66 



released when desired. The telescopic part is quite free to slide in and out 

 for the whole length between the top and a conical brass ferrule at the bottom 

 which wedges in a brass collar at the top of the case when the gaff is extended, 

 and so prevents its rotation whilst in use. The case is made of Bamboo, and 

 the telescopic Rod of Lancewood ; all the steel parts are nickel plated. 



Mr. Basil Field tells me that the gaff and protector work 

 capitally in practice, and that for years he has had one in actual 

 use, which is still as good as new, and has never got out of order, 

 although it has gaffed some hundreds of fish. 



FLY RODS. 



I pass on to Rods. And here I feel that I am getting on to 

 very ticklish ground and must ' walk warily.' Most tackle makers 

 are either the patentees, agents for, or vendors of some special 

 description of fly-rod, either for trout or salmon or both ; whilst 

 on the other hand nearly every fisherman has his own pet wand, 

 unique in proportion, exceptional in wood, unapproachable in 

 balance, which he swears by, and will hear of no other ! . . Con- 

 sequently it is of little practical use to write about or recommend 

 particular forms or special descriptions of rods ; makers and users 

 alike turn a deaf ear to the voice of the charmer charm he never 

 so wisely. Accordingly my remarks on rods rods themselves, 

 apart from their fittings, that is will be few, and, for the most part, 

 general. The fittings i.e., the joints, reel-attachments, rings, 

 and so forth are more ' open ' subjects, and on them I shall have 

 something to say, which may, I hope, have a better chance of 

 being at least given a hearing. 



But first as regards the rods themselves. 



Everyone knows that the latest fashion is split-cane ; and, it 

 might be added, " a very pretty fashion too." Indeed, it cannot be 

 gainsaid that split-cane rods are in many cases masterpieces of 

 mechanical skill, as to the way in which they are built up and 

 put together ; a perfection of workmanship which, whether we are 

 amongst their advocates or their opponents in the field, must com- 

 mand a high meed of admiration. 



