THE FLY ROD 25 



iceability, and all-round desirability. But while 

 no experienced fly-caster would, I believe, take 

 exception to the above, it still remains to be 

 said that if economy is, indeed, an object and 

 that it is may usually be taken for granted a 

 very good rod, quite satisfactory in action, 

 hang, and general construction, may be ob- 

 tained for half the above amount plus some lit- 

 tle discretion in its purchase. Wherefore, for 

 the benefit of the sportsman who is willing to 

 grant that only the best of tools are suited to 

 the purpose of the fly-caster, and particularly to 

 the work of the dry fly man, but who, neverthe- 

 less, wishes to obtain his outfit with the least 

 expenditure commensurate with real efficiency 

 in the equipment, it would seem desirable to de- 

 scribe briefly the characteristics of a first-class 

 fly-rod. 



To the question, Exactly what constitutes 

 a really efficient and satisfactory rod for dry 

 fly-fishing? ninety-nine out of one hundred ex- 

 pert and experienced fly-fishermen men who 

 have been through the mill, and so far as the rod 

 is concerned, passed the experimental stage of 

 the game would, I believe, answer at once, 

 with the utmost confidence, practically as fol- 

 lows : A rod constructed by hand, by an expe- 

 rienced rod-maker, of thoroughly seasoned and 



