CONCLUDING REMARKS. 445 



score of the fitness of things, but on the score of economy, for 

 more tackle is hopelessly ruined by a lack of proper care, 

 than by the most severe, though judicious, use. 



CARE OF THE ROD. 



The rigid way to "joint up," or put a rod together, is 

 to take the joints, or pieces, from the case, remove the 

 plugs, or stoppers, and put them in the pocket; then attach 

 the reel to the butt, and see that it fits firmly and securely, 

 and will not be likely to work loose ; next wipe the male, 

 or inside ferrules of the joints, to insure their being dry, 

 clean, and bright; then the tip and second piece are to 

 be put .together first,' and the butt last. Be particular in 

 " jointing up," to place the standing guides, or rings, on a 

 straight line with the reel (there are usually small marks 

 or punctures on the male and female ferrules as a guide), 

 and in fitting the joints, do so by inserting the smaller, or 

 male ferrule into the larger, or female ferrule, and push 

 home firmly, but gently, and be very careful to avoid a 

 twisting, or screwing motion, especially with split bamboo 

 rods, for this is not only liable to warp the ferrules, but 

 also to separate the strips of such a rod. After the rod is 

 properly jointed up, place the butt end carefully on the 

 ground, reeve the line through the guides, or rings, and 

 bring it down and tie it to one of the bars of the reel by a 

 single bow-knot, until ready to attach the cast of flies, or 

 the swivel and hook. 



The ivrong way to joint up a rod, and I will describe 

 it as I have seen it done, many times, is to put the butt 

 and secowd piece together first ; then drop the butt end on 

 the ground and shove it to one side, or behind you, and 



