FLY-MAKING, 109 



pointy to the point d (Jig. 1.); and that the length 

 of the stem, when the hackle is prepared for use, 

 and exclusive of the bare quill end, should be 

 about four times the length of the shank between 

 these points. To prepare the hackle for use, take 

 it with the left fore-finger and thumb, at the 

 point b (Jig. 2.), and hold it firmly ; then, with the 

 right fore-finger and thumb, stroke the plumes 

 the reverse way from their natural position, that 

 is, from e towards d (Jig. 2.), until they stand 

 nearly at right angles to the stem, as shown. 



The hackle thus prepared, two strands of pea- 

 cock's herl, two or three inches of gold twist, 

 the hook, gut, and waxed tying-silk (six or eight 

 inches long, to serve for two flies), complete the 

 list of materials for this important fly, to the 

 actual manufacture of which we now request the 

 learner's attention, repeating our expression of the 

 hope that he will follow implicitly our instruc- 

 tions, will master one step completely before 

 proceeding to the next, and will consider each suc- 

 cessive mastery in the light of an indispensable 

 achievement. 



I. Holding the hook and applying the tying-silk. 

 Commence by taking the hook by the bend, with 

 the point downwards, between the tips of the 

 fore-finger and thumb of your left hand, the shank 



