13 



rings for the line to run through, which, if placed at 

 proper distances, divide the strain equally, keep the 

 line snug, and prevent entanglements. 



Another matter of apparently trifling importance, 

 but really very essential, is, that near the ends of each 

 length of the rod, and being parallel with it, should 

 be a small brass loop or hitcher, tied on with fine 

 binding wire. Before commencing to fish, pass a 

 piece of thread or twist round each two of these 

 loops, and tie the joints firmly together ; this will 

 prevent them from slipping, which is often the cause 

 of losing a good fish or breaking the rod. After the 

 season is over, clean the rod with very fine emery 

 powder, then let it lie in a trough filled with oil for a 

 day or two, and after it has been out of the oil long 

 enough for the surface to get dry, give it a couple of 

 coats of clear carriage varnish, and put it away for 

 the winter. 



Split-cane rods appear to be much on the increase, 

 but they are rather expensive. It may be, perhaps, 

 from having been accustomed for many years to 

 greenheart that I do not take readily to the light, 

 springing motion of cane. This lightness is some- 

 what modified by the use of steel centres, but unless 

 they can be made much cheaper than at present, 

 which I think doubtful, the price will be a great 

 hindrance to their coming into general use. 



There were some splendid rods in the last Sports- 

 men's Exhibition, and the man must be very hard to 

 please who could not find one to his taste there. 

 Among them all, the best I could see for usefulness, 

 at a moderate price, was a little rod called the 

 " Hotspur," built by Messrs. Hardy, of Alnwick. It 



