82 TROUTING FLIES. 



hackle of the partridge or grouse, taking care that the 

 fibres of the latter be of moderate length, just exceeding 

 that of the hook itself. This, by some anglers, is termed 

 the spider-fly, and should be used as a stretcher at the 

 extremity of the line. On gleamy days, at the com- 

 mencement of June, when trout, in our southern rivers, 

 are apt to prove lazy, I have found it very successful, 

 especially on the lower parts of Tweed, near Kelso. 



A good hare-lug will provide body-material for several 

 dozens of flies, and that of various shades and com- 

 plexions, from a swarthy black on to a dingy white. 

 The back or furry part of the ear, however, is that which, 

 in point of colour, is most acceptable to the fly-dresser. 

 Excellent moth or night flies are also fabricated from its 

 lighter portions. 



Classed with this material, so valuable to the angler, 

 I may mention the furs of the water-rat, the mouse, 

 weazel, squirrel, monkey, oppossum, combings of a red 

 cow, &c., all of which are made use of in fly-dressing. 

 As to their attractive qualities, however, there is no 

 necessity for saying much. I certainly hold in some 

 esteem the pile of the first-mentioned animal ; but its 

 equivalent may always be discovered in the substance 

 just treated of, which, although differing equally in 

 colour and texture, will be found, in the same state of 

 water, quite as effective. 



I shall now treat shortly of the description of hooks 

 most serviceable to the fly-fisher, their sizes and the 

 adaptation of these to the humour of the fish, the 

 forwardness of the season and state of water. And 

 first, as to the description of wire best adapted for 

 hooking and securing trout. I have already, in a former 

 chapter, approached closely to this subject, while dis- 

 cussing, in a general manner, the merits of the article, 



