FISHING RODS. 79 



ther notice here is not needed. This rod weighs just eight 

 ounces, and has the correct style and sizes of ferrules, while 

 its finish is in keeping with all of Mr. Orvis's careful work. 



Next is a split-bamboo, by A. G. Spalding & Bros., 241 

 Broadway, New York, with German silver ferrules of the 

 the correct sizes and pattern, and metal reel-seat. It is a 

 handsome, well-made rod, nicely balanced, and with a fine 

 action. It has a very ornamental butt-piece and handle ; 

 the latter, above the reel-seat and below the grip, being 

 formed of alternate strips of bambo.o and red cedar ; the 

 cedar being painted black and polished is in fine contrast 

 to the light colored bamboo. The butt, however, below the 

 reel-seat, is several inches too long, which adds unnecessa- 

 rily to the weight and length of an otherwise perfect Hen- 

 shall rod. 



An all-bethabara, by A. B. Shipley & Son, of Phila- 

 delphia, with a hard rubber grip, fluted spirally, and with 

 solid German silver ferrules and mountings, including a 

 metal reel-seat, and with agate-lined tips, is an exquisite 

 rod, both in construction and action. It has the prescribed 

 ferrules in size and form, and is wrapped with silk in the 

 manner of a split-bamboo. After an experience of several 

 seasons, I find that bethabara is very tough and elastic, with 

 a rebound or resiliency found in no other rod but a first- 

 class split-bamboo, or in one of steel. This quality is of the 

 utmost importance ; for a rod is thereby always rendered 

 straight, not being so likely to become permanently set or 

 curved from a continual strain. Bethabara makes a very 

 quick, lively rod, and the only possible objection that can 

 be raised against it is its weight being heavier even than 

 greenheart. However, I find that many anglers are willing 



