470 WIXGIXG. 



the slips correspond exactly. Settle the length carefully, 

 and nip the but of each feather, and if a tie of silk be 

 lapped round it the tyer will be able to make it set easier ; 

 then tie the slips on at the right angle, one at a time, and 

 after tying on a dozen or two, and making as many awful 

 abortions, the operator may hope to get some idea of the 

 manner. If they are to run in slips or fibres, cut the slips 

 from feathers out of right and left- wings if possible, and 

 they will lie and show the better ; lay the slips upon one 

 another on either side, with the best side outwards, be- 

 tween the left forefinger and thumb, as in trout-wings, 

 taking care that the points of the feathers properly cor- 

 respond in length. When you have as many slips and fibres 

 as you require, having measured and judged carefully 

 the length of wing you need, at the right spot pinch the 

 buts of the feathers together with the right thumb-nail 

 and forefinger, so as to get the but of the wing compressed 

 into the smallest possible space preparatory to tying on. 

 Lay this point of the feathers to the bare place in the hook 

 already spoken of, and take two turns with the tying silk, 

 which you can then keep in its place by the weight of the 

 spring tweezers ; then relinquish the wing, which up to 

 this time you have held between the left finger and thumb, 

 and see how it sets. Should any of the feathers have 

 turned or not set well, you must work the wing about 

 until they are righted, or you may have to slacken the 

 silk, or even, if things are very bad, to rearrange the 

 feathers, or even to shear off the offending fibres. No 

 special directions can be given in such a case ; practice 

 alone will enable the fly tyer to overcome such difficulties. 

 When all sets right, take three or four sharp turns with 

 the silk, and then a half hitch. If you want the fly to be 

 very firm and strong in the wing, touch the tie now with 

 a drop of varnish, and lay it aside until dry. 



If an under wing as well as an over wing be used, of 



