FLY FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 149 



into the most artistic and scientific branch of angling, 

 the length of the fly-rod has diminished by more than 

 one-half. Notwithstanding this diminution of size, and 

 we may also add of weight, the casting powers of the 

 rodster have been so much augmented, that almost dou- 

 ble the distance may now be neatly covered by the adult 

 adept than was effected with the unwieldy weapons of 

 our forefathers.* The propelling power of the fly-rod 

 depends largely upon the material of which it is con- 

 structed, f The fine-grained woods of the tropics exceed 

 our own in point of strength, durability, and weight- 

 sustaining powers. 



The following are the materials and dimensions of a 

 really serviceable fly-rod for small stream fishing: Three 

 joints or parts, each three feet six inches, the butt to 

 consist of hickory or washaba, the middle joint of best 

 washaba, greenheart, or blue mahoo, the top of snake- 

 wood, or best jungle cane, the whole being ten feet six 

 inches. The ferrule at the top of the butt should be 

 6 / ]r th of an inch inside; the one at the top of the middle 

 joint one -quarter of an inch. The actual weight of a rod 

 of this description will be small. J 



The points to receive attention are strength and plia- 

 bility; a combination of these forms the perfect casting- 

 rod; and the more these qualities are exemplified in a 

 rod, the greater the distance to be covered by it, and that 



*The Casting at the Tournament held in New York City in 1882 at- 

 tests the truth of the statement in the text. 



tThis dictum of our author will be forcibly " backed up " by every 

 manufacturer on both continents. Makers of rods of split-bamboo, 

 greenheart, lancewood, Bethabara, hornbeam, et. al., are of one accord, 

 at least, on this point. 



% The proper and standard weight of the rod is rated in England at 

 one ounce to each foot ten feet, ten ounces. 



