326 Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



ter) almost equalled the uncolored gut at its best, while 

 apparently far less dependent on the direction of the light. 

 For general use at all times, particularly over a light-col- 

 ored bottom, I incline to think it one of the best of colors. 



If however, leaders of but one color are to be used at 

 all times, unquestionably that color should be a light 

 shade of ink - dye that given by " Arnold's Writing- 

 fluid " diluted with an equal quantity of water. 



This always and at all times gave a good result, while 

 it took the first place in merit oftener than any other 

 one color. Over a neutral tint (copperas and logwood) 

 of as nearly as possible the same shade, it had quite a 

 decided advantage. It was at its worst in the middle of 

 the day. 



A pea -green strand also gave an excellent average. 

 Though it could at times be seen when some of the oth- 

 ers could not, it was never obtrusive. I believe this 

 would have given better results had it been a shade or 

 two lighter in tint. For meadow-brook fishing it should 

 be excellent perhaps unequalled. 



The preceding comparisons of the various colors re- 

 late solely to clear water. 



A change in the color of the water was followed by 

 altogether different results. A very strong decoction of 

 coffee was prepared ; it was then further concentrated 

 by protracted boiling, and finally filtered through paper. 

 This was added to and mixed with the water, until I 

 thought it as brown as any bog trout-stream I had ever 

 seen. The color, as seen in the tank, was quite marked, 

 while in a clear tumbler a faint tinge of brown was just 

 noticeable. I have done considerable fly-fishing in such 

 waters, and no pains were spared to reproduce the natu- 

 ral color faithfully. 



