HACKLES. 



45 



As to black hackles it is well generally to use natural, and not dyed 

 feathers. In discoloured water, however, the dyed shows surprisingly 

 more ; in fact, under such condition one never thinks of using a 

 "natural," except on an emergency. They are not necessarily black 

 before being dyed, and when originally white, they are even more con- 

 spicuous to the fish in the state of water just mentioned. This is not 

 because white dyes a better black than anything else, but because the 

 white hackles we dye are of a different consistency. Natural blacks, as a 

 rule, are out and out the best in clear water ; not only that, they are more 

 mobile and last twice as long. Further observations as to their special 

 use are made in another chapter. The chief feature to avoid in selecting 

 natural blacks is the " cheesy list," previously mentioned ; and our 

 special object should be to seek a really deep black with a shiny surface. 



The hackles most commonly used are the following : 



