WELL- BALANCED TROUT-RODS. ' 277 



effective than London rods, but by no means sa 

 well finished. For my own part I know, that if 

 a fair price is paid, there are London makers who 

 will turn out rods as well, indeed I think I am 

 justified in saying better, than any makers in the 

 world. 



Having consulted Mr. Blacker, of 54. Dean 

 Street, London, who is a first-rate tackle-maker, 

 and a most expert fly-fisher, he writes to me 

 thus : " For a trout rod to have a good balance 

 from the butt to the extreme top, it is essentially 

 necessary that the wood should be well- seasoned, 

 and straight in the grain, free from knots and 

 imperfections. The rod should consist of either 

 three or four joints. The butt to be made of 

 ash, the centre piece hickory, and the top bamboo. 

 The length to be twelve feet. This length is 

 what I deem most useful to convey a clear line 

 with facility on to the surface of the stream with 

 one hand. The butt should not be made either 

 too thin or too clumsy, but sufficiently strong to 

 bear up the middle piece and top. The middle 

 piece or joint should be made light and stiff to 

 carry the top, and the top should be made so as 

 not to run too fine towards the extreme point. 

 The whole weight should not exceed one pound. 

 If such a rod is made by a man who understands 

 fly-fishing, the angler will have great comfort in 

 his innocent pursuit, and not be tired during a 



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