162 FISHERMAN'S LURES 



would be required if the baits, after tests, were 

 found good; even supposing I turned the products 

 of my brain into a commercial enterprise or busi- 

 ness concern. But for such a project I have no 

 taste or talent whatever. I shall therefore just 

 briefly describe the rudiments and materials re- 

 quired in making several of the most important 

 baits. It would take this entire volume to cover 

 the subject thoroughly. As in all delicate handi- 

 craft, to do it well, patience and care are the main 

 things. Those who have time, a deft hand at carv- 

 ing wood and cork, a delicate manipulation in 

 working silk, fine wire, and a little artistic skill 

 with a paint-brush — all these have a decided ad- 

 vantage to begin with — that much less to learn. 

 But continued practice in the end brings skill, 

 at least enough to make a lure which however 

 crude may be good enough to capture trout and 

 other fish, which many guides do. But it will not 

 be wise to attempt to make some of my more 

 complicated lures, unless considerable time is 

 available. It will not be found easy work, even 

 with a pattern taken apart, lying before the ama- 

 teur bait-maker. One thing it will surely do will 

 be to make him realize what labor has been spent 

 to get so far, even though with great pleasure and 



