FISHING AS A FINE AET. 107 



it might almost be said that they have now brought their 

 art to the highest perfection of which it is capable. Cer- 

 tain it is that most of the articles the best makers produce 

 are models of workmanship. But their specialty is rods. 

 Nothing can excel a good London rod. It is almost as 

 true as a gun barrel. The London made " American 

 spliced-cane " rods are very marvels of accurate manufac- 

 ture, and are evidently becoming very popular among 

 anglers who can afford to pay for them. These rods are 

 made even to the end of the finest top joint, of six distinct 

 pieces of split bamboo, only the outside and toughest part 

 being used. These pieces are sawn by machinery with 

 mathematical precision, glued together, and then bound 

 with silk bindings at intervals of an inch and a half. The 

 rods present a most handsome appearance, and for perfect 

 balance, pliability, and durability cannot be surpassed. 

 They are made like other rods, in joints, double-brazed 

 of course ; the butts are wound round "with cane for 

 about eight inches, in order to give the holder a good 

 grip, and the moveable winch ferule is " scored " for a 

 similar reason. About the lowest price for a trout rod of 

 this class is hi., and for a salmon rod about 81., but at 

 some shops the figures range much higher, some of the 

 salmon rods costing as much as 201. The prices cer- 

 tainly seem stiff ; but then the workmanship and ever- 

 lasting wear of these rods must be taken into consideration. 

 Americans claim to be the inventors of this " spliced- 

 cane " principle ; but these rods were made in England 

 years before they were heard of in America. Mr. J. C. 

 Dougall, the celebrated gunmaker, of 59, St. James's 

 Street, London, generally has in stock some of these 

 rods by the best American makers, and I could hardly 



