PROPER AND IMPROPER ROD MATERIALS. 287 



to hold the rod too upright in playing either Salmon or Grilse. Passing 

 now to other particulars, and first to materials, I do not care to mention 

 more than four Greenheart, Cane, Blue Mahoe, and Washaba. 



Mixtures " Composites," as they are called, of which the worst is 

 a combination of ash and cane are not to be commended, except in Spey 

 rods. Cane is very quick in return ; ash very slow, and not powerful in 

 action. 



Experiments extending over a long period have satisfied me that 

 honours are divided between the cane rod I possess and those of my pattern 

 in Greenheart. Everyone knows, however, that it is no easy matter for 

 a maker to bring out the desired action in cane. The surface will bear no 

 planing, so when the pieces are glued together the joints themselves cannot 

 be reduced or interfered with. Mine never required it, for Hardy soon 

 succeeded in securing all the harmonies of action, balance, and good 

 workmanship. The action for my work that is to say, the action 

 wanted for successfully making any of the known casts is exactly as it 

 should be ; I do not wish for any alteration. Good action in cane means 

 nothing less than durability, and no better proof can be given of this than 

 the fact of my having taken with the rod considerably over one thousand 

 Salmon, kelts included. Perhaps I need hardly remark that it is without 

 the steel centre. A real " Kelson " in cane will not break, and though 

 costly, cannot be said to be dear. To begin with, it is infinitely the best 

 kind of rod for the Wind cast ; and in casting Overhand, the Angler is 

 less fatigued than with any of the others. These advantages arise from 

 the fact that he has not to dwell so long in the motion a feature of no 

 inconsiderable moment as old age creeps on one, or even as regards one's 

 comfort and pleasure during the first few days of fishing before the 

 muscles get fit for work. 



My favourite greenheart if, indeed, any one of them is better than 

 another is a Farlow, more than thirty years of age and looking as young 

 as ever. On this subject it is difficult to write of this firm in words of 

 becoming praise, and without giving the impression of some conscious 

 exaggeration of language and sentiment in one's endeavour to do justice 

 all round. It is, however, the literal truth that the correct action in 

 greenheart may be implicitly relied upon by the purchaser. For when 



