10 THE ANGLER 



that we may address ourselves before speaking 

 of th punt. 



HODS. 



For ordinary bottom-fishing, when the fish 

 are small, a willow wand will do pretty well ; 

 but, as you progress, you will require a rod of 

 better character. Rods are of various lengths ; 

 and the best are made in pieces, which fit into 

 each other by means of metal rings or joints. 

 A canvas or green baize bag holds the rod when 

 out of use> and you fit the lengths into each 



other at the stream side. A rod of four lengths 

 or pieces will serve for ordinary purposes. 

 When put together it should be straight, and 

 tolerably stiff. If it be too supple, the young 

 angler will not be able to handle it easily. 



Nearly all kinds of angling may be accom- 

 plished with a good bamboo, hazel, or hickory 

 rod, of' three or four joints. The top joints 

 should be of various degrees of flexibility, as a 

 difference is required in bottom-fishing, trolling, 

 and fly-fishing. 



The rod shown in the cut is provided with 

 rings for the running-line and winch, and a 



