290 SALMON AND SEA TROUT FISHING. 



hollowed and cut out in such a manner as to retain 

 the real actual strength, while much surplus weight 

 is avoided. The flat circular plates are cut away 

 to some approved design, leaving intervening bars 

 to support the axis, or, in other words, crossbars 

 are left to connect the centre with the outside 

 edge (a Roman cross design answers the purpose as 

 well as any). The bobbin, too, may be made with 

 perpendicular sides which may be reduced in fine 

 strips so as not to admit of the line protruding, the 

 revolving plate and flat bar may also be skeletoned 

 in like manner. The centre-fitting winches equally 

 with the side fitting ones are improved by the 

 reduction, and if diminished weight is a desideratum, 

 there cannot be a doubt but that the idea given 

 is an advance in the right direction, and that it 

 is applicable to reels of metal generally. With 

 reference to the rod, we have already alluded to one 

 great change, implying less material and weight 

 for strength, as also a decrease of the length of the 

 salmon rod we refer to the steel centred principle. 

 The old thick butted tool contrasts very badly with 

 the Castle Connel style of rod, but both are improved 

 on by the combination of the fine yet strong metal 

 core in the hardest pliant wood procurable for the 

 purpose, viz.y greenheart. Durability in the first 

 quality of this wood is combined with pliability; 

 this to an extent other woods have failed to equal, 

 when tested in conjunction. Another plan to resort 

 to in order to allow ease in casting moderate distances 

 more especially from a boat, is this : a strong 



