Leaders. 79 



first effort successfully follow the given directions. That 

 one possible stumbling-block may be removed, it may be 

 remarked that both of these water-knots are really com- 

 posed of two separate knots, tied with each short end of 

 the strands, and around the long portion of the strand 

 against which each is lapped. Each of these component 

 knots, therefore, merely embraces the longer neighboring 

 strand, and the latter may freely slide within it. This 

 feature is sometimes taken advantage of as a solution to 

 the difficult question, how the drop-flies may most ad- 

 vantageously be attached to the leader. For if the two 

 knots which compose the water-knot be seized by the 

 finger-nails, theoretically they may be separated an inch 

 or so, leaving the gut doubled between these knots. If 

 then the end of the gut upon which a drop-fly is tied be 

 inserted between this doubled gut, and the component 

 knots be drawn together, the end of the drop-fly gut is 

 secured, and the fly stands out nicely at right angles from 

 the leader. 



I say theoretically the water-knot will separate; but 

 practically, after the leader is wet and swollen, it will 

 absolutely refuse so to do at least two -thirds of the 

 time. I have even tied in, when forming the knot, a 

 third thick strand, to be removed when the knot was 

 complete, and thus allow for the swelling of the leader 

 when wet. But it was the same old story; like the 

 Dutchman's pig, sometimes it would and sometimes it 

 wouldn't. 



No trifle is more exasperating than to stand knee- 

 deep in water, a choice and favorite pool before you, 

 one fly between your teeth, and your rod tucked under 

 your arm, and pick away and in vain at these knots. 

 I have even heard adjectives of great force then ap- 



