42 ANGLER'S EQUIPMENT. 



remain so ; and unless the angler notice it, the 

 first fish will break his line. 



When treating of the different branches of ang- 

 ling, we will mention the size and description of 

 rod most suitable for each ; but the size of rod we 

 have advocated for fly-fishing is so much shorter 

 than usual, that it may with great propriety be 

 objected to, as being unsuitable for any other kind 

 of fishing. To obviate this as much as possible, 

 we have a joint made in our fly-rod about a foot 

 from the butt-end, and carry with us a spare butt 

 of about four feet in length. This can be attached 

 to the basket without the angler suffering the least 

 inconvenience, or may be made with joints, which 

 will render it more portable. When wishing to 

 change from fly to bait, we take off the short butt 

 and put on the long one, and have then a rod 

 suitable for any purpose. 



To keep a rod in good order, and render it im- 

 pervious to wet, it should be varnished occasionally. 

 If any part of it is made of bamboo, this should be 

 done every three or four times it is used, as the 

 varnish will not adhere to the skin of the cane, 

 but cracks off in casting. For this purpose spirit 

 varnish is generally used, which may be had of 

 any fishing-tackle maker or druggist, and should 

 be applied with a brush. 



Reels. The best reels are those made of brass, 

 and with a plain wheel. Some anglers prefer the 

 multiplier, because it rolls up the line more quickly, 



