THE BRITISH ANGLER'S LEXICON. 95 



handed rod for trout is about thirteen or fourteen feet long, 

 and this length will suit well for lake fishing or trolling from 

 a boat. A salmon rod is seldom less than sixteen feet, and 

 rarely more than twenty. There are rods called " general 

 rods," which can be used for various styles of fishing by 

 having top joints of several strengths and lengths fitted. 

 These rods are not very satisfactory, as the balance of 

 them cannot be properly obtained. A fly rod should 

 never be used for any other style of fishing. Spinning and 

 trolling rods are often made from the hollow mottled cane,, 

 generally with the top piece made of greenheart. These 

 rods are very light and powerful. A spike to a rod is an 

 useful adjunct, although it is now considered to be old- 

 fashioned. It comes in handy to keep the rod upright when 

 loosening a fly that has got caught in a branch, and it keeps 

 a rod and line out of harm's way by sticking it in the ground 

 when the angler is resting or changing his flies, or when a 

 friend comes round to borrow a fly or interchange views on 

 the sport of the day. It is dangerous to lay the rod on the 

 ground ; many a good one has been smashed past all 

 redemption by being trodden upon inadvertently. Most of 

 the present style of rods are finished at the butt with an 

 indiarubber or turned wooden button. Some anglers- 

 prefer a top-heavy rod ; it certainly lifts a long line from 

 the water well, and casts a heavy line against the wind 

 comparatively easy, but it is tiresome on the arm. Rods if 

 not varnished which many anglers have an objection to 

 should be French polished and kept well oiled. After the 

 day's fishing is over, the rod should be wiped dry and clean 

 with a soft cloth and put away in its waterproof case, and 

 then laid down flat on a dry floor or table, or hung up by 

 one end from a nail on the wall, or put in rod rest (q.v*)* 



