ON RAPID STREAMS. 95 



different parts of rods gives them the arc they 

 assume when bent. Of course, a heavier weight 

 will be required to bend a stiff than a limber rod 

 in any part, and this forms a great difference be- 

 tween stiff and limber rods, that, independently 

 of the greater weight required to bend a stiff rod 

 at all, it forms when bent a different arc from that 

 of the limber. Now, not only is there in rods this 

 distinction to be observed, between the much 

 curved pliant, and the partially and slightly curved 

 stiff, but in many rods which might be called 

 stiff or pliant, the curve commences in different 

 parts ; in some slightly, but continuously from the 

 larger end of the butt to the finer end of the top j 

 in others, a curve can only be seen to commence in 

 the second joint, and this curve may be sudden, 

 gradual, great, or but slight, which varieties will 

 afford totally different characters to the rod. To 

 the former described we shall now more particu- 

 larly have to refer ; to the latter, which are better 

 adapted to small streams, we must allude when in 

 the later months. We are preparing to fish the 

 small streams, and although we may, with ad- 

 vantage, consider the numerous varieties of rods, 

 and attempt to give some little advice on the sub- 

 ject, we must call upon the young piscator to view 

 this portion of his subject in a general light, and 

 attach only a due importance to the selection or 

 purchase of rods, remembering that the good rod 

 is not the essential point for insurance of sport, 

 but only a better means of exhibiting his skillit 

 a matter altogether of personal convenience ; and 



