Rod-making. 



231 



per cent, of the fly-rods in use were furnished with 

 dowelled ferrules. Though now, in 1900, the great 

 majority of fly-rods have simple ferrules, I am not sat- 

 isfied. I would see every fly-rod so made. 



ADC B 



Fig. 41. Dowelled Ferrule : A, end of middle joint; B, end of tip ; C, dowel ; 

 Z>, its socket 



Fig. 42. Simple Ferrule. 



You will at once perceive the simplicity of the one, 

 and the complexity of the other construction. Properly 

 to make and adjust the dowels and their sockets without 

 the use of a lathe, requires more skill and care than to 

 make a split-bamboo tip. Special tools, at least a special 

 reamer for each sized dowel, is absolutely necessary to 

 form each corresponding socket tools altogether dis- 

 pensed with if the simple ferrule is used. Unless, there- 

 fore, the dowelled ferrule offer very decided advantages 

 over the simple ferrule unless it is practically impossi- 

 ble to make a good serviceable rod without the dowelled 

 ferrule, your choice has already been made, and I have 

 your verdict. 



But not only do I hope to show that a rod, at least as 

 good in every respect, can be made with the simple 

 ferrule; but that the dowel is a useless, a mistaken, and 

 a disadvantageous construction injurious alike to the 

 action and to the endurance of the rod. Therefore, to all 

 of the great brotherhood of anglers who may favor me 



