32 ANGLING. 



but-end should rather exceed an inch in diameter, 

 and the shoots for stocks, middle-pieces, and tops, 

 should be as free from knots as possible. The tops 

 are made from the best rush ground shoots. All 

 these pieces should be kept free from moisture till 

 the ensuing autumn, when such as are required to 

 form a rod are selected ; and, after being warmed 

 over a gentle fire, they are set as straight as pos- 

 sible, and laid aside for several days. They are 

 then rubbed over, by means of a piece of flannel, 

 with linseed oil, which produces a polish, and brings 

 off the superfluous bark : they are then bound tight 

 to a straight pole, and kept till next spring, by 

 which time they will be seasoned for use. They 

 are then matched together in due proportions, in 

 two, three, or more parts, according to the desired 

 length, or the opinion of the maker as to the num- 

 ber of pieces of which a rod should be composed. 

 A well-constructed spliced rod of no more than two 

 pieces, casts a line with fully as much force, neat- 

 ness, and accuracy as any other ; but it is incon- 

 venient to a traveller, or to any one whose dwelling 

 is not upon the water side. If the pieces are not 

 ferruled, they must be spliced so as to join each 

 other with great exactness. The principal object 

 to be kept in view in the formation of rods in 

 general is, that they should taper gradually and 

 bend regularly. A frequent defect is their bending 

 too much in the middle, owing to that part not 

 being sufficiently strong. 



We have said that the length of a rod is rather 

 a matter of taste than of established rule. It must, 



