30 THE IDYL OF THE SPLIT-BAMBOO 



days which debar actual but not anticipatory enjoy- 

 ment of limpid lakes, quiet woodland trails, inspiring 

 mountain heights, merry brooks, and companionable 

 little rivers. 



After experiencing for many years the pleasures 

 to be derived from the possession of this handi- 

 craft, and having gained from that experience, in- 

 cluding conference with brother anglers addicted to 

 the same avocation, the most vital parts of what he 

 knows about the subject, it becomes an added pleas- 

 ure for the writer to pass the knowledge along to 

 yet other Waltonians, who hitherto have missed 

 this culminating enjoyment of their favorite sport. 

 Thus, as truly as did " Piscator " in the writing of 

 his immortal pastoral, the present author likewise 

 has "made a recreation of a recreation"; and too 

 has endeavored, despite its technical character, to 

 have his text " not to read dully and tediously." 



The reader is assured at the outset that by care- 

 ful attention to and the following out of the very ex- 

 plicit directions contained in the chapters immedi- 

 ately following, he can construct not merely a pass- 

 ably-good split-bamboo rod, but a high-grade article 

 that any expert angler would be glad to own a 

 rod that will have balance, action, finish, and dis- 

 tinction, and the possession of which will give infinite 

 satisfaction to its creator. Admittedly, the process 

 involves some manipulations of delicacy but none of 

 discouraging difficulty, as all there is to it may be 



