252 Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



principle well known even prior to the Middle Ages, 

 though its highest development was then reached. If, 

 however, the angler seizes one joint and his friend the 

 other, a sudden and powerful jerk will often separate 

 ferrules, which have obstinately resisted both torsion and 

 a steady pull. 



NOVICE. Here is a fly, the only one of the kind I 

 have. The trout seemed to have a decided preference 

 for this to-day, but the gut is so frayed I fear to use 

 it to-morrow. Can it be repaired ? 



ANGLER. Yes ; it will not look very well, but it may 

 be used. Let me see the fly. Have you a spare piece 

 of gut, or if not, a spare leader, from which we can cut 

 a foot or so ? 



NOVICE. Here is a leader. 



ANGLER. First we will soak it in tepid water till it is 

 soft ; then saving the looped end intact, we tie a hard 

 knot in the other end to prevent its slipping ; then we 

 wrap it above the knot with well waxed silk on to the 

 upper side of the hook, just below the body, and over 

 the tail ; then part the wings with a pin, and lay the 

 gut in the division and upon the upper side of the body, 

 and fasten it again with silk over the wing fastening. 

 Now we catch the hook in or around anything that will 

 hold, take a good pull on the gut to be sure it will stand, 

 and it is complete. 



NOVICE. Are there any other accidents likely to hap- 

 pen to the angler which you have not mentioned, and 

 which admit of repair ? 



ANGLER. .We have certainly covered almost all and 

 I can think of no others. You see the "invisible knot" 

 lies at the foundation of all these repairs, so be sure to 

 perfect yourself in it. 



