142 



SALMON FLIES 



and forefinger of the other hand. This is im- 

 possible to explain in writing, and can only be 

 understood by a practical demonstration. The 

 beginner will save himself trouble if he chooses 

 a topping that requires no " licking into shape," 

 and will accordingly make his selection from 

 the central part of the Golden Pheasant's 

 crest (Fig. 58). Toppings with very pro- 

 nounced curves are not, in my opinion, the 



FIG. 58. 



FIG. 59. 



most suitable for tails. The tail in the figures 

 illustrating this lesson has about the correct 

 curve, and is of the correct length. The 

 fluffy fibres at the base of the Indian Crow 

 feather, instead of being stripped, should be 

 cut carefully and closely up to the central 

 quill, as shown in Fig. 59. This method of 

 preparation will apply to all feathers of a 

 similar kind e.g.. Blue Chatterer, Toucan, 



