436 Book of the Black Bass. 



dered 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 sepa- 

 rated, 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 taken apart 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 ease, 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 

 be kept in a cool room, of uniform temperature, and never 

 in a room heated by a furnace or a stove. A dry atmo- 

 sphere will cause the joints to shrink, and the ferrules to 

 become loose, while a damp, or constantly changing atmo- 

 sphere will cause them to twist and warp. The wrappings 

 of the guides, rings, or hand-piece should be frequently 

 looked to, when in use, and the rod should be varnished 

 once or twice during the season. Coach varnish is good, 



