SPLITTING THE JAY. 



49 



specimens. The Jay, however, for all-round work is the general favourite ; 

 but the feather must be split, as one side is useless. For dressing, choose 

 feathers coloured on the right side of the quill, or they will have to be 

 wound on the hook the reverse way, much to the annoyance of young 

 dressers. 



The easiest method of splitting the Jay is that of Major Traherne. 



SPLITTING THE JAY. 



The butt end of the feather is fastened in a fly-maker's vice, as 

 shown, the best side uppermost. Seize the right and left fibres at the 

 very point of the feather with the fore-finger and thumb of both hands, 

 their backs facing outwards and slightly towards the ground. Keep the 



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