200 Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



A piece of the wood 1.45 inches broad, 1.75 inches 

 deep, and twenty-eight inches between supports "broke 

 at 1675 pounds, with a deflection of 0.85 inches. Con- 

 tinued to break, and at the last break the total deflection 

 was six inches. A remarkably tough wood." 



Since writing the above, through the kindness of Mr. 

 Charles Mallory, of the Mallory Steamship Line, I have 

 received specimens of the Jucaro Prieto and the Dagame 

 from Cuba. They were in the form of two timbers, each 

 thirteen inches wide, five inches thick, and nearly six feet 

 long. The Jucaro Prieto resembled black- walnut in color 

 and greenheart in density. It was free from knots and 

 straight in the grain. Though sufficiently strong, it was 

 not, and is not yet, elastic enough to warrant its recom- 

 mendation for rod-making. It does not, however, appear 

 to be thoroughly seasoned, so the future may possibly 

 develop merits not now apparent. 



So greatly may different samples of the same wood 

 vary in elasticity, that it is premature to condemn a 

 material altogether because a single specimen may be 

 defective. This, however, is the exception that makes 

 the rule, " that it is a poor rule that don't work both 

 ways;" for it is quite proper to recommend a wood, one 

 specimen of which is excellent, since it is certain that 

 others of equal merit can be had, and probably with but 

 little difficulty. 



The Dagame, when sawn into sticks, resembled lance- 

 wood so closely in grain and color as to make it difficult 

 to distinguish between them. It seems, however, inclined 

 to take on a browner shade from exposure to the air, so 

 that it is probable this resemblance will diminish with 

 time. The grain was very straight, altogether free from 

 knots, especially those small knots sometimes called 



