with one that weighs 8oz. or 

 goz. Properly balanced, such a rod is not tiring 

 when one is used to it, and it will also be adaptable 

 to dry-fly fishing and chub fishing, branches of the 

 art which the novice will explore later. What is 

 called its " action " is a matter of less importance 

 to the beginner than to the old angler. The latter 

 wants what he has been accustomed to ; the former 

 has no preconceived ideas, and can accustom him- 

 self to any action in reason. Personally, I prefer a 

 rather supple rod both for wet and dry fly fishing, 



