6 THE DRY-FLY MAN'S HANDBOOK 

 instead of its working loose. My objection to this 

 plan is that every keeper or friend attempting to 

 put up or take down the rod will, in all proba- 

 bility, ruin the screw by trying to work it right- 

 handed. 



I discussed the question with Mr. J. J. Hardy, and 

 the following paragraphs in his own words will 

 describe the result : — 



" Joints can hardly work loose unless they can 

 twist. It would appear, there- 

 Hardy's new ferrule. fore, that some kind of a stop 



connecting the two parts (i.e. 

 male and female) is essential. The lever carrying the 

 peg passing through both joints does this, and so does 

 the 'Lloyd' joint, but I am of opinion that the arrange- 

 ment of the hole in the former is not good, as it is liable 

 to weaken the ferrule. Suction joints are good so long 

 as they are perfect-fitting, but the frequent putting 

 together and taking apart naturally wears the surfaces, 

 and they become liable to throw out. Whatever 

 form of joint is used it must be quite simple, strong, 

 and capable of being turned when taking apart." 



"The latest form which I have tested, and of which 

 I think very highly, is one which Messrs. Hardy have 

 provisionally patented and consists in the groundwork 

 of the arrangement being an ordinary suction joint, 

 supplemented by a locking arrangement which holds 

 the two parts firmly together, so that they cannot pos- 

 sibly' be pulled or thrown apart without first drawing 

 back the locking- ringr." 



