THE SALMON -FLY 307 



are many people who are under the impression 

 that salmon-flies are intended to represent an 

 insect of some description. 



It is of the first importance that the materials 

 used in the manufacture of salmon-flies should be 

 soft, pliant, and as transparent as possible. When 

 dry, the combination of colours which is made use 

 of frequently presents a somewhat gaudy appear- 

 ance. In the water the case is different, for the 

 brilliant colours become then softened, and the 

 reverse of glaring. I am of opinion that the man 

 who can design a salmon-fly must necessarily 

 possess as good an eye for colour as would enable 

 him to become a skilful artist, for a salmon-fly 

 is a picture in itself. Let the reader inspect any 

 one of our standard patterns, and note how per- 

 fectly the various shades of colour harmonize with 

 each other, and how the more brilliant portions 

 are veiled and toned down by the filmy grays and 

 browns which overlie them ; he will then be able 

 to realize how much thought and judgment have 

 been brought to bear upon its construction. 



Something more than mere colour is required 

 to attract the fish. The lure must be made to 

 live and move. This appearance is to be effected 

 by the motion of the rod ; but, unless the materials 

 of which the fly is composed are sufficiently soft 

 and yielding, the fibres of the feathers, etc., cannot 

 be made to open and close. A well-made fly, in 



