72 FLY-DRESSING. 



trout can be captured, and that as readily as by means 

 of the most slavish and subtle imitation of the natural 

 insect, from any river or loch throughout Scotland. 

 In my chapter upon treating flies, these observations 

 will be found considerably enlarged upon, explained, 

 and applied. 



It now remains for me to say something relative to 

 the dressing of salmon flies. This is a subject involving 

 such a variety of practice, and so much detail, that to 

 attempt the discussion of it in full, is much beyond 

 my intention. The task, fortunately, is not required, 

 and I shall therefore confine myself to a very few re- 

 marks, which, if they do not bear so immediately upon 

 the matter in question as to expound and illustrate it, 

 may, nevertheless, be admitted to possess some connec- 

 tion therewith. 



First of all, as to the dressing of the Scotch salmon- 

 fly. It is generally imagined that, because of its sober, 

 if not homely look, the fabrication of this lure is a 

 matter of no difficulty, in comparison with the fabrica- 

 tion of an Irish killer, such as the Doctor, or any other 

 well known magnet. I admit the materials are not so 

 costly, nor, in many cases, nearly so numerous; still 

 there are points in the dressing of the former, which, 

 in order to make it please the eye, require more nicety 

 of execution, as well as the exercise of more taste and 

 discrimination than are necessary to be employed in 

 the construction of the latter. Among these, is the 

 proper adaptation and tying on of the wings, the selec- 

 tion of the hackles and dubbing, the harmonising of 

 the colours, the meting out and apportioning to its 

 special purpose the quantity of each material. True, 

 all these matters command considerable attention, on 



