22 
RODS. 
of all Anglers, from the single ferruled rod for the novice, at 
the cost of from $2 to $5, to the more expensive one of the 
scientific Angler, varying from $5 to $50. Those now in ge- 
neral use are made either from ash, bamboo, Calcutta reed, 
or lance wood. The three former woods are preferred by 
good Anglers ; the latter wood is objected to on account of 
its weight, and as it is the main object of the sportsman to 
have his tackle as light as strength and durability will permit, 
this description is seldom used. There aro three requisites 
for all good rods, viz. strength, lightness and pliability; and it 
is absolutely necessary that the wood should be of such a na- 
ture as to admit of a uniform flexibility from butt to top. 
Rods for salmon are usually from 18 to 20 feet in length, 
the butt made of well seasoned maple, the second and third 
joints of ash, and the fourth joint, or top, of lance wood ; and 
if for fly-fishing, the top should bo in three pieces, neatly 
spliced, say in equal proportions of lance wood, bamboo, and 
whalebone. 
For striped, or black bass, and pickerel, a rod from 12 to 
15 feet in length is used; the butt of ash, the second and 
third joints of ash or bamboo, (this latter wood is preferred by 
many Anglers on account of its lightness and toughness, and 
if it can bo procured, is quite as good as the best ash,) the 
last joint, or top, of lance wood. The Calcutta reed also 
makes a very good rod, when it can be had of a regular taper, 
and free from worm-holes, or other imperfections, and is used 
mounted with rings, in its natural state, or cut up into joints, 
and ferruled. Some country Anglers prefer these rods in 
their rough state, and will send many miles to procure them. 
Those of the city sportsmen, also, who have their regular 
fishing grounds, provide an extra rod of this description, 
which they generally leave at the tavern where they stop. 
They cost but little, and if kept in a proper manner, will suYe 
