THE FLY FISHER'S GUIDE. 103 



considerable numbers on cold windy days. They 

 may be ranked amongst the smallest of the in- 

 sects necessary for the angler's imitation, and 

 can scarcely be dressed too fine. The wings are 

 upright, and best made of a feather from under 

 the cormorant's wing. As, however, it may not 

 be an easy matter to procure one of these birds, 

 and as one bird affords only about a dozen of the 

 feathers requisite, a substitute is recommended in 

 the tail of the torn-tit, which is nearly of the same 

 shade. There is also a small bird, called the 

 American blue bird, which furnishes feathers 

 admirably adapted to the formation of this fly. 

 It is found abundantly in Pennsylvania, at stated 

 seasons. The body, pale blue fur, warped with 

 purple silk, a small portion of which should be 

 neatly picked out, to represent the legs of the fly, 

 as the use of a hackle for this purpose in minute 

 flies is incorrect. 



No. 16. The Gravel or Spider Fly is first seen 

 about the middle of April, at which time the 

 gravel, in which these insects are bred, is literally 



