12 
FOREST AND STREAM. 
he adopt, tho proper, rod, which "coming rod" I will now endeavor to 
describe. , 
I start out with the proportion that a first-doss American, singlo- 
handed trout 11 y rod Is, per «, tho very perfection of rods and tho chef 
d-axTf of the rod maker's art. Such a rod Is about twelve feet long, ana 
Is made of split bamboo, or a combination of ush and lnncewood; If of 
the former, should weigh from seven to nine ounce*; If of the latter, 
from nlno to twelve ounce*. With such n rod. properly handled, either 
line, leador or hook may part, but the rod will remain Intact. It com- 
bines all the essential qualities of a good rod, viz: balance, lightness, 
strength, elasticity, and pliancy. A salmon rod 1* only a trout rod en- 
larged. proportionately, In every particular, and made to be used with 
two band* Instead of ono. Now, If all fish were cuugbt with the fly there 
would be no need for other rods than the trout mid salmon fly rods; but 
u* snch, unfortunately. Is not tho case, we arc compelled to adopt other 
rods In accordance with the mode of fishing, the character of the fish to 
bo caught, and the kind of halt to be used. But whatever may be the 
nature of tho rod that I* to be made, let this general rule or principle be 
followed In It* construction. Let the rod conform as nearly os possible 
to the typical rod-1. the trout fly rod— na Is consistent with the man- 
ner of act vice required of it. If wo follow this rule we cannot go very 
far astroy. 
Acting upon this principle, then. 1 hove found in my experience that 
the essential qualities or attributes of o good black buss rod for bait fish- 
ing, arc Just the same us the typical rod for balance, weight, strength, 
and elasticity, with u lmppy medium of pliancy, between a trout fly rod 
arid a trout bait rod, which cun hardly be expressed In words. But this 
alight stiffening of tho rod makes It correspondingly heavier, nnd in or- 
der to maintain the same rclutlve weight, we must cut down the length 
of the rod by taking off fro n three to four feet, thus reducing the rod to 
eight or nine feet In length, which I* found by experience to be fur supe- 
rior to longer rod* for black bass Ashing. As a long, Withy, willowy rod 
1* bost for casting a fly, so is n short, stllllsh rod best for casting a min- 
now. With a rod of this character and an ever running, multiplying 
reel, It Is an easy mutter to cast from thirty to forty yards. The situa- 
tion of tho reel upou tho but must bo u compromise between the slnelc 
nud double handed tty rods; for though the rod la used almost entirely 
with ono hand, yet there ure emergencies when both hands must be 
used, for occasionally a six pound bass, or a llfteen pound pickerel will 
be hooked; or au unusually bold or fierce lighting boss may get the ad- 
vantage of ono ami take to the weed*. It Is also esseutlul to nave 
plenty of room for the hand below the reel In casting, as the thumb 
must control the running off of the line, uud prevent the reel from over- 
running, as In striped bass fishing. The rod may hove standing guides, 
or rings, u* the fancy may dlctute; I prefer standing guides for the llrsl 
uod second Joints, and rings for the tip. The rod that I am now using 
Is eight feet and three Inches long, is In three Joints; the first joint or 
but Is composed of white a*h, and the second Joint and tip of lancewood; 
it weighs Just eight ounces; It Is finely balanced, and lias a true bend 
from but to tip. in the form of a segment of a circle; with it I have 
killed hundreds of black bass, weighing from two to four pounds, and 
occasionally more, and pickerel from five to twelve pounds, with an oc- 
casional one scaling fifteen pounds. I have used it three seasons, and do 
not see where it can bo Improved; It Is as firm and clastic us when first 
made. I have several time* cast out my entire line of fifty yards, when 
costing with the wind. I fool justly proud of the merits of this rod, for 
1 mude It myself. 
Should this communication ho acceptable, I will trouble your readers 
again lu some future number, giving the origin, history, and my opinion 
of the bnss rods belonging to my friend, W. C. Egan, of Chicago, which 
you described In a former number of the Foiikst and Stiieam. I will 
also describe the reels, Unci, hooks, Ac., used by our best black bnss 
fishermen In the Northwest; also my experience In fiy fishing for black 
bass. 
