Leaders. 117 



absolutely refuse so to do at least two -thirds of the 

 time. I have even tied in, when forming the knot, a 

 third thick strand, to be removed when the knot was 

 complete, and thus allow for the swelling of the leader 

 when wet. But it was the same old story; like the 

 Dutchman's pig, sometimes it would and sometimes it 

 wouldn't. 



No trifle is more exasperating than to stand knee- 

 deep in water, a choice and favorite pool before you, 

 one fly between your teeth, and your rod tucked under 

 your arm, and pick away and in vain at these knots. 

 I have even heard adjectives of great force then ap- 

 plied to them, and in a tone which left no question of 

 the heartiness of the condemnation. 



If, however, this method of attaching the drop-flies is 

 preferred, the double water-knot should be used rather 

 than the single, since the latter will not bear with safety 

 the incidental manipulation. 



The following seems to me preferable, and though a 

 little more visible, still the drop-flies can thus always 

 readily be changed, and that without danger to the an- 

 gler's peace of mind. 



At the place where the drop-flies should be, join the 

 leader by two loops instead of knots thus : 



Fig. 26. 



