THE FLY FISHER'S GUIDE. 29 



different shades will, however, be attached to 

 this article. 



For beginners, or where the fish are of large 

 size, gut is preferable to hair, as affording greater 

 security ; but in fine bright waters a good round 

 single hair will manifest a decided superiority 

 in raising fish; and the delicate skill required 

 for the management of them when hooked, en- 

 hances the pleasure of the experienced prac- 

 titioner. 



Indian weed is sometimes recommended to 

 the fly fisher; but its extreme brittleness is a 

 great objection, as it requires at least an hour's 

 soaking before it becomes sufficiently elastic 

 for use. 



The following methods for staining gut were 

 given to the author as choice and valuable 

 recipes, and their efficacy is indisputable; but 

 as they are to be found in "Taylor's Art of 

 Angling," and the " Driffield Angler," their 

 claim to originality falls to the ground. 



For a Brown. Boil pounded alum until it 