If thin article should Induce any brother fisherman to throw aside his 
heavy, cumbersome, arm-wearying rod. and try one more In accordance 
with the true spirit of gooulno sport; to Induce him, so to speak, to 
throw uside his old "Queen Anne" musket and adopt tUe modern breech 
loading shot gun— or, to carry the simile still further, to persuade him to 
discard tho sabre and buckle on the ropier— 1 shall feel that I have not 
written in vain. Ocohomowoo. 
Oar rentiers will certainly feel indebted to the author of 
this communication for the valuable suggestions contained 
therein, and no doubt eagerly await the promised articles 
to come. — E d 
FIS HI FG FOR TOM CODS (Morrhttu Califomica ) 
IN THE BAY OF SAN FRANCISCO. 
Wit W llc n es - 
EntTon Koiisst AKD Stkbam:— 
This nice, delicate little fish for the table, even to those of epicurean 
tastes, bus been very plentiful In our bay uud in some of Its creeks for 
these two last years, uud has afforded much amusement. If not grout 
sport, for our anglers. It frequents near the bottom for its food, and 
Is readily caught with a rather stout bund lino and n tolerably heavy 
sinker uud suia.l hooks, say two or three, and No. 4 or 5 In sizes, fastened 
ou near the einker about nine Inches apart from each other. This line 
should be about sixty to eighty feet In length, to be thrown out from the 
wharf os fur us it will go, The best ball ure mussel or sand worms, to be 
purchased near tbe Usuing grounds, and which are obtained from the 
piles under the wharves, or in the swamp sands neur the shores of some 
purls of the bay. Or this much sougat after inhabitant of our Pacific 
waters aud its bays uud inlet*, may be angled for successfully with a 
common rod of a medium length, furnished with a small sized line auu a 
common multiplying reel, wlih a much lighter sinker than the one rec- 
ommended for bund line fishing. This can bo thrown out ut fur as con- 
venience will admit of, and to any one used io manipulating skillfully a 
rod, reel and line, Is a mode much preferable to the hand lino process, 
and much pleasanter, because It enables you to sit at ease on the wharf 
without having to get up every lime a fish Is hooked and cast out again, 
us with the bund line, aud you cun wind the fish quickly up by menus of 
your reel while In a silllug posture. Singularly enough these Tom cods 
have, this last year, taken the places of tho siuella, which for many years 
have been lu euormous numbers, afford, ng much more exciting sport 
than the Tom cods. Whether these latter will conlluuo to usurp the 
reign of the former henceforward, time ulouo can prove. As with the 
smelts, two or three Tom cods are sometimes taken ut ono haul. Both 
these kinds of fish one ravenously, aud it is a common event to take forty 
of them in ono or two hours. 
The Tom cods run lu the largest schools when the tide water is Hon ing 
ouly moderately fast aud rather muddy, but not too much so. They bite 
best In those parts of the water on which the sun Is slilnlug. There is the 
same remarkuble difference in this fish’s biting a* lu others. Qenerally 
the catcu Is good, but there are a few days that are nearly or entirely 
blank. They feed against the running tide, both ou tho ebb aud flow. 
At this time they arc full of spawn. Their roe, both hard and soft, is 
considered a great delicacy with some persons. They are the 90iue fam- 
ily of fishes as the frost fish (Slaiaw/u* vulaarU) of the East or Atlantic. 
E. J. lloopc u. 
Tins College Rowing Association.— TIic Yale Recard 
has nn article on the subject of the Intercollegiate Rowing 
Association, the burden of which is, that by the recent 
action of the Boating Convention at Hartford in admitting 
Union and Hamilton to the college regatta of this year, the 
number of colleges now entitled to ro v at Saratoga is in- 
creased to fourteen. It seems that the number has now 
reached a point where to increase it renders the selection 
of a suitable course a matter of much difficulty; and with 
this in view, the mere sending of a delegate to a convention 
should not entitle a college to a represention in a regatta 
which it has for years ignored. Let the constitution be so 
amended as to read, that colleges failing to row in two 
regattas shall be debarred from rowing in a third without 
special action on the part of the convention. 
