64 THE SALMON FLY. 



instructions, all so accurately calculated to answer the rigid (one might say 

 mathematically rigid) demand of orderly movement. Nor in our present 

 instruction on fly-dressing is the amount of previously expended ingenuity 

 any more manifest at first sight. Experience, however, will show that 

 here, too, in each mechanical direction a distinct purpose is kept in view ; 

 and the learner may set to work with the assurance that the chief ex- 

 cellences in a Salmon fly strength, neatness, proportion, and working 

 symmetry can be combined only by a correct manipulation, an exact 

 adjustment of parts, and a carefully calculated-distribution of material. 



To WAX TYING-SILK. Cut from an old glove an oval piece of kid, 

 say two inches in diameter. Hold a pointed piece of cobblers' wax for a 

 moment near the fire, and, when soft, "dab" it (not daub it) on the inner 

 side of the kid, not quite in the middle. Now double the kid over 

 quickly, and, with warm fingers, press the equal halves together. 

 Partially open them again, and, if not laid on too quickly, the wax will 

 be seen to cover a considerable part of the kid with a thin layer. The 

 kid is to protect the fingers from mess, and the tying-silk from getting 

 too much wax. In the operation itself only the edge of the layer of wax 

 is exposed for use the less, in reason, the better. To avoid breaking the 

 silk, observe that " union is strength," so do not try to wax only one 

 length at a time. 



Take in your left hand the reel of " Pearsall's Gossamer Silk," which 

 is much the best for your purpose. Break off any loose end, as the 

 portion will have become weakened by the twist having in part gone out 

 of it. Place the reel, that it may revolve, between the left forefinger and 

 thumb, and hold it loosely. With the right hand take hold of the end 

 close up to the reel, keep the right hand stationary, and draw from the 

 reel, by moving away the left hand, about twenty-eight inches of the 

 silk. Pass the withdrawn portion once round a small hook (or your 

 stiletto stuck upright in your fly-table, if you please) , and back over your 

 left little finger, which now holds taut from the hook or stiletto, a pair of 

 reins, as it were, each fourteen inches in length. You now want just as 

 much more silk withdrawn ; so with the right hand pulling and receding 

 from the hook, the left hand barely sustaining between its fingers the reel, 

 and advancing the while towards the hook, continue gently to withdraw 



