SALMON FISHING. 163 
possesses a valuable principle of its own, but carried 
to a mischievous excess in the two extreme types 
I have referred to. In a Salmon-rod power is pre- 
eminently necessary, and greenhart gives it. Light- 
ness is another essential element, and the old- 
fashioned evenly-tapered hickory rod admirably fulfils 
the condition. 
At most London tackle makers, however, and at many 
of the best provincial makers also, a rod may now be 
obtained which combines in the greatest attainable per- 
fection both of these qualifications. In these rods the 
upper joints are made of greenhart and the butts com- 
monly of ash ; and without being so swishy as the pattern 
which finds favour at Castle Connel and generally 
throughout Ireland, they have pliancy enough to be 
pleasant handling, as well as stiffness sufficient for hard 
practical work. When properly proportioned they are 
quite free from top-heaviness, and yet will strike and 
“double up” a fish fast enough to please the veriest 
butcher, whilst possessing that perfect graduated play 
from butt to point which connoisseurs delight in. These 
rods are generally made in three joints, with ferrules, 
and vary in length from 17 to 21 or 22 feet. I append 
the measurements of a rod of my own made on this 
principle, which has been admired by some good Salmon- 
fishers :— 
