PRACTICAL FLY FISHING 



danger of their breaking with fair play ; indeed, 

 I never remember one breaking, and from their 

 being so much lighter than ash, of which butts 

 are usually made, they may be larger in the 

 handling-part, with less weight. A small butt 

 cramps the ringers in the course of a day's fish- 

 ing. White-pine I cannot recommend, nor 

 beech. 



HOW TO MAKE RODS AT HOME. 



As all anglers are not amateur joiners, it may 

 be well to inform them how they may become 

 possessed of a few good rods at a moderate 

 price. After purchasing a small quantity of the 

 best wood that you can procure, send for a 

 clever joiner (if a young one so much the 

 better), and let him saw up the wood, under 

 your directions, for the length of rods, and the 

 number of pieces they are to consist of ; taking 

 care to have wood enough in them, but at 

 the same time not to cut the middles and 

 tops wastefully. Then order him to splice 

 them with rather long splices, and to see that 

 they are straight. Let every rod in the rough 

 be well glued together, and very firmly bound 

 with sound twine. Put them all in a dry place, 

 and let them remain there a day at least, or 

 until the glue is set. Let your joiner come 

 again, when you can spare time to be with him, 

 and let him bring a plank or thick board, at 

 least the length of your rods, to lay upon his 

 bench. Let him begin at the top, and round 

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