APPENDIX ON FISUING-TACKLE. 325 



admirably adapted for the use of an angler whose residence is near his 

 diversion, but awkward companions if to be carried any distance." 



The SPLIT-CANE or glued-up rod is difficult to make well, and very 

 expensive ; it is made of three pieces of split cane (which some say 

 should have the bark inside, some outside, nicely rounded), and is 

 said to have the advantage of not warping through wet. But improve- 

 ments in salmon and trout rods are constantly in the mind of the manu- 

 facturers, and whilst we are writing, we learn that a "green-heart 

 wood " is assumed to be superior even to hickory in its spring and 

 lightness, and in maintaining its straightness. But more experience 

 will be necessary to determine its qualities. 



Besides all these rods, there are many others made of hazel or 

 bamboo, at very low prices, which answer well enough for common 

 purposes. Two-jointed hazel, with tin ferrules, are sold as low as 6d., 

 and four-jointed ditto, ringed for trolling, for 5s. 



The Jointings of Fly Rods in general have occupied the attention 

 of many, and numerous inventions have appeared. Every fly rod, 

 except the spliced, should be ferruled ; otherwise the joints expanded 

 by damp, will swell so as to be difficult to separate, and shrink in dry 

 weather so as to part company. The best fly rods are now manufac- 

 tured with a brass ferrule and cappings entire, each of which is received 

 into a complete socket of brass, accurately let into the receiving joint. 

 To any other kind a powerful salmon or a heavy trout will be very 

 likely to cause mischief. Tongue fittings, says Ephemera, are the best 

 for all fly rods, and will not work out of place if made to fit exactly. 



Screwed Joints are said to be a more certain security against the pieces 

 of the rod loosening from each other, and are very generally applied 

 to Irish and Scotch salmon rods, but they are heavy, and liable to get 

 out of order. After a little use, they are apt to screw beyond the mark, 

 and carry the rings out of a straight line. They are used chiefly in 

 Ireland to very heavy rods. 



The Bayonet-Joint has the merits of readiness, simplicity, and dura- 

 bility. It obviates the alleged inconveniences of the screw-joints, which 

 are not so quickly put together, and it appears to present equal security. 

 In this method the upper joints are brassed throughout, the lower ones 

 socketed with brass, and the collar of the ferrule bridged to admit the 

 pin of the joint under it, which by a turn of the piece becomes locked. 

 We are told, however, that the joints are apt to loosen and rattle after 

 a little wear. 



All the different makers of rods have their partisans. In the English 

 metropolis, where every manufacture is carried to great perfection, 

 there is certainly an assortment of Rods for bottom-fishing unequalled 

 perhaps in the world ; and the same may be said of trolling and spin- 

 ning rods. The practice of fly-fishing, whether for trout or salmon, 

 has become so prevalent of late years amongst persons residing in 

 London and its vicinity, that fly rods and flies are made there with 

 greater care and finish, and as well, if not better, than anywhere else 

 in the empire. The best workmen in the provinces have come to 

 London, and the consequence is, that Scotch and Irish fly-tackle has 

 lost much of its ancient prestige. 



