Rods and Rod Material. 173 



resembles black-walnut indeed it might well be mis- 

 taken for that wood by a cabinet-maker. But when var- 

 nished and rubbed down, faint narrow lines transverse 

 to the length appear, such as sometimes may be seen on 

 fine violin bows, giving the wood a beautiful appearance 

 and distinguishing it at once from black-walnut. Next 

 to cedar it is the lightest generally known rod material, 

 and requires ferrules of like size. The general complaint 

 against it may be formulated thus: if you can get a joint 

 of mahoe that will stand, you have a fine thing, but its 

 strength is very uncertain, and only to be determined in 

 the field. This criticism we think hardly fair. If the 

 grain is perfectly straight, a good firm pressure in each 

 of the four directions when the joint is tapered and in 

 the square, will disclose its strength or lack of strength. 

 Protecting myself by this precaution, I have used mahoe 

 with great satisfaction and without accident, both in the 

 streams of the Middle States and in the heavier fishing 

 of Maine. Though certainly far stronger than cedar, still 

 the best of it has not the strength of good ash or lance- 

 wood of like dimensions ; but this is, in a measure at 

 least, made good by the larger diameter which the rod 

 may and should receive. 



Its virtues are an attractive appearance, promptness 

 of action, lightness, and indifference to moisture. Those 

 who so laud the action of a cedar rod should be pleased 

 with that of mahoe, since the resemblance of the two in 

 this respect is so marked that many place them on an 

 equal footing. 



Tips should be of lancewood, or, better still, split- 

 bamboo. 



