22 



RODS. 



of all Anglers, from the single ferruled rod for the novice, at 

 the cost of from $2 to $5, to the more expensive one of the 

 scientific Angler, varying from $5 to $50. Those now in ge- 

 neral use are made either from ash, bamboo, Calcutta reed, 

 or lance wood. The three former woods are preferred by 

 good Anglers ; the latter wood is objected to on account of 

 its weight, and as it is the main object of the sportsman to 

 have his tackle as light as strength and durability will permit, 

 this description is seldom used. There are three requisites 

 for all good rods, viz. strength, lightness and pliability; and it 

 is absolutely necessary that the wood should be of such a na- 

 ture as to admit of a uniform flexibility from butt to top. 



Rods for salmon are usually from 18 to 20 feet in length, 

 the butt made of well seasoned maple, the second and third 

 joints of ash, and the fourth joint, or top, of lance wood ; and 

 if for fly-fishing, the top should be in three pieces, neatly 

 spliced, say in equal proportions of lance wood, bamboo, and 

 whalebone. 



For striped, or black bass, and pickerel, a rod from 12 to 

 15 feet in length is used; the butt of ash, the second and 

 third joints of ash or bamboo, (this latter wood is preferred by 

 many Anglers on account of its lightness and toughness, and 

 if it can be procured, is quite as good 33 the best ash,) the 

 last joint, or top, of lance wood. The Calcutta reed also 

 makes a very good rod, when it can be had of a regular taper, 

 and free from worm-holes, or other imperfections, and is used 

 mounted with rings, in its natural state, or cut up into joints, 

 and ferruled. Some country Anglers prefer these rods iu 

 their rough state, and will send many miles to procure them. 

 Those of the city sportsmen, also, who have their regular 

 fishing grounds, provide an extra rod of this description, 

 which they generally leave at the tavern where they stop. 

 They cost but little, and if kept in a proper manner, will save 



