FLY-ROD FOR TROUT FISHING 27 



wood rod, thereby getting the best quality rod of that 

 particular material, than to pay the same price for a 

 split-bamboo which for the same amount can only be 

 obtained in a poor grade. The fact that solid wood 

 rods of the best quality, and in other grades in pro- 

 portion, are much cheaper than the split-bamboo rods, 

 does not by any means imply that they are essentially 

 " cheap " rods. The making of a split-bamboo rod, 

 requiring as it does for the best rods careful selection 

 of material and the very highest skill in the maker, 

 very naturally results in a comparatively high price* 

 Rods of solid wood are by their very nature easier rods 

 to make, and in most cases satisfactory material is easier 

 to obtain. Rods of any of these materials are heavier 

 for any given length than the split-bamboo rods. 



Of the solid wood rods lancewood rods are the 

 most common. This material is not quite the equal of 

 greenheart. Bethabara is the best. In England, 

 where heavier fly-rods are commonly used, greenheart 

 is the most general rod material, taking precedence 

 over split-bamboo. Bethabara is an excellent material, 

 rods made from it being very handsome, and having 

 in a satisfactory degree the essential rod qualities. 

 The wood is of dark color and takes on a fine natural 

 finish. Selected bethabara is sometimes called noib- 

 wood. Bethabara rods are not very common in the 

 tackle shops although many rods are made from this 

 material by amateurs. Lancewood is the most easily 

 obtainable rod material and has over greenheart and 



