Fishing Eods. 131 



nearly solid, hard, and very tough, with large and pro- 

 tuberant knots or joints, where, when growing, are attached 

 the leaves and tendril-like branches, which are so tough as 

 to render it necessary to burn them off ; this, and the appli- 

 cation of red-hot iron to straighten them, gives to these 

 canes the peculiar clouded and burnt appearance which 

 adds so much to the beauty of the split-bamboo rod. The 

 female cane is hollow through its entire length, except jiist 

 at the joints or bulges, which are not so prominent as in 

 the male cane. The male cane is the best to use in its 

 natural state, but for split-bamboo rods the selected female 

 cane is to be preferred as it makes the most perfect rod. 



There has been very marked improvement in the manu- 

 facture of fishing rods during the past twenty years. More 

 attention has been paid to the demands of the angler 

 by the manufacturers, who have, consequently, exercised 

 greater skill and intelligence in supplying tools better 

 adapted to his needs and requirements. This has resulted 

 in shorter, lighter, and better-balanced rods, and of much 

 better material and workmanship than was formerly ac- 

 corded to this branch of the arts. 



It is a source of great pleasure and satisfaction to the 

 angler of the present day to note the march of improve- 

 ment in the manufacture of fine fishing tackle, and to 

 observe the commendable enterprise manifested by the 

 manufacturers in producing light, elegant, and suitable 

 implements of the craft. Indeed, the skill, study, inge- 

 nuity and good taste employed in this industry is scarcely 

 excelled in any other; all of which is highly gratifying, 

 for it would seem to imply that the love and practice of 

 angling has taken deep root, and that fine fishing and scien- 

 tific angling are in a healthy state of growth and devel- 

 opment. 



