FISHING-RODS. 219 



enough for this purpose. The bend from the last third 

 of the butt piece to the tip forms a true and perfect arch 

 under the strain of a hard-pulling fish, which is the bend 

 so desirable, and so hard to obtain in a fishing-rod. The 

 strain falls equally upon the entire rod, so that it is im- 

 possible for me to tell just where it would l)reak under a 

 sufficient strain. The weak part of an imperfect rod can 

 always be felt by an expert angler, and he knows perfectly 

 well, while playing a fish, just where the rod is weakest, 

 and just where it would fail. 



In giving a description of this rod, I have given the 

 description of what I call a perfect Black Bass minnow 

 rod, and the reader can rely upon it as being correct in 

 principle, and satisfactory in practice. And should he ever 

 become possessed of such a treasure, he will, in the fullness 

 of his heart, be prepared to hold up both hands for me. 



This same style of rod can be procured from any first- 

 class maker, as Conroy, Bissett & Malleson, No. 65 Ful- 

 ton Street, New York ; Charles F. Orvis, of Manchester, 

 Vermont ; or S. W. Goodridge, of Grafton, Vermont, all 

 of whom make excellent rods, from specifications furnished 

 by myself. I have examined and tested rods made by all 

 of them, and know whereof I speak. 



Mr. Orvis informs me that some of his customers 

 ordered rods with the butt extending below the reel 

 clamps a foot or more, so as to reach under the elbow, 

 and thus form a j^oint d'appui. This demand is founded 

 upon laziness, carelessness, or "pure cussedness," which was 

 first induced by using the old-style rods, which were so 

 heavy and long as to require either this support, or, what 

 was worse, the holding of the rod with both hands. 



Now, the object of the modern Black Bass rod is to dis- 



