184 THE IDYL OF THE SPLIT-BAMBOO 



face on the side of the reelseat that corresponds with 

 the line-guides when grasp is jointed to the butt in 

 the position, with relation to rotation, that gives 



Fig. 4 Wood grasp 



the most perfect alignment of grasp and butt-joint. 

 It is a good plan to glue a little piece of leather 

 to this flat surface for the reel-plate to jam against 

 when the reel is seated; a strip of an old hat's sweat- 

 band is just the thing. 



The completed grasp will appear as represented 

 in Fig. 4. A indicates the taper hugging the ferrule- 

 welt, B is a band that largely is ornamental and may 

 be dispensed with, C is the reel-band proper, and D 

 is the butt-cap. 



But when it comes to a real fighting implement, 

 and for continuous, prolonged usage, there is noth- 

 ing in the same class with a solid-cork grasp for 

 the rod not a mere veneer of cork; and to make 

 one of these you may proceed as we now will direct. 



If you purpose making an independent grasp, first 

 you construct a short bamboo-section, not tapering 

 but of the same thickness throughout, and of the 

 proper size, when rounded, to receive snugly the 