—The English cricket season for 1875 will open on the 
3d ot May, with the auuual meeting at Lord’s, and, ns 
usual, a dinner will be the great feature,. Au Euglisli 
cricket match without its accompaniment of a dinner is 
something uukuowu iu the annals of the game. 
—Young Rollins, a well kuown amateur player of the 
Prospect i'ark cricket club, is now an inmute ot a lunatic 
asylum. He has never recovered the shock to his system 
from his shipwreck two yeais ugo. 
Cornell University, Feb. 6 , 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream: 
The excitement over the Inter collegiate Literary contest, 
and our success in the same, has subsided, leaving tho hope 
Hint next year all colleges and universities may he repre- 
sented, and that a truly Natioual Inter collegiate contest 
mav take place. The successful contestants for the 
Shukspearian essays, Messrs. Fitch and Cluck, on their re- 
turn to Ithaca, were given nn oration by the citizens. 
Speeches of congratulation were made, and Mr. Fitch re- 
ceived a copy of Bovdel’s Slmkspeare, and Mr Cluck an 
addition in 12 vols. of the British Poets. Would that this 
fueling of friendly interest and good will might be univer- 
sal throughout the land, and that Town and Gown might 
be synonyms of mutual good will, instead of, as in some 
places at present, mutual antagonism. 
All out door sports, as a mutter of course, in these days 
of zero rule, are suspended, and accordingly, Hie gymna- 
sium is well patronized, so much so as at certain hours lo 
materially impede each other. There are somewhere in 
the neighborhood of twenty-five men practicing regularly 
on the weights, and from them we expect to be able to 
select a fair, if not extra "’varsity” crew next Spring. 
There is also much probability of a Freshman crew, and a 
single sculler, representing Cornell at Saratoga next July, 
in addition to tlie “ ’varsity" six. The Navy composed of 
the Tom Hughes and Sprague Boat Clubs is lu first rate 
working condition. The government consists of five 
directors from each club, and a Commodore elected by the 
two clubs jointly. This manner of working has been tried 
only a short time, but it seems to work admirably. Tlie 
government for the ensuing year is:— Commodore, D. O. 
Baric, ’77. Directors, Tom Hughes, C. C. King W. M. 
Sturges, ’75; A. M. Ensign, ’70; M. E. Huviland, 1 1 ; A. 
W Smith, ’78; Sprague, W. C. Hayes, R. Russel, II. J. 
Rice, ’70; Perry Clark, ’77; A. L. K. Volkmnn, ’78. Every- 
thing seems to be favorable for a fine opening in the 
Spring. 
The old saying, "Competition is the life of trade,” 
seems to hold true yet, although with a slightly different 
termination in this case. Two years ago every effort was 
made to get a suitable room in town for a gymnasium, but 
without avail, so some members of the faculty and the 
students set their heads together, and the result was a gym- 
nasium building fairly equipped, upon the hill. Imme- 
diately after this some of the town people set their heads 
together, and the result is now a fine gymnasium in town; 
so between the two we are likely to gel ull the exercise and 
training we desire, and perhaps in the course of two or 
three years wc may turn out some good gymnasts. 
Last Saturday. January 30th, at the senior class election 
the following officers were elected for "class day”:— Pres., 
G. 11. Filch; Orator, P. H. Perkins; Essayest, II. W. 
Sackett; Historian, A. F. Shaw; Prophet, C. W. Raymond; 
Ivy Orator and Poet to be elected to-day. Arrangements 
are being made at present for a Junior exhibition on the 1st 
of May next, the appointments for which .will be given in 
due time. 
