288 THE SALMON FLV. 



these rods are first put together the surface can be worked do\vu until 

 the desired balance is secured ; and in this important detail the maker 

 has never failed to give me satisfaction. What is equally pleasant to 

 record and equally appreciated by his customers, one and all, is his 

 punctuality in executing orders within the time of promised delivery. 



Apart from all other advantages of this style of rod, be it of cane or 

 greenheart, the usual weakness caused by the continual use of any one 

 cast may be quickly counteracted by the adoption of another cast. The 

 " Spey," for instance, produces an upward bend, and this defect is soon 

 rectified in working by the " Overhand." 



Blue Mahoe is here and there the acknowledged .king. But sound 

 as his title is said to be, his crown would be much firmer if he had not 

 an ugly trick of unaccountably and unexpectedly " striking work " on 

 very little provocation. In spite of all care in the selection of matured, 

 straight-grained wood from butt to point, the upper joints will sometimes 

 snap asunder like glass. I had one of Ogden's in use for a few years, and 

 prized it immensely. It had shown no signs of wear and tear until one 

 fine day a young friend, casting only a short distance with it, broke the 

 top joint clean in two by lifting the line before it was thoroughly ex- 

 tended. Any rod is liable to fracture under this condition of treatment, 

 though as yet I have never seen cane surprise anyone by such sudden 

 misbehaviour. Blue Mahoe is nevertheless a remarkably light, if not the 

 lightest of all rod woods, and in skilled hands fully justifies the claim 

 Ogden makes for it. 



Washaba differs in this respect, for it is the heaviest of rod woods. 

 Washaba rods are very " steely," and never seem to wear out. I have 

 seen one at Usk as old as the hills and as straight as an arrow despite 

 the severe trials it has looked full in the face. 



There are many other rods besides those to which reference has been 

 made. Manufacturers in Ireland and Scotland finish their work well, 

 and find plenty of local support for their wares. As a rule, these are 

 built purposely for the Overhand cast only. 



The rod liked on one river is detested on another. The Spey rod, 

 for instance, in the hands of a purely local performer on the Tweed 

 would meet .with the utmost condemnation ; whilst a Castle Connell 



