THE SPLIT BAMBOO FLY-HODS. 335 



bamboo fly-rods are finished, and one of the clerks 

 is ordered to produce them for inspection. Gently, 

 handle them gently, for never did fair woman merit 

 kind treatment more than these treasures at the hand 

 of one who knows their use and value. Each one is 

 put together, each joint fits as close as the cylinder 

 of a steam-engine, and turn them as you will no warp 

 or cast can be seen ; twelve feet long is each, not 

 over six ounces in weight, and a four-pound trout, if 

 drawn out by the hair of his head, would not break 

 them. 



Their balance on examination proves perfect, and the 

 only regret that creeps over me is, that I have not a 

 cast of flies on, and am situated by the margin of a well- 

 stocked stream. Yes ! they are worthy of the friends 

 for whom they are intended, and more than worthy of 

 all I have said in their praise. But to lunch No. 2 

 I must go ; the Doctor is impatient, and I wish to learn 

 a new wrinkle in taking salmon. Before I get out of 

 the door, however, I am asked if I would not like to 

 see another floor, " Another floor ! " I internally ejacu- 

 lated; "no, I thank you," sotto voce. By Jemminy, 

 if I did, I should dream of fish and fishing, hooks, 

 feathers and gut, every night for the rest of the 

 week. If any of my readers chance to be in New 

 York, rain or sunshine, frost or thaw, if they be dis- 



