98 MATERIALS FOR FLY-MAKING. 



SILK. 



The bodies of some flies are imitated with this 

 material, either in its floss state or from stout 

 sewing silk prepared by drawing out its two or 

 three separate strands, and using them singly in 

 the manner of floss silk. Silk, however, is not so 

 often used for this purpose as fur, and therefore 

 the stock need not be very extensive. The prin- 

 cipal colours are yellow, straw-colour, purple, 

 brown, and claret-colour, and they can be pro- 

 cured at any mercer's. Good silk for tying flies 

 is not so easily obtained. It should be of a 

 sombre colour, such as drab, and very fine, strong, 

 and free from dross. The last is as indispensable 

 for waxing properly as strength and fineness are 

 for the strength and neatness of the flies. The 

 silk used for the finest description of kid gloves 

 answers nearest to this description; and the 

 strands of silk braid, drawn carefully out, are 

 often an admirable substitute. 



FUR. 



This material, which is of great importance, is 

 also used to form the bodies of artificial flies, and 



