io FISHING TACKLE 



time, such as that introduced by Mr. W. Baden-Powell 

 of fixing the butt end in a vice or holder and then 

 putting the rod through various tests by fixing 

 weights at the end, with the rod at different angles. 

 But this method again fails, because the true test of 

 the rod is when in action in the hand. Rod-gauges 

 have also met with indifferent success, and attempts 

 have been made to formulate a definite taper for 

 certain classes of rods. 



Some very interesting experiments were carried out 

 this year by Mr. H. G. Baker to calculate the stresses 

 on the section at each foot of the length and to chart 

 these out in relation to the diameters. This would 

 show the bending curve of the rod and indicate its 

 weakness or strength. Over twenty rods were tested 

 in the first batch, and as a result of these experiments 

 as far as they went, there were found so many un- 

 known factors, especially in the case of cane which is 

 homogeneous, that it is impossible to lay down any 

 fixed or definite shape fora rod for any given purpose. 

 No two lengths of wood or cane are exactly alike, 

 and therefore the manufacture of the ideal rod largely 

 depends on the skill of the builder, and machine built 

 and standardised '.rods can therefore never be a 

 success. 



It is only safe to generalise, but in the choice of 

 the ideal rod the following attributes should be 

 sought : It should have ample power. A weak- 

 backed one, or, as a wag aptly put it, " a rod like a 

 yard of pump water," is useless for all practical 

 purposes. A fishing rod should combine strength, 

 lightness and casting power. The weight should be 

 gauged by the lightness or feel of the rod in the 

 hand rather than in the scale. It must be stiff enough 



