108 NOTES ON FISH AND EISHING. 



believe the fact till I tested it, namely, that an 18 ft. rod 

 weighs only 2 lbs. 8 oz., and a 12 ft. only 9 oz. So ex- 

 quisitely are rods manufactured on the American prin- 

 ciple, that it is almost impossible to believe that each 

 joint, as I have said, is made up of six distinct pieces; 

 but any one can satisfy himself that this is the case by 

 seeing them " in the rough " at the establishment of a 

 manufacturer. They look perfectly round like most 

 other rods, but on close inspection, will be found to 

 present an hexagonal formation. Spinning rods, manu- 

 factured on this principle, are very light and strong, and 

 cost, I believe, about hi. It is but fair to make special 

 mention of these London-made "American " rods, as 

 our " cousins " have a habit of appropriating inventions 

 first introduced on this side of the "Herring-pond." 

 Then, again, there is little or no doubt but that " spliced- 

 cane" rods in three pieces were made in this country 

 years before the American si*-piece rods were heard 

 of. Indeed I have been told that in 1851 Earl Craven 

 had one, which had been in the family fifty years, and 

 was still in use and in good order, though tons offish 

 had been killed with it. At the International Exhibition 

 of the year just mentioned, these three--piece rods were 

 shown; and they are still to be had at many of the 

 London tackle-makers. They are most excellent imple- 

 ments, and, of course, cheaper than the six-piece rods. 

 Anglers should certainly keep a rod or two of this class 

 in their rod-rack. 



It is almost impossible to speak too highly of the best 

 London-made fishing-rods of all kinds, so perfectly 

 balanced are they, so exquisitely finished, and so light for 

 their length and strength. Talking of light rods, what 



