FOREWORD The publishers regret that on account of Dr. van Dyke's unexpected absence abroad, this "Foreword" has to consist of the following letter instead of the introduction which we were anticipating. But if this distinguished angler's prediction concerning the present volume proves correct, perhaps we can have that introduction in a later edition. Dear Dr. Holden: Avalon I am glad to hear about your new book on "The Split-Bamboo Rod," and though I had made a resolve not to write any more introductions for books, or in fact undertake any additional work of any kind this winter and spring, I cannot resist the impulse to make an exception in your case, because I feel sure that your book will be a valuable addition to the practical literature of angling, as well as a delightful record of the inward and outward joys of that art. If therefore you will send me a set of page proofs of the book when it is finished, I shall be very glad to try my hand at a little "Foreword," although I know that your volume will not need any introduction. Believe me, PREFACE We sing the song of the Split-Bamboo. The author's previous book, Streamcraft, deals mainly with actual streamside technic- the selection, care, rigging, and use of the rod; with the choosing of lures, natural and artificial, and their manipulation; and with fly-tying. Its contents, presented in a pocket form, well adapt it for a ready-reference companion on fishing expeditions and even when actually engaged on the water in the quest of the finny game. It comprises much data correlated from many sources, though always authoritative. But nowhere else, to his knowledge, may guidance be found for the construction of the Split-Bamboo Rod equally comprehensive and detailed as in the pages that follow. This has been preceded by a dissertation on "The Joys of Angling," and there has been appended some information on " Cultivating SilkwormGut at Home," and some suggestions on "LandingNets and Other Equipment," and for "The Angler's Camp." The former treatise is largely a working manual for the open season and the stream; this is more a book for Winter evenings and the fireside, and for the workshop. The sportsman's transcendent implements are his rod and his gun. Compared with the glut of "gundope" data on models, actions, bores, sights, gauges, shells, ballistics, etc.- constantly appearing in the outdoor journals and in book form for the consumption of the followers of Nimrod, there is a dearth of readily-available and plain technical information relating to the fishing-rod. While it might be urged that comparatively but few anglers would care to undertake the manufacture of this instrument in its glorified form, it requires little argument to convince anyone that fishermen in general, whether especially addicted either to fresh or salt water, love to tinker with their tackle; and no argument at all to elucidate that a treatise dealing with construction must perforce include full directions for all rod renovation and repairs. He that can make a rod certainly can fix one. Further, we admit the temerity to trust that this book will appreciably stimulate an increase in the number of those who will be emboldened to essay the "whole trick." Building a split-bamboo rod is an operation, and we have explained our technic with the same conscientious care that we would observe in delineating the consecutive details of a surgical operation; for it is a matter of curious comment that amongst all we have read of definite instruction in this art, we never received any help from such sources in overcoming those particular difficulties in handling and working |