Friday evening, January 29th, we were favored with one 
of those grand musical treats for which the Thomas 
orchestry of New York are celebrated. The entire troupe, 
sixty pieces, were present. It was asj near perfection as 
human beings can expect, 
A few words in regard to the Poultry and Fancy Stock 
Exhibition, which took place in Journal Hall the 19th to 
23d of Jan., may not seem out of place, as we belong to the 
special Natural History class. There were about 400 coops 
and cages iu the hall, mostly poultry. 1 noticed some very 
fine game, aud silver spangled Hamburg fowls, tho 1st prize 
pair of the latter birds being offered at $35. There was a 
gigantic bronze turkey cock, several coops of Chinese 
ilucks and geese, a beautiful pair of wild geese, and several 
Africans ol tlie same species. But the crown of this part 
of the exhibition was a large white goose who (?) had wad- 
dled, and paddled, and hissed through the sunshine and 
shadow of seventy-one years, quite an antediluvian. The 
Creve-cceur’s aud La Fliche’s were in goodly number, as 
well as the black Spanish, but the Bramah's counted by 
scores. Of bautam’s there were some twelve or more 
varieties, among them some exceedingly beautiful birds. 
There were a few cages of English lop-eared rabbits, a 
dozen or more ferrets, a noble white-headed eagle, a score 
or more of beautiful pigeons, aud a magnificent silver 
phensaut, valued at $70. 
On the dog bench were Dine beautiful setters, all good 
dogs, und some quite extra. In particular I noticed two 
chestnut and white dogs, aud a brown and white bitch. 
The first dog was a magnificent animal with a long, deep, 
almost massive head, medium height aud well propor- 
tioned; hair fiuu aud silk)', legs well fringed and a fine 
feather; ho looked as if he would be able lo perform an 
extraordinary amount of work. His ears were rather too 
short aud too much rounded, otherwise, as far as external 
appearances, he was au extra animal. The second dog was 
only sixteeu months old and of course not fully developed; 
he was, however, much like the first, except smaller, and 
with tiuer und belter shaped ears. The bitch was my beau 
ideal of what a setter bitch should be— small; rather thick 
set; finely proportioned; although rather thin from having 
but just weaned a litter of pups, three of which were ou 
the bench; head long and slender, yet large brain; eye very 
intelligent; coat silky and flue and well fringed, evidently 
au animal worth owning. J. 
Yale College, New Haven, Feb. 6, 1875. 
Editor Forest and Stream:— 
The past week has been a lively one. Monday ushered 
in the Glee Cmb concert. This organization was never in 
better practice. The programme included the famous 
though new Blue Danube, waltz chorus, a new warble 
and a Rhine song. These were the most noticeable features 
of the evening, along with the tenor solo by Frank Jones 
and " Bohimkus.” This latter was given iu an inimitably 
funny manner, and was encored five times. The club de- 
serve great credit for their efforts. With Tuesday evening 
tame the annual Junior Promenade Concert. Great prepa- 
lions are made each year lo excede if possible the on given 
l,y the preceding class, This year great pains were taken 
with the internal decorations of Music Hall. 
Boating aud base hall flags. Tropries of victories at 
these departments ef athelelics were arranged very be- 
comingly on the sides of the galleries. Tlie "black flag" 
of ’70, which once floated defiantly from the college chapel 
steeple was put in a prominent place, and attracted much 
attention. The stage was neatly and tastefully decorated 
with flowers and hot-house plants, and presented a very en- 
chanting appearance. At 9:20 Bcvnslcin’s orchestra of 
New York commenced the overture, nud in a short time 
first Lancers was formed. The music was all that could be 
desired and the programme just what was suitable. The 
festivities lasted until 2 o’clock, when the lights were ex- 
tinguished, and the promnnadc of ’?G was over. The 
toilets of the ladies far excelled any seen here for some 
time, while Rcdcliffe furnished a very delightful supper. 
Mention should he made of a pretty waltz by G. B. White, 
formerly of ’70, which was repeated owing to a hearty 
encore. 
On Wednesday morning at 11 the Seniors held a 
"German” at Delta Kappa Hall, and the Juniors at 3 o’clock 
did likewise. The figures danced were both novel and 
pretty- With these impromptu dances the festivities of 
the week closed very appropriately. Now tlie prospect is 
dull enough. 
The aspirants for base ball fame will go into active train- 
ing next week. There is every prospect of a fine nine next 
year, and one that will work hard to sustain our victories 
of lust season. With a view of affording facilities for the 
practice of halting, the pitching alley has been considerably 
widened, and now there is plenty of room for such prac- 
tice. K. 
