PISHING RODS. 73 



seat is preferred, with the butt-piece tapering rapidly from 

 it (instead of a gradual taper), ferrules of -^ of an inch 

 less diameter may be employed, making a rod of eight 

 ounces, or with reel-bands, of seven and one-half ounces in 

 weight. 



When the butt of the Henshall rod is constructed of any 

 wood heavier than ash that is, when the entire rod is made 

 of split bamboo, lancewood, bethabara, or greenheart the 

 best plan, in order that the weight of the rod may not ex- 

 ceed eight ounces, and that its balance and action be not 

 impaired, is to use a short "handle " of lighter wood. 



I have always been partial to a butt-piece, including the 

 "grip," being fashioned from a single piece of woodland 

 with reel-bands instead of a metal reel-seat ; and where 

 this is done, with an artistically-fashioned, swelling hand- 

 piece, and with a graceful hollow taper from the reel-seat 

 to the rod proper, it presents, to my eye, a certain adap- 

 tive beauty and fitness that I fail to see in the short, stubby 

 handle affixed to many modern rods. However, this is best 

 accomplished with some such light wood as ash, black wal- 

 nut, or red cedar; and where heavier woods, or split-bam- 

 boo, is used for butt-pieces, the short handle of lighter ma- 

 terial, if artistically fashioned, is perhaps the better way in 

 order to preserve the qualities of elasticity and balance. 



The handle comprises the grip, reel-seat, and from two 

 to four inches above the reel-seat, making a handle of from 

 thirteen to fifteen inches long, into which the butt-piece 

 proper is inserted, the joint being closed by a tapered metal 

 collar or winding check. 



The diameter of the lower end of the butt-piece (where 

 it joins the handle) should not exceed the diameter of the 

 7 



