THE SPORTSMAN IN FRANCE. 299 



To judge accurately as to the merits of 

 an artificial fly, hold it up between your- 

 self and a strong light, and if it have not 

 that shining, I had almost said trans- 

 parent gloss, which the natural insect pos- 

 sesses, lay it down, for it will be found 

 next to useless in any river or stream. Tlie 

 pig's down, when dyed, possesses this vir- 

 tue, and none but real amateurs, or rather 

 connoisseurs, have it; it is extremely 

 difficult to be procured genuine, and it is 

 expensive into the bargain. 



The colours which will be found most 

 useful in France are, brown, light and 

 dark, purple, yellow, light and dark, and 

 grey. Hackles of all colours are requisite 

 also. It is to be presumed the sports- 

 man will never be without materials for 

 his wings — such as the pheasant, partridge, 

 fieldfare, and thrush, as well as mallard 

 wings for tailing. 



The operation of fly-making amounts 



