THE BRITISH ANGLER'S LEXICON. 2OI 



which has started in the dyeing process. Then it is taken in 

 the hand loosely, when it will find its natural lean its proper 

 feel, so to speak. When this is obtained, and after the var- 

 nish or polish is thoroughly hard, the ferrules are fitted with 

 fish glue and tow same as the counters, and the reel fittings 

 also may be fixed. The under side is then marked for the 

 rings ; these may be either the ordinary brass rings fitted with 

 keepers, or the upright solid or snake rings, according to 

 the style of rod or the fancy of the purchaser, who very often 

 has his own ideas and insists upon having them carried 

 out. It is a safe plan to have good-sized rings on in any 

 case; there is less chance of the line getting " kinked " on 

 them when running out. Most makers varnish their rods ; 

 some with spirit varnish, others with copal. Anglers who 

 are particular prefer their rods without varnish, and have 

 them French polished instead (an occasional rub after- 

 wards with linseed oil keeps the wet out of the wood) ; 

 as they consider, and with some truth, that the flash of a 

 highly-varnished rod is very apt to scare the fish. The 

 tying of the rings } which in good rods is made with well- 

 waxed silk thread, must be varnished thoroughly, to prevent 

 the thread chafing, cutting, or becoming loose. If the joint of 

 the rod is the ordinary ferrule and counter, it is usual to have 

 two small bent wires, called catches, fastened on each joint 

 about two inches apart and facing each other, which may 

 be lashed together by a thread to prevent the possibility of 

 any of the joints withdrawing when in the act of casting. A 

 salmon rod is made in much the same manner, but being 

 double-handed the balance is different, and usually the butt 

 has no quick taper at the handle and is stouter accordingly, 

 as it has a much heavier line to work. Bottom fishing rods 

 are made stouter and shorter than fly rods. Spinning and 



