FisirrxG HODS. 73 



seat is preferred, ^vitll the butt-piece tapering rapidly from 

 it (instead of a gradual taper), ferrules of -^^J of an inch 

 loss diameter niav be euiplovcd, niakinir a rod of ei;:;bt 

 ounces, or with reel-bands, of seven and one half ounces in 

 weight. 



When the butt of the.Henshall rod is constructed of any 

 wood heavier than ash — that is, when the entire rod is made 

 of split bamboo, lancewood, bethabara, or greenheart — the 

 best plan, in order that the weight of the rod may not ex- 

 ceed eight ounces, and that its balance and action be not 

 impaired, is to use a short "handle "' of lighter wood. 



I have always been partial to a butt-piece, including the 

 " grip," being fashioned from a single piece of wood, and 

 with reel-bands instead of a metal reel-seat; and where 

 this is done, with an artistically-fashioned, swelling hand- 

 piece, and with a graceful hollow taper from the reel seat 

 to the rod proper, it presents, to my eye, a certain adap- 

 tive beauty and fitness that I fail to see in the short, stubby 

 handle affixed to many modern rods. However, this is best 

 accomplished with some such light wood as ash, black wal- 

 nut, or red cedar; and where heavier woods, or split-bam- 

 boo, is used for butt-pieces, the short handle of lighter ma- 

 terial, if artistically fashioned, is perhaps the better way in 

 order to preserve the qualities of elasticity and balance. 



The handle comprises the gvip, reel-seat, and from two 

 to four inches above the reel-seat, making a handle of from 

 thirteen to fifteen inches long, into which the butt-piece 

 proper is inserted, the joint being closed by a tapered metal 

 collar or winding check. 



The diameter of the lower end of the butt- piece (where 

 it joins the handle) should not exceed the diameter of the 

 7 



