196 FLY-MAKING. 



FLY-MAKING. 



BEFORE making an artificial fly, it is essential to 

 ascertain and select the best materials, and the neces- 

 sary implements for the purpose. In the Game Fish 

 of North America the author has explained the sim- 

 plest and easiest mode of tying a fly, and if there be 

 any person who has not read that work he should 

 procure it at once. The instructions there contained 

 must be first mastered before the following are 

 attempted, lest discouragement should result ; and 

 no one that does not desire great accuracy and 

 finish need waste the time and labor of understand- 

 ing and executing the ensuing directions. There are 

 a few persons who wish to tie a fly handsomely ; 

 this chapter is written for them. The fish probably 

 care little whether the fly is made at Imbrie's esta- 

 blishment, of the finest materials and from the most 

 approved patterns, or by some unknown German 

 wholesale dealer, of any chance feathers. 



Remember, however, that he who strives not 

 after perfection never attains mediocrity, and the 

 improvement of himself is one half of the angler's 

 pleasure. If we are content with an ungainly fly, 

 we will be satisfied with inferiority of rod and tackle ; 

 and although the fish may not see the difference, the 

 angler may become, from neglecting one point, 

 slovenly in all. A well-made fly is a beautiful 



