228 



BOOK OF THE BLACK BASS. 



more than a half-dozen turns on the end of the tip, and place the 

 lashings about a half-inch ajmrt, increasing the number of turns and 

 the distance apart, so that at the butt of the rod the lashings are an 

 eighth of an inch wide and one inch apart. 



When the lashings, guides, reel-bands, butt-cap, etc., are all on, I 

 give the rod its first coat of varnish, putting it on very thin and 

 evenly; it is quite an art to varnish well. I give the rod at least 

 four coats, each as thin as T can spread it, and each well dried before 

 the next is put on. I do not use shellac, but varnish of the best 

 gum. 



I have, at some length, thus described my method of making a 

 split bamboo rod, as taught me by Mr. Green. There are several 

 other ways of doing it, and it must be understood that this is amateur 

 work. A circular saw is a great help, and indispensable to those 

 who make rods to sell. 



Details of Split Bamboo Eod. 



(Conroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 



Cut No. 1 shows a transverse section of the cane, and the dotted lines where 

 a piece is split out. It is then planed down to the white line, leaving only the 

 hard enamel. 



No. 2 shows the strips ready for cementing. 



Split Bamboo Fly-Rod. 



(Conroy, Bissett & Malleson.) 



