36 



Fly-rods and Fly-tackle. 



A word to those who tie their own flies. Of late 

 years the best makers of hooks not infrequently rely 

 upon a bronze lacquer instead of the old black japan to 

 protect them from rust. I doubt whether any of these 

 bronze lacquers are as perfect a protective as the old 

 japan. But, however that may be, it is quite certain 

 that many of them are simply a delusion in this respect. 



The contemplation of a nice stock of flies, the product 

 of one's own scanty leisure, some of them ruined with 

 iron-rust stain after but a single use, and the certainty 

 that the others are doomed to the same fate, is enough 

 to drive any one but a philosopher to drink. 



All bronzed hooks should be tested by fastening three 

 or four from the lot to a board with a staple made from 

 a pin bent in the shape of the letter U, and exposing 



