FLY RODS. 25 



whether it is not a disadvantage to have rods 

 highly varnished; since in the sunshine this 

 reflects the rays of light, and is consequently 

 liable to excite the attention of the keen eye of 

 the fish as he is about to rise to the lure, or 

 perhaps prevent his rising altogether. Often 

 have I detected the presence of a brother sports- 

 man at a pool half a mile off, on a bright day, 

 simply by the flash of his rod, his person being 

 altogether hidden by intervening substances. 

 And I am convinced some advantage would be 



o 



gained by giving to those points more attention. 

 We yield great credit to fish for acuteness in 

 their visional organs in connection with the colour 

 of the flies we use, but are utterly careless in 

 concealing that which ought to be hidden. And 

 it may be, that to the rough unvarnished dullness 

 in the rods of the lower order of fishermen, their 

 frequent advantage over those more curious in 

 their tackle is to be attributed ; " since," as 

 Dennys says, 



" the fishes are affrighted with the least 



Aspect of any glittering thing or white." 



Varnish, or something in the nature of it, is 

 absolutely essential to the preservation of rods, 

 as well as to prevent their being temporarily 

 affected by rain, or damp air ; but it would be 

 an improvement if some less glittering coat were 

 substituted. 



