OF TIIK 



UNIVERSITY 



and endeavors to " yank," without m< 

 native element. We do not mean in 

 distinctions of material, to say that each kind of rod may 

 not be manufactured out of the wood spoken of, as ap- 

 propriate to the other ; but we only mention the mate- 

 rials as they are usually applied. 



We prefer the spongy elastic rod, that sends the fly 

 straight out, even directly against the wind, and which 

 controls the line to the very stretcher fly, under all cir- 

 cumstances, and on all occasions. But to use such an 

 implement requires strength, often the entire muscular 

 power of an unusually strong arm. Where two fisher- 

 men are equally skillful, the strongest will invariably 

 cast his fly the farthest. Let there be no mistake about 

 this ; in fly fishing there is not merely an application of 

 delicate manipulation, but often the violent exertion of 

 the utmost strength. It is the combination of the two 

 qualities that wins. A line seventy feet in length is 

 heavy, and the wrist and arm must be vigorous that can 

 lift it from the water and send it out extended to its full 

 length behind the fisherman. The difficulty is not so 

 much in the forward delivery of the line as in recovering 

 it, and the man who can clear the line well behind him, 

 can usually send it out over the water with the help of 

 the wind, that must favor him always to enable him to 

 make a very long; cast. In casting against the wind, the 

 same strength is necessary, but it is expended on a shorter 

 cast, and in overcoming the opposition of the wind 

 while the line is being delivered. 



A limber double action rod casts a line neatly and 

 easily. It is the king of rods for short casts in moderate 

 weather, and with the wind ; but for rough work it will 

 not meet the highest demands. The man of moderate 



