52 DRY-FLY FISHING 



The knot should be relied whenever the gut 

 shows the least sign of wear. 



Floating Agents 



It is necessary to anoint a fly with some pre- 

 paration which will enable it to remain on the 

 surface of the water. In olden days we used for 

 the purpose, vaseline, paraffin, and even butter 

 from the lunch sandwiches, when we chanced 

 to leave both the former behind, but we now have 

 much superior materials. Many years ago we 

 were introduced to Natare, a mixture obtainable 

 everywhere, we should imagine, and so perfectly 

 has it always done its work that there is no need 

 for us to try any other floating agent. It is pos- 

 sible that Floatane, Duxoyl, etc., have the same 

 composition. Mucilin is also highly recommended. 



Beginners frequently ask how often it is necessary 

 to make an application of the agent. Those of 

 the liquids mentioned above that we have used 

 are very lasting in their effects, being in fact almost, 

 if not wholly, permanent ; but a good practice 

 is to wash, dry, and re-anoint the fly immediately 

 after it has made a capture. It should be noted, 

 however, that at times an absolutely dry-fly is 

 much more enticing than one which, though it 

 still floats, is somewhat water-logged. It is well, 

 therefore, to dry the fly thoroughly before offer- 

 ing it to a rising trout, and also when changing 

 from one pool to another. Amadou is recom- 

 mended for drying the fly, and after much trouble 

 we procured some, but it is not one whit better 

 than filter-paper. It is a very good plan to treat 

 with Natare all dry-flies as soon as made, or received 



