WITH THEIR IMITATIONS. 57 



The Duns are the small Ephemeridae (or day- 

 flies) in the Imago or winged state, but imper- 

 fect, and preparing to cast off a fine skin that 

 envelopes them (wings and all), and to become 

 Spinners. In the former state they are less 

 transparent, and their wings best imitated by 

 the upper surface of a starling 7 s feather ; but 

 in the latter they are bright and glossy, and the 

 under surface of the feather used for the wings 

 should be shown. 



The bodies of these delicate insects are some- 

 times beautifully imitated by stained hair and 

 gut ; but a fly should be made as soft as silk, and 

 softer, if it is to be retained in the mouth of a 

 fish many seconds. This is the chief reason why 

 wings stiffened with varnish and gut bodies can- 

 not supplant the old-fashioned furs and feathers. 



It will be a great assistance to procure a set of 

 flies dressed according to the directions of this 

 book, which can be had of Mr. Eaton, Nos. 6 

 and 7, Crooked-lane, London, long commissioned 

 by the author to sell his flies. 



The first effect may possibly be one of dis- 

 appointment, because they will not look so large 

 or so bright as the engravings* But neither will 

 the real insects. So that seeing them will correct 

 erroneous impressions, and help the book in 

 giving instruction most powerfully. One word 

 to the finished artist, who may perchance cast a 



