50 ANGLER'S TACKLE AND EQUIPMENT. 



tough and consistent,, consequently more apt to break, 

 or split. 



I am of opinion that Memel fir although not gene- 

 rally used in rod-making, is an excellent substi- 

 tute for ash, in the construction of the solid butt- 

 piece for a small salmon or grilse-rod. It has the 

 advantage over it, in respect of lightness, while, if judi- 

 ciously selected, there can be no question as to its 

 strength and durability. I have used it for many 

 years, in preference to any other wood, and find that 

 it stands the test thoroughly. Indeed, with regard to 

 two rods manufactured by Mr. Forrest, of Kelso, un- 

 der my own directions, some years ago, the butt-pieces 

 of which are made of the wood in question, I can safely 

 affirm that they have stood the test of rough and fre- 

 quent usage better than any fishing-rods I ever had in 

 my possession ; and that still, although I have killed 

 with each of them scores of pike and salmon, as well as 

 creel-loads of river-trout, the lower lengths are sound 

 and trustworthy as ever. 



Hickory-wood, on account of its heaviness, is sel- 

 dom employed in the construction of butt-pieces : but 

 the middle divisions of the generality of fishing-rods 

 are made of it. Of hickory there are several kinds ; 

 the most serviceable of which, for the purpose of rod- 

 making, is the red. White hickory, however, is a 

 tougher and more durable material, only it warps when 

 cut up into lengths. Hickory-wood is brought prin- 

 cipally from North America, in billets of the thickness 

 of a man's leg and upwards. 



Lance-wood is closer grained and somewhat heavier 

 than hickory. It is a native of Cuba and other West 

 India islands. For top-pieces, it is reckoned invalu- 

 able, possessing a spring and consistency, together with 



