CHAPTER IV. 



GUT LOOPS, ETC., TAGS AND TAILS. 



N order that his flies, when made, may 

 be efficient, and not objects to look at 

 merely, the beginner is strongly ad- 

 vised not to be in too great a hurry 

 to see what he can do, but to begin methodically, 

 slowly, and carefully, and try to master each part 

 or process before going on to the next. In the 

 following pages I have endeavoured to write 

 down every little detail that is likely to assist the 

 beginner. However trivial they may appear at 

 first sight, I venture to hope that, by follow- 

 ing them closely, he will find each one will give 

 him a fraction of assistance towards overcoming 

 his difficulties. The general rules to be borne 

 in mind throughout the tying of a fly are as 

 follows : The tag should taper slightly towards 

 the head ; the tail should be perfectly straight 

 with the body, which should taper from tail to 

 shoulder; the hackle should be tightly wound, 

 the wings perfectly straight on top of the hook, 

 even, and firmly tied ; the head firm, small, and 

 tapering ; and when the fly is finished, at no part 



