208 Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



make a four-strip split-bamboo tip is not a difficult job, 

 and one even poorly made is better than one of the best 

 laricewood. I strongly advise you to try it if it is pro- 

 posed to make rod-making a standing amusement. In this 

 case it is better to make, say, half a dozen, one right after 

 the other, for if you do botch the first and second, you 

 will by that time have acquired the necessary skill, and 

 will have your hand in, as the saying is. The others will 

 then turn out all right. You w r ill then, too, have a stock 

 of tips available for any rods you may thereafter make. 



For this purpose you will select the butt ends of the 

 Calcutta bamboo, that distinguished from other kinds by 

 the charred markings on its yellow exterior. Many saw 

 their cane into strips, but I believe splitting with an or- 

 dinary table-knife the better method. As you examine 

 the cane, you will notice on opposite sides and at alter- 

 nate joints, depressions where the leaf grew. Through 

 the middle of these your first split should be made, and 

 the cane be thus halved; then quarter it; next, holding 

 each quarter in a vise, remove the remains of the inner 

 divisions (which in the cane separate the joints one from 

 the other) with a mallet and f-inch gouge. 



To save repetition, you are referred to the remarks on 

 making six-strip bamboo rods for such information as I 

 am able to give to aid in the discrimination of fit from 

 unfit material; but it may be remarked that a tip does 

 not absolutely require as good stuff as a butt or middle 

 joint, though of course it should be had, if possible. 



Next split your four quarters into strips about one- 

 half wider than the inner diameter of the cap of your 

 tip ferrule, rejecting the strips in which the eyes left by 

 the leaves occur. Or; if the bamboo is excellent and the 

 distance between the joints considerable, you may cut 



