Leaders. 113 



largest gut, the middle from the medium bundle, and 

 the fly end from that containing the thinnest gut. 



Having selected the strands, but still keeping them 

 separate by tying each little bundle with a different 

 colored thread, soften by soaking in warm water, such 

 as is not uncomfortable to the touch. Ordinarily cold 

 water is to be preferred to soften a leader preparatory 

 to attaching it to the line, but where knots are to be 

 tied the utmost softness is required, not only that the 

 gut may not crack during the operation, but to insure 

 that each knot draws so tight as thereafter to be beyond 

 the possibility of slipping. 



When the gut is perfectly pliable, beginning at the 

 line end, select the largest strand, and doubling one end 

 into a loop, tie this ordinary knot, using the doubled part 

 as though it were a single piece of string. Arrange 

 the position of the knot so as to give a loop from one- 

 half to three-quarters of an inch long. Then inserting 

 a match through the loop, grasp the short end between 

 the teeth, the long end with the left hand, and draw the 

 knot together, shaking it well when under the final strain 

 to settle the parts together just as far as they can be 

 made to slip. 



Fig. 20. The ordinary knot 



