SPLICES OR FERRULES. 309 



uses a rod of something like twenty-four feet in length ; 

 only employing the whole length of the rod, however, when 

 playing a fish, or when a very long or unusual cast is re- 

 quired ; at other times, casting by grasping the rod some 

 two feet or more above the reel. Of course, where such 

 rods can be at all easily handled, they give very great 

 advantages. 



The next point to consider is the construction of the 

 rod; and this is delicate ground, because it is such a 

 matter of taste and fancy. Some like a very pliable, and 

 some a very stiff rod ; and each may be, to an extent, 

 justified in his choice by the style of fishing he adopts 

 and the waters he fishes. For general work something of 

 a medium character is, perhaps, more suitable. The Irish 

 spliced rods are, to my fancy, rather ixx> whippy or flex- 

 ible ; the Scotch perhaps a trifle the other way. Formerly 

 our London makers were indifferent hands at salmon-rods, 

 but I think now they have made up for any lost time ; 

 and I could point to one or two whose productions cannot 

 be beaten in this respect. The prices of London makers 

 range very high ; but, if the price is high, the workman- 

 ship of a first-class rod is unexceptional. I have one 

 for which I gave 4., and although I have had it some 

 twenty years, and have killed hundreds of salmon with 

 it, it is very little the worse for wear. It is rather a moot 

 question with anglers as to which is preferable, a spliced 

 or ferruled rod. If the angler always has an attendant to 

 tie, untie, and retie his splices, and if they did not wear 

 out, then there is no comparison. For actual fishing, the 

 spliced rod is preferable, for not only is the play of the rod 

 nicer, but you avoid the weakness which is established by 

 the junction between the metal and the wood ; you never are 

 bored to pick the stump of the top joint out of the ferrule 

 after a smash ; and you can get from one to two feet 

 more on to the length of the rod for the same weight. 



