TOUCAN "VEILING" 175 



dressing in detail, however, and I will merely 

 mention one or two points which appear to 

 me important, and specific mention of which 

 has not already been made. 



A plain tag of oval tinsel is tied in precisely 

 the same way as the thread of a mixed tag 

 described in the fourth lesson, but, of course, 

 the tinsel is carried right up to where the butt 

 begins. 



The Toucan feathers (six of which are used 

 above and six below the posterior joint of the 

 body) are prepared in the same manner as 

 Indian Crow, Blue Chatterer, etc. ; but as 

 these feathers possess a natural curve, which 

 is rather pronounced, it is rather important to 

 choose them of a size proportionate to the size 

 of the fly to be dressed, otherwise they will 

 not lie nicely, and will be difficult to tie in 

 properly. Tie in each set together, placing 

 the six feathers exactly one on top of each 

 other, and moistening them previously to keep 

 them together. Press down the stems at the 

 point of tying in against the hook -shank with 

 the right thumb-nail, and, before winding the 

 silk round, see that the stems are not displaced 

 from one another. 



