VARIETY OF RODS. 9 



top a little stiffer, to be used on emergency for worm or 

 minnow-fishing in the absence of those proper for the 

 occasion. 



For such as can afford it, the built rod is undoubtedly 

 the best and most lasting that is, all the pieces above 

 the butt are composed of three longitudinal slips of 

 wood accurately planed and glued together, and lashed 

 at intervals in a spiral direction with bands of strong 

 silk. Such a rod generally costs from 30s. to 2. 



Eods are now to be had at the tackle-makers of 

 every variety in size and make, suitable for every variety 

 of fish and fishing, from the bamboo cane general " Jack- 

 of-all-trades," as strong and stiff as a flagstaff, to the 

 limber and elegant little toy we occasionally see in the 

 fair hands of some pretty little minx of nineteen, scarce 

 stouter in the top-piece than a stiff bristle ; and from the 

 simple spliced one of two pieces, which, by the by, is 

 undoubtedly the least apt to break, the lightest, and the 

 truest in action of any, were it not its awkwardness to stow 

 away and the trouble of lashing it together through all 

 the different grades, to those of 3, 4, 5, and even 6 or 8 

 joints, to carry in the pocket ; so that the fancy and 

 convenience of the purchaser can be suited in any shape. 

 I admire the action of a three-jointed rod more than a 

 four (and it is certain that the fewer the number of 

 unyielding ferrules there are, the stronger and truer it 

 will be), but the superior portability of the latter induces 

 me to give it the preference. 



