54 THE SALMON FLY. 



itself is hardly ever used in fly. making! It is too flimsy and too little 

 marked. Our best "grey mallard" I would rather not change the 

 term is taken from the Widgeon and Pintail. The feathers are found 

 on the flank of the bird, and can always be recognised by their irregular 

 darkish lines, running crossways, and increasing in depth of tone towards 

 the end of the feather, which is far less pointed than in any of their 

 kindred. In short, numerous Drakes supply us with " grey mallard," but 

 the term practically extends no further than to Pintail and Widgeon. 



Teal is thus written in description. Its value is often under- 

 estimated. Any amount of it can be obtained at the Game shops in the 

 month of February. Canadian Duck is to be had only of tackle makers. 

 Some tiers call this Summer Duck, others Wood Duck. Owing to its 

 increasing scarceness, it is necessarily expensive to purchase. 



My favourite feather of the Gallina (or guinea fowl) is the double- 

 speckled sort from the back. The "eyed" feathers from under the wings 

 are reserved for dyeing. But, to my mind, the best black and white 

 specified hackle is taken from a Rail (hypotoenidia torquata), which is a 

 native of the Philippine Islands ; and the best black and white barred 

 hackle from the Banded Cymnogene (polyboroides typicus), found in 

 Africa and Madagascar. 



Group II. Turkey, Bustard, Fiorican, Peacock-wing, Golden and 

 Amherst Pheasant tails. 



The domesticated Turkey affords greater variety in colour marking, 

 size, and texture than any other single class of birds, wild or tame. It 

 is most useful to the Fly-dresser. The feathers which are most difficult 

 to get are of a rich cinnamon tone, and should be taken from the tail. 

 Turkeys ought to attain their third year before the scissors are used. On 

 no account should these feathers be " pulled," as the crop coming after 

 not only falls short in richness of colour, but also in the element of 

 mobility, of which quality the Turkey has none too much. The "double- 

 white " a white feather having a black bar near the point is also rare. 

 I have only once seen a double-white having a good ginger bar ; but I 

 made good use of it while it lasted. 



When " white-tips " are employed, as in " Jock Scott," the 

 points should be white, not creamy. The latter are used mostly in 



