40 



This length will not debar the rod's being bid along the 

 back of a coach-seat. But there are other rods made more 

 compact, being in jrints, each about two feet in length, 

 thus forming a thick short bundle, which on occasion proves 

 extremely convenient, especially for packing in a box. 



The ordinary top of a bottom-rod s-hould be moderately 

 supple, and strong enough to bear a weight of nearly 

 three pounds appended to the hook. But there should be, 

 besides, a spare top, of about two-thirds the length of that 

 described, which being intended for trolling for trout, 

 jacks, &:c. must be firm, and not very pliant 5 it should 

 bear a weight of four pounds. 



In dipping and trotting, you will occasionally find the 

 wire loop at the top of your rod rather weak : many use 

 a metal ferril, which*, being made very light, fits on to a 

 epare top-joint, very short and stiff 5 it is ri vetted on, so as 

 to remain firm. On its tip, a small metal plate is set on- 

 at right angles, playing round the tip as on a pivot, or, if 

 you please, fixed hard down. This plate projects to the 

 side about half an inch, and is perforated to the size of a 

 small pea, serving as a fixed ring, and being very substantial. 



The 3d Fig. in Plate II. will give a full idea of this 

 kind of tip. I used one for several years, and found it 

 answer every purpose ; besides that, it cut and chafed my 

 line far less than the wire tip. On the other hand, it is 

 rather more likely to get a turn of the line round k, there- 

 fore requires some additional caution in its use. 



Such a rod will seldom fail to strike true, and to bear 

 any fish that may be hooked, provided it be kept straight, 

 and that the rest of the tackle be appropriately strong. 



It is necessary to point out in this place, that a rod 

 should always be put .into the canvas bag after use, 



