FEATHERS FOR WINGS 67 



for mixed- and built- wings. These are expen- 

 sive, and not often to be had in the best condi- 

 tion, so see to it, when you buy them and pay 

 a long price, that they are good. 



The strongly marked sepia and cream second- 

 ary feathers from a Peacock's wing are also 

 very useful for mixed wings, but they are 

 seldom suitable for winging large patterns, as 

 the fibres are not very long. 



White Swan feathers, natural and dyed, 

 are essential for mixed-wings. The principal 

 colours are red (cardinal for choice), blue 

 (turquoise), lemon yellow, bright orange, and 

 pale grass green. See that the colours are 

 rich ; faded or half tones are not desirable. 



The beautifully marked tail feathers of the 

 cock Golden and Amherst Pheasants are ex- 

 tensively used both for built- and mixed- 

 wings. These fetch a long price, but can 

 usually be procured good. The centre tail 

 feathers are the ones to secure. Similarly, the 

 tail feathers of the common Pheasant (cock 

 and hen) come in useful at times for ordinary 

 strip-wings. 



Then, of course, Golden Pheasant toppings 

 and neck feathers (commonly known as tippets) 



