38 THE FLY FISHER'S GUIDE. 



root, and turned back ready for twisting on the 

 hook. See Plate II., figs. 7 and 8. 



Second. The gut carefully examined, and 

 tried by moderately pulling it in proportion to 

 the weight expected to be held by it. This 

 precaution will frequently save the angler much 

 disappointment, by discovering defects not ap- 

 parent to the eye. 



Third. The dubbing properly mixed to the 

 exact colour of the body of the natural fly, a 

 small proportion of which should be moistened, 

 and held up to the light; for the camlets and 

 furs, when wet, generally become several shades 

 darker than when in a dry state, and in some 

 instances assume a totally different hue. 



Fourth. The silk well waxed with a colour 

 lighter than the body of the fly, and a hook 

 cautiously tried as to temper, and prudently 

 selected as to size. 



Fifth. The wings must be stripped from the 

 feathers by an even but sudden pull; and for 

 the instruction of the beginner, representations 



