PRACTICAL FLY-ITSHIKG. 43 



Suppose you are determined to make your own leaders. 

 Buy the best gut ; it is cheapest. Then set to work and 

 soak the gut. While that is soaking in cold water, 

 (warm water loosens the fibers unduly, and should be 

 avoided if you are not in great haste) learn to make the 



Fig. 1. SIMPLE LOOP FOB LEADER. 



following knots. Figure 1 shows the ordinary loop ; if 

 you desire to make it additionally secure supposing that 

 to be possible take the loop end once more through. A 

 stout hook is necessary, as a fixture, on your work-table, 

 and over this the loop should then be hung and pulled 

 tight. The result should be symmetrical, and the loose 

 end can be cut off very close. Figure 2 is a much more 

 difficult knot to tie, but it is convenient, especially for 

 snells, and once learned, is a very pleasing loop and ex- 



Fig. 2. ANOTHER LOOP FOR LEADER. 



tremely secure. So far as loops are concerned, I do not 

 think it is necessary to add to these. The trout and sal- 

 mon fishermen do not want any more under any circum- 

 stances, and it is folly to cram one's brains with unneces- 

 sary knowledge, which, by the bye, is an exceedingly 

 prevalent fault, caused by the teachers of the art seeking 

 rather to exploit themselves, than impart useful lessons. 



