PREPARING A JAY'S HACKLE 195 



other all the time, otherwise the result will be 

 unsightly (see Dreadnought in Plate I.). 



Jays Hackles. By these are meant the 

 vivid blue barred covert feathers from the 

 wing of the common European Jay. They 

 are extensively employed for throats, particu- 

 larly in Irish patterns, and sometimes, though 

 not so often, for body hackles. Only one side 

 the blue- barred side is used, of course, the 

 fibres on the other side being stripped. Mere 

 stripping, however, will not be sufficient prep- 

 aration, as the whole centre quill, which is stiff 

 and coarse, will still remain. As much of this 

 as possible will accordingly have to be re- 

 moved. This is best and most easily done 

 in the following manner : Lay the feather, 

 best side undermost, along the edge of one 

 of the sides of an open wooden box, and keep 

 it there tightly stretched, with the forefinger 

 of the left hand pressing upon the tip of the 

 feather, and the thumb of the same hand upon 

 the root of the stem. With a very sharp knife 

 pare off carefully, in one continuous stroke if 

 possible, that part of the central quill which 

 projects above the fibres lying on either side of 

 it. With the nail of the right thumb scrape 



