150 TROUT LORE 



can use the snelled hooks instead of following 

 the better method of snelling your own. 



The easily made Hackle is a good fly to begin 

 on. Place one of the snelled hooks in the vise, 

 shank up, and pass a waxed thread several times 

 about the shank. (See illustration.) Now 

 build up a body for the insect-to-be, shaping it 

 as you desire, using mohair, cotton, even twine. 

 Hold the body in shape with several turns of the 

 waxed thread, working back to the bend of the 

 hook. Take a feather ("hackle") by the ex- 

 treme point between thumb and forefinger of the 

 left hand, and with thumb and forefinger of the 

 right hand, stroke the fibers downward so that 

 they will stand out. With the hanging waxed 

 thread catch in the very tip of the feather and, 

 holding the silk against the midrib, pass the 

 feather about the shaped body. You will be 

 surprised to see how the little filament will stand 

 out "like quills on the fretful porcupine." With 

 a pinpoint, pick out all filaments that may catch 

 under. Fasten the thread about the end with 

 three or four half -hitches ; cut off the quill; place 

 a drop of shellac at the end; and you are done. 

 On the stream's bank you may have to get along 

 without the shellac, though an unprotected fly 

 will not stand much grief. I have used a bit of 



