AMERICAN TROUT-STREAM INSECTS 



gers, so that I can readily pick up any object with 

 ease. All anglers will find it most convenient to 

 keep those nails longer to facilitate tying knots, 

 untying them on gut, or fastening eyed hooks to 

 the cast. 



Another needless implement is the small bobbin 

 to weigh down the tying silk while you do the wind- 

 ing. I found the bobbin to interfere with both hook 

 and feathers. If you wax the silk thoroughly, it 

 will hold stiff and keep in its place. 



The only tools I use are the scissors and the thick 

 needle, the latter being constantly in service. I 

 make mine out of a lady's hatpin, cutting it to about 

 three inches long, and fastening it in a small wooden 

 handle. 



To tie flies for any length of time in one attitude 

 becomes wearisome. To make it easier, I have all 

 the necessary implements and materials neatly ar- 

 ranged in a box, of either cardboard or light wood, 

 two inches deep, and twelve by fourteen wide. By 

 this means I can move from place to place or at least 

 take a different position and go on working without 

 getting tired. If you get used to a vise fastened to 

 a table, on to any fixture, you are bound to it — and 

 to a backache. 



MANIPULATION 



The amateur must first understand that in the 

 making of artificial flies the method of procedure 



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