1 72 FLY-FISHING FOR TROUT AND GRAYLING. 



a really serviceable fly-rod for small stream fishing : 

 Three joints or parts, each 3 feet 6 inches, the butt to 

 consist of hickory or washaba, the middle joint of 

 best washaba, green-heart, or blue mahoo, the top of 

 snake-wood, or best jungle cane, the whole being 10 

 feet 6 inches. The ferrule at top of butt should be 

 6- 1 6th inch inside; the one at the top of the middle 

 joint | inch. The actual weight of a rod of this 

 description will be small. 



The points to receive attention are strength and 

 pliability ; a combination of these forms the per- 

 fect casting-rod ; and the more these qualities 

 are exemplified in a rod, the greater. the distance to 

 be covered by it, and that with perfect precision. 

 With a view to extend in the direction here indicated, 

 we have made many experiments with metal and 

 wood of every variety, as also with other substances 

 of pliancy and strength. Metal, either hollow or solid, 

 is too heavy and cumbersome ; wood of greenheart, 

 red locust, snake, and other descriptions, proves 

 strong and pliant, and is so when spliced, like the mast 

 of a ship, or similar to the glued-up American cane rods ; 

 but there is no especial advantage to commend them, 

 seeing the weight is increased by something like one- 

 third over the same substance solid and non-glued. 

 The modern three yards rod, as we have said, can be 

 made to deliver more line, and that in a more elegant 

 and sportsman-like manner than a longer one. 



But the question naturally arises, if the fly-rod has 

 been diminished one-half during two centuries, of 

 what dimensions is it likely to become in the imme- 



