SPLIT BAMBOO RODMAKING 153 



closely for worm holes, and the dust from 

 them. Cut the pieces at least a foot longer 

 than the finished joint is to be. Split them 

 through the eyes where the leaves grew, for 

 this part is worthless. An old table knife will 

 serve the purpose. This will leave about two- 

 thirds of each cane from which to make selec- 

 tions. Split up enough to give you six good 

 pieces, and 'plane two sides of each strip, leav- 

 ing it nearly square in section. Keep in mind 

 the fact that the rind or enamel is not to be 

 touched with any tool. In squaring up the 

 strips approximate the taper of each one, but 

 otherwise do not disturb the pith side. 



Examine each strip carefully for worm 

 holes, and if there is the slightest indication 

 of these in it, break it up and thus avoid any 

 possibility of its being used. Worm-eaten bam- 

 boo is the bane of the rodmaker. 



File the knots slightly and lay the strips side 

 by side, rind up. Now note the burns again, 

 and if any of them char the enamel, reject that 

 strip and try another one. Next try the strips 

 which contain the leaf eyes, bending them in 

 every direction and noting the arch as well as 

 their inclination to set. If they will not spring 

 back straight, particularly when the rind is on 

 the convex side of the curve, they may not be 



