8 FISHING TACKLE 



on the rods at a high tension, thus imparting strength, 

 backbone and stiffening qualities. The more severe 

 the strain or bend put on the rod the greater will be 

 the resisting power of the ribbing, and therefore, as 

 a preventive of -overstrained joints, ribbing has no 

 equal, while for weakened and old rods it imparts a 

 new lease of life. This opinion has been endorsed by 

 such eminent authorities as Mr. R. B. Marston, Mr. 

 J. E. Pritt, the late Mr. A. Jardine, Mr. J. T. Emery 

 and many others. The process was introduced and 

 patented by Messrs. Foster Brothers, of Ashbourne, 

 several years ago, and they alone undertake the 

 work. 



Roach and bottom fishers usually prefer light reed 

 canes, which are made up in rods varying from 9 to 

 20 feet roach poles. 



From the point of view of cost, there is con- 

 siderable advantage to be derived from the use of 

 whole cane rods, which are less expensive as a rule 

 than greenheart or built cane. 



Light cane sea rods with greenheart tops are great 

 favourites for pier fishing, though for casting from 

 rocks an East India cane rod with a nicely-tapered 

 East India cane top cannot, in the writer's opinion, be 

 improved upon. Practically all pike rods are con- 

 structed of whole cane with greenheart tops. 



Among other woods put to the use of rod building, 

 hickory stands pre-eminent. Selected growths are 

 strong and not unduly heavy, and they very seldom 

 break, but hickory is not so stiff when finely tapered, 

 as greenheart, and is unsuitable for fly tops. Great 

 care is required in its selection. Only white hickory, 

 sun dried, dead stiff, and straight grained should be 

 used. For any of the thicker butts, joints or very 



