74 SALMON FLIES 



Varnish, of course, must not be forgotten, 

 and for salmon flies I do not think there is 

 anything to surpass the black varnish sold by 

 dealers for the purpose. The ordinary shellac 

 will do, and it has the merit of drying quickly ; 

 but for permanency the black varnish is much 

 to be preferred. Once allowed to dry and 

 harden properly, the head of a fly treated with 

 it will outlast the gut loop and the feathers 

 themselves. 



Perhaps a few words may be added on the 

 subject of storing materials. 



Each individual will, of course, arrange his 

 feathers, furs, etc., according to his own par- 

 ticular ideas, bearing in mind, however, the 

 fundamental importance of so disposing them 

 that they will be (1) protected from the ravages 

 of moth, light, and impure air ; (2) readily 

 accessible at all times ; and (3) free from 

 unnecessary bulk, so as to admit of their 

 carriage from place to place without much 

 trouble or the monopolization of an unduly 

 large amount of room. 



Undoubtedly the best receptacle for keeping 

 fly- dressing materials is a cabinet with drawers 

 of varying sizes, some of which are provided 



