RODS. 75 
tods in the Fisheries Exhibition (‘ Field,’ October 27, 1883), 
he observes that ‘this is always the case sooner or later with 
these hand-made rods for salmon ; but if eleven years’ experi- 
ence with them be admitted sufficient, I may say that the rods. 
made with the machinery used by Messrs. Hardy, who obtained 
the first prize for these split-cane rods at the Fisheries Exhibi- 
tion, for cutting the cane perfectly true, obviate the difficulty 
satisfactorily.’ 
The ordinary butts of split-cane rods, as well as the upper 
joints, are hexagonal, and are simply made of six V-shaped 
strips, glued together in the manner described. In the highest 
class of rods, however, the butt is built double, as shown in the 
engraving (fig. 2), both the centre and external wall being con- 
FIG. 3. 
structed of separate layers of the hardest part of the cane. The 
centre is made first in the usual way, and after it has dried the 
second, or external, layer or wall is built up round it. Messrs. 
Hardy inform me that although the labour and expense involved 
in this double construction are, of course, infinitely greater, the 
strength gained by the process is enhanced to such an important 
degree that they make all their split-cane salmon rods in this 
fashion as to the thicker parts. Fig. 3 shows the structure of 
the lighter and upper joints of the rod. 
Complaints have often been made to me that the ordinary 
split-cane rod is deficient in casting power as against a wind, 
and I must say that my experience tends to confirm the truth 
of the statement. In order to meet this objection, however, 
the above-named manufacturers and others have endeavoured. 
