Rods and Rod Material. 167 



strength of a piece of pine -wood, and yet present a 

 perfect exterior. The spring and balance of the rod 

 may of course be readily tried, until one is found which 

 suits. But as to the strength of material you are com- 

 pletely at the mercy of the maker. Therefore, in buy- 

 ing a rod of this description go only to a well-known 

 maker, or his agent; for both have a reputation to main- 

 tain, and will be glad to make good any defect in ma- 

 terial. Also, if you do not mind the extra expense, you 

 will do well to have two, instead of a single middle joint, 

 for this part of the rod is most in danger. 



There is still another objection to bamboo rods. If 

 the butt or middle joint is broken, except quite close to 

 the ferrules, the break cannot be spliced so as to stand, 

 and the usefulness of that joint is at an end. 



Hexagonal split bamboo rods are now made in quan- 

 tity which wholesale as low as a dollar and sixty cents 

 apiece. In external appearance they are not at all bad, 

 and not infrequently their action is very fair. To produce 

 such a rod of such a material at such a price, it is obvious 

 that the most rigid economy in manufacture must be prac- 

 tised. Selection of material would seem to be impossible. 

 No waste can be permitted. All the cane purchased 

 good, bad, and indifferent alike must go through the ma- 

 chine. While good bamboo may be the best, poor bamboo 

 is certainly the worst of rod materials. While it cannot be 

 said that it is absolutely impossible occasionally to find a 

 serviceable rod among the many so produced, the doctrine 

 of probabilities indicates that the chance is very remote. 

 It is not absolutely impossible for the owner of a single 

 ticket to capture the principal prize in a grand lottery, 

 but his prospects of so doing are by no means brilliant. 



/ repeat, only those whose time is their own and whose 