A greater number of men are rowing as candidates for 
the Howard University crew than ever before. 
ghq §orsc mid Honqse. 
— Picnic, one of Count Lagrange’s race horses now iu 
training ut Newmarket, England, some months ngo hud a 
broken leg set by a veterinary surgeon. The horse is now 
perfectly soun 1 and will probably figure upon the race 
course duiing the coming seasou. So perfect a cure is said 
to be unprecedented. 
A Coursing Club in Sacramento.— On tlie evening of 
the 16th ult., a Coursing Club was permanently organized 
at the Pacific Hotel Saloon, corner of K and Fifth streets. 
The gentlemen present were C. Brady, Geo. Whittou, E. 
M. Skaggs, Thos. Harris, M. Shean, C. Mahoucy, John B. 
Smith, Jas. Condon, Thos. O’Brien, P. Conlan, Ed. O’Con- 
nel, R. M. Doyle, Hugh Kelly, J. McMahon, Wm, Ma- 
liarry and Andy Larkin. The following officers were 
elected:— II. S. Beals, President; P. Hanlon, Secretary; 
J. J. Cadogan, Treasurer. From the interest manifested 
there can be no doubt that Sacrcinento will have cause to 
be proud of this organization. 
— It is reported that after the race in San Francisco be- 
tween Occident, the California wonder, and Judge Fullerton, 
Budd Doble aud Hickok will visit the East and enter these 
horses, together with Goldsmith Maid, for all the vuluablc 
frce-for ull-purses in the trotting circuit. Much curiosity 
will be excited to see the distinguished Mustang, and if 
these flyers, together with Smuggler and some of tlie others 
of the first division should meet, it would be productive of 
more enthusiasm than even now exists in trotting circles. 
^ cw ublicutians . 
MAGAZINES. 
Hearth and Home this week contain a seasonable and 
well executed wood cut, entitled "The Cupturcd Vnlentine.” Tho mis- 
cellany Is also up to the usual standard. 
In Appleton's Journal is contained the capital illustrated 
sketch of Livingstone's last journey, us well as serial stories by Mr. 
Webster, anc the author of "The Wooing O't." The couteuts of the 
Editor's Table will be found interesting. 
The Overland Monthly for February makes its long jour- 
ney across the continent on time. The Keursage und Alabama story is 
told once more . Mr. Stoddard, whose entertaining letters from Italy 
are being read with interest, contributes a sketch, und the ubiquitous 
Joaquin Miller a short poem. "A Sage Brush Alibi" is a characteristic 
sketch, Introducing the types peculiar lo the Pacific elope, first intro- 
duced to us by Brett Harte. 
The American Agriculturist for this^montli contains au 
Interesting paper on the horse's hoof, with suggestions as to the best 
inode of shoeing. Also a lurge number of articles of value to the farmer 
pun horticulturist, with diagrams and drawings fully explaining them. 
The Manhattan and He La Salle Monthly is a magazine 
edited by John Savage nnd issued from ike press of the Catholic Protec- 
tory at Westchester. The current number coutains an excellent assort- 
ment of miscellaneous matter, the contributions of its talented conduc- 
tors and other uble writers. 
The American Naturalist for the current month contains 
a variety of articles of greut interest and value to the zoologist aud 
lover of natural history. Dr. Elliott Coucs' aud Mr. A S. Packard's 
papers on tlie “Breeding of Certain Birds," and "Life Histories of tho 
Protozoa and Sponges" respectively, are the most eutcrtalning, and the 
latter i» profusely Illustrated. 
Messrs. D. T. Curtis & Co., Boston, Kitchen and Garden 
Directories for 1875 have reached us, aud contain complete catalogues of 
all familiar flewers and reeds, as well as many novelties. Iu flowers, 
everything from the A ntirhinvm pajiihonaccum to tbe Tri folium atropv- 
reum, nud In seeds, from the usparagus to the squash, will be found. As 
complete; catalogues ami price lists '.lieytnre perfect. 
