TACKLE IN GENERAL. 73 



There is a diversity of opinion as to the weight and length 

 of rods for various kinds of fishing ; it is much a matter of 

 fancy. 



The woods in general use are ash for the butt, hickory for 

 the second and third joints, and lance, iron-wood, or bamboo 

 for the tips ; of course they should be well seasoned. 



The best materials for a fly-rod, are ash for the butt, iron- 

 wood for the middle joint, and bamboo for the tip. 



Fly-rods in three pieces are to be preferred, as they require 

 fewer ferules, and distribute the spring of the rod more equally 

 through its whole length. It is better for those who have 

 patience and knack, to join the tip to the middle piece with a 

 neat splice, wrapped with coarse, well-waxed silk, making 

 only one ferule necessary. 



The angler whose park of artillery consists of one piece of 

 ordnance, should possess himself of a general rod with a 

 hollow butt, in which he may keep his tips of various lengths 

 and sizes ; this rod with its variety of pieces, may be put 

 together for trolling, for bait-fishing, and should occasion call 

 for it, may even be used as a fly-rod, although it is a kind of 

 a makeshift. A general rod, if made in pieces of two feet, 

 can be conveniently carried in a travelling trunk ; in joints 

 of this length the ferules should be short, fit well, and with- 

 out the usual wooden sockets. By dispensing with the latter 

 and having the ferules short, the elasticity of the rod is less 

 impaired. 



I shall give my notions of the rods appropriate for differ- 

 ent kinds of fishing, as I describe each fish and the manner 

 of angling for it ; and advise that the best rod should be 

 bought for any or each kind of fishing ; though, let me here 

 say, the most expensive is not always the most suitable. 



The Bow Dipsy. — A friend has lately shown me a Chinese 

 contrivance, which was brought over many years since by an 



