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perfections are often discovered. From what remains the skilled rod maker matches up as to toughness, resiliency, etc., enough pieces to make a rod. These pieces are carefully cured and then tied together in the form of a rod and again tested. At this critical stage unforeseen imperfections may come to light. If they finally come up to standard the pieces are glued up and the rod making proceeds. This, in a brief and general way, is the method of making a fine hand-made split bamboo rod. The pieces that were rejected in the various tests may go into cheaper rods. From this the prospective rod buyer can get an idea as to why bamboo rods vary so in price and why certain makers, who have reputations to maintain, charge what appears to be a " stiff" price for their output which, so far as surface appearances go, is nothing extraordinary. A few makers also have secret processes for improving bamboo.