RECIPE FOR VARNISH 197 



smallest particle of wax, and it is not a little dis- 

 concerting to find half of a wing sticking to a 

 finger when infinite pains and trouble have been 

 taken to put it into its right position. 



When varnishing the head of a fly, or, indeed, 

 any fishing tackle, care should be taken not to 

 load it on too thickly. Good varnish dries very 

 rapidly, and it is better to use two applications of 

 it than one heavy lump. 



Powdered shellac dissolved in spirits of wine 

 makes an excellent varnish for all tackle. It is 

 not, however, suitable for rods. 



I would also urge the beginner never to attempt 

 to tie flies with bad or unsuitable materials. He 

 will probably be anxious to make a collection for 

 himself, and he will perhaps be successful so far 

 as quantity is concerned ; but the chances are 

 that he will get together an amount of rubbish 

 which will never be of the smallest use to him, 

 and which will, by reason of its bulk and inutility, 

 only serve to impede him in his endeavours to 

 find what he requires, and to attract moths 

 and all such abominations. He will find it the 

 best plan, certainly at first, to purchase what he 

 requires from some good tackle-maker, and to 

 learn from the latter how best to keep these 

 requisites in order ; and having so learned, to 

 firmly resolve never to allow them to get into 

 disorder. If fishing tackle is allowed to get into 



