96 FLIES AND FLY FISHING. 



the imitations of the willows, green insects, wrentails, sky- 

 blue, and one or two other flies ought to be tied very 

 neatly, and with very small heads, because in their case 

 the fly itself is better represented thus, but in very many 

 others the likeness is often entirely sacrificed, in order to 

 make what is called a very neat fly. One celebrated 

 fly-tyer makes his flies so neat that I would not use most 

 of them for any consideration. 



The artificial should be dressed the same size as the 

 average size of the natural fly it is meant to represent, 

 dressing a fly on a No. 10 or 11 hook as a representation 

 of such flies as the February red, or stone fly is an utter 

 absurdity ; but as it is impossible to fish a large fly pro- 

 perly on very fine gut when the water is very low and 

 clear, you should limit yourself to using any of the smaller 

 kinds that may i>e out. 



For all flies tied buzz or without wings, always use 

 rough materials such as furs, worsted, crewel, &c. in- 

 stead of silks for the bodies, and that part should be made 

 rather shorter and fatter than in the same fly when 

 winged. 



To compare the imitation when finished with its pro- 

 totype, press the wings and hackle down flat to the body, 

 and hold them down to the barb end of the hook be- 



