26 PRACTICAL FLY FISHING 



used in making a rod have much to do with the ex- 

 cellence of the finished product. 



LANCEWOOD 



Perhaps I am prejudiced as regards lancewood as 

 my first fly rod was of that material and nobly did it 

 perform. The best type of lancewood rod probably is 

 made up with an ash butt as rods made entirely of 

 lancewood are a trifle heavy although some anglers 

 prefer them. 



Lancewood comes from Cuba, the best sticks being 

 light yellow in color and free from dark stains. One 

 of the largest American tackle houses claims that 

 lancewood has lost favor mainly because of inferior 

 material being sold as this wood. 



A first class hand made rod of lance can be bought 

 for about six dollars; a nine footer weighs about 6^4 

 ounces. 



DAGAMA 



Dagama also comes from Cuba and is similar to 

 lancewood but is said to be more durable and free 

 from pin knots. It is heavier than lance, a nine foot 

 rod weighing 6% ounces, and a rod of this material 

 costs about one dollar more. 



GREENHEART 



In England greenheart is the most popular rod 

 making material, not excepting bamboo, although the 

 latter is making great headway as its merits become bet- 



