198 BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



the utmost pleasure and satisfaction, and can fully recom- 

 mend it. 



Greenheart is next to lancewood for tips, and for 

 second joints is preferred by many ; it is somewhat heavy, 

 and quite tough and springy. Many rods are made entirely 

 of this wood, and are excellent, too, by the way, but most 

 too heavy for the admirers of light rods. It certainly 

 forms very handsome rods, when nicely polished, and 

 which are capable of good and hard service. In England 

 it is a favorite wood for fly-rods, where, as a rule, much 

 heavier rods are used than in our own country. 



Bethabara, or Wasahba. — This wood was, I believe, 

 introduced several years ago by A. B. Shipley & Son, of 

 Philadelphia, who make a specialty of rods of this hand- 

 some material. It is very dark in color, resembling, some- 

 what, black- walnut in this respect. It is extremely hard 

 and close-grained, almost like bone in density, though it 

 is rather heavy, except for second pieces and tips. Messrs. 

 Shipley say that no other wood can equal it for great 

 strength, toughness, and elasticity. It is susceptible of a 

 beautiful polish, and I know of no other wood that makes 

 so handsome a rod in its natural color. Never having 

 tried a rod of this material, I can not speak of its action, 

 though I am sure, from its inherent qualities, as exhibited 

 in some specimens of the wood which I have examined, 

 that it is eminently serviceable for the smaller joints. I 

 have seen some rods of this material, made by George B. 

 Ellard, of Cincinnati, which have done good service, and 

 are much admired. 



Cedar. — As before stated, red cedar nuikes a perfect rod, 

 except in its lack of toughness or strength. For Trout 

 fly-rods, in the hands of an expert with light rods, it is 



