153 Book of the Black Bass. 



Length of grip (from extreme butt to reel-seat), 7 inches. 



Length of reel-seat, 4 inches. 



Diameter of greatest bulge of grip, 1 inch. 



Diameter of butt cap, % of an inch. 



Diameter of reel-seat, % of an inch. 



Diameter of small end of butt piece, % of an inch. 



Diameter of small end of second piece, % of an inch. 



Diameter of extreme tip, 3/32 of an inch. 



From the reel-seat to the end of butt piece is a gradual taper. 



The specifications and measurements as given above are 

 also correct for a split-bamboo rod where reel-bands are 

 used instead of a solid metal reel-seat, and a rod thus con- 

 structed will weigh but eight ounces; but if a metal reel- 

 seat is preferred, with the butt-piece tapering rapidly from 

 it (instead of a gradual taper), ferrules of -^ of an incli 

 less diameter may be employed, making a rod of eight 

 ounces, or with reel-bands^ of seven and one-half ounces in 

 weight. 



When the butt of the Henshall rod is constructed of any 

 wood heavier than ash — that is, when the entire rod is 

 made of split-bamboo, lancewood, bethabara, or greenheart 

 — the best plan, in order that the weight of the rod may 

 not exceed eight ounces, and that its balance and action be 

 not impaired, is to use a short " handle " of lighter wood. 



I have always been partial to a butt-piece, including the 

 '■grip," being fashioned from a single piece of wood, and 

 with reel-bands instead of a metal reel-seat; and where 

 this is done, with an artistically-fashioned, swelling hand- 

 piece, and with a graceful hollow taper from the reel-seat 

 to the rod proper, it presents, to my eye, a certain adapt- 

 ive beauty and fitness that I fail to see in the short, stubby 

 handle affixed to many modern rods. However, this is best 

 accomplished with some such light wood as ash, black wal- 

 nut, or red cedar ; and where a heavier wood, or split-bam- 



