CONCLUDING REMARKS. . 447 



hook, reel the line dn the spool slowly I say slowly, for 

 I have seen the tip of a rod snapped off while the wet 

 line was being reeled rapidly, or in a hurry, by its catch- 

 ing in one of the rings, or clinging in a coil around the 

 tip. The reel is next to be unshipped, and the rod wiped 

 perfectly dry; all sand, dirt, or fish-scales must be care- 

 fully rubbed off, and especially must the ferrules be 

 rendered clean and bright, to prevent any foreign substance 

 getting into them when the rod is being unjointed, for the 

 smallest particle of grit or sand may spoil the fitting of the 

 rod. The rod must now be taken apart in the reverse 

 order in which it was put together; the butt first, and the 

 smaller joints last ; in unjointing, pull the joints apart by 

 using gentle and steady force, in a straight line, with the 

 hands close to the ferrules, when they will separate read- 

 ily. Be particular about this, for I have seen an angler 

 with the joint against his breast, his hands widely separa- 

 ted, pulling on the two pieces in a curved line, as if he 

 would bend the rod around his body, which proceeding 

 had a greater tendency to strain and warp the ferrules than 

 to separate them. 



Having separated the joints of the rod, the plugs are 

 next to be inserted, and the reel unshipped. Examine 

 each joint, or piece, and if bent, or warped, straighten it 

 carefully, and place them in the case, large end down; in 

 tying the case, tie it loosely, otherwise you may bend the 

 small joints. Never put your rod away in a damp case ; 

 should it be wet, dry it thoroughly after reaching home. 



When the rod is put together, never stand it in a corner, 

 or lean it with the tip resting against any thing ; better 

 lay it down flat. In putting a rod away after the season, 

 it should be laid on a shelf, or in a flat box. It should 



