FITTINGS FOR THE FLY-ROD 39 



factory, as this color is less liable to fade badly than 



some others. A very pale green is also 



^ " a good color. Plain windings are to be 



preferred to two-color windings since they are easier 



to renew. Rods are made " solid-wound," that is, the 



entire rod is wound with silk; they are not, however, 



a success, being too soft. Avoid any freak or fancy 



windings. The very best fly-rods are " as plain as an 



old shoe." 



Recapitulation. 



Aside from the question of weight and length the 

 rod specifications should be about as follows: 



Material: Six-strip split-bamboo. 



Number of joints: Three. Optional, but not ad- 

 vised except for extraordinary occasions the tourist 

 rod, the trunk rod, the combination rod. 



Ferrules: German silver; waterproof; capped; ser- 

 rated; welted. 



Handgrasp: Solid cork. Next best, cane-wound. 



Reel-seat: German silver; below grip. 



Guides: Snake guides preferably of steel, other- 

 wise German silver. Optional, agate hand- and top- 

 guides. 



Windings : Plain red or green silk. 



