186 FISHING IN EDEN 



specially named standardised rods, and order it by 

 post, or over the counter. 



It is, however, much easier to order what is wanted 

 than to get it. The best method really is to " find " 

 your right rod. Study the catalogued specifica- 

 tions, then go and actually handle the particular 

 kinds you think ought to suit you, not in the shop 

 but outside, and with a reel and line on them. 



Patience is indeed a great virtue in the matter 

 of rod choosing. Its exercise will often save a deal 

 of unnecessary expense. Nearly all seasoned 

 fishermen will tell you that they spent a lot of money 

 before they discovered their " answering " fly rod. 

 The number of discarded, expensive rods hanging 

 in fishermen's cupboards must be legion. These 

 do not quite suit their owners, but might exactly 

 suit someone else. Suitable rods are sometimes 

 luckily picked up on this account. It is very 

 much the same with golf clubs; the prizes are 

 generally picked up at odd times, and seldom by 

 ordering. 



True rod rhythm goes with the individual. The 

 right rod can be used without apparent effort. I 

 am simply speaking from experience, and have no 

 desire to make any positive assertions in connection 

 with what must always be, to a large extent, a matter 

 of personal feeling. Subject to this proviso I 



