192 ACCESSIBLE FIELD SPORTS. 



enormity of such, a proceeding, and begging a share of 

 the spoils, we started for the place of rendezvous. 



The evening after my first day's sport was not an 

 idle one, for though the body inclined to rest, full well 

 I knew that on my exertions in fly- tying depended the 

 sport of to-morrow. To make a good fly requires not 

 only skill, but patience and knowledge, with a correct 

 taste in the blending of colours ; a strong hand, to 

 make secure work, and the employment of the best 

 materials. How frequently indifferent hooks and gut 

 are purchased because they are a trifle cheaper ; but 

 if we could foresee the severe ordeal that may some 

 day be in store for our tackle, and the splendid fish 

 that may be lost through this want of judgment, we 

 should be better suited with half the quantity at double 

 the cost. Your feathers should, if possible, be fresh, 

 with the pile unbroken ; your furs and mohair uncut 

 by moths, and your silk the strongest, yet the finest 

 that can be procured. Of course many of your prin- 

 cipal feathers will require to be purchased, but if the 

 fisherman is also a shooter, there are few game birds 

 that will not afford him choice materials ; so that during 

 autumn and winter, when his gun, instead of rod, is 

 his companion, he can daily make additions to his 

 treasures, which will serve him in pursuing the sister 

 amusement. 



