FISHING-RODS. 233 



an ounce too much, than a half ounce too little; for, 

 like the Winchester repeating rifle when tackling a grizzly, 

 it giv^es one a confidence in his resources which adds ma- 

 tcMally to the zest of his sport. 



In the construction of a Black Bass fly-rod various ma- 

 terials are employed ; the best and handsomest is, of course, 

 section bamboo, but as I have before remarked, it is im- 

 perative to take the greatest care of such rods to preserve 

 their usefulness. By rough usage or careless handling, 

 the lashings are apt to become loosened, the varnish worn 

 off, and the strips to become eventually separated; in which 

 event the rod is worthless, for it soon goes to pieces. 

 With proper care, however, and a due attention to the 

 lashings, and a frequent varnishing of the rod, it will last 

 a prudent angler his life-time. It is a tool, believe me, 

 only to be used by an artiste. 



But for every day fishing, on all sorts of waters, and 

 under all circumstances, in the hands of a careful angler 

 or a rough-and-tumble fisher, a good wooden rod is the 

 best for service and wear, day in and day out ; and, if 

 made of good stuff, its action is not excelled, even by the 

 graceful section bamboo. 



My choice of materials for such a rod is ash and lance- 

 wood, which can not, I think, be excelled for a prime rod. 

 But others may think differently, and prefer greenheart, 

 mahoe, or bethabara, all of which woods are said to pro- 

 duce most satisfactory rods ; and far be it from me to dis- 

 sent from, or acquiesce in, their opinions, without a prac- 

 tical knowledge of the working of such rods, for, as I 

 have before remarked, I have had no personal experience 

 with these woods. 



The fly-rod has the reel-seat at the extreme end of the 



20 



