THE MAKING OF AN ARTIFICIAL FLY 



fat portions which adhere to the skin are carefully 

 shaved off. 



One of the most useful parts of your feather 

 stock are the fihers from the tail feathers of a pea- 

 cock. This is called harl, and is useful in heads and 

 bodies such as those of the fancy fly called coach- 

 man or black gnat. The harl is wound in precisely 

 the same manner as silk or tinsel. In procuring 

 harl fibers, be sure to get them newly plucked — if 

 possible, from a living bird; because then they are 

 strong and are bright in color, and they keep so for 

 some time. Old peacock feathers turn from the 

 vivid iridescent green color to a dirty brown. 



If you desire to have some feathers dyed various 

 colors, you can purchase some of the reliable pack- 

 ets of dye, following the directions given with the 

 packet. This probably will prove the simplest way. 

 I have not yet made any effort in this direction. I 

 would rather trust to the natural-colored feathers; 

 it may take a little more time in selection, but in 

 dyeing feathers there will be some troubles to con- 

 tend with, it is certain. 



The beginner will know best, and have his own 

 way to arrange to keep feathers from moths. It is 

 certainly a most important thing to keep them clear ; 

 for when moths do get among them they destroy in a 

 short time your choicest and best specimens. A 

 good, tight, well-made box, or a small closet with 

 shelves made especially to place all the materials 



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