VARIOUS RODS AND MAKERS. 117 



should be in constant ratio to the taper, that is, to the strength 

 of the rod when well built. 



This does not infer that the pliancy should increase in a 

 regular ratio as regards the distance from the butt. 



When testing a rod by switching it backward and forward 

 in a horizontal direction, careful attention should be given to the 

 bend of the rod as it moves from side to side, and by comparing 

 the action of various rods a good selection can be made. 



VARIOUS RODS AND MAKERS. 



In all cases I should advise the reader, when buying a 

 rod, to try three or more of each particular sort before 

 making his final selection, for although all rods of any well- 

 known make are as nearly alike as is possible to make 

 them, still no two rods are exactly similar each having 

 its own particular points of merit or demerit. Do not, 

 therefore, condemn a particular make of rod because one does 

 not happen to suit you, and, on the other hand, do not purchase 

 any rod before carefully trying its balance and action.* 



I think that the great success of Messrs. Hardy 

 Brothers of late years entitles them to take precedence 

 when dealing with the subject of split-cane trout rods. 

 Indeed, it is hardly necessary for me to draw attention to 

 their very many good points, as nearly every description of 

 rod can be obtained from them. I owe my success at the 



* It must be obvious that I can only speak from rods which I have myself tried and which 



have been carefully selected. 



