FIXING THE UNDER-WING. 83 



Section I. Take right and left strips of, say white-tipped Turkey 

 (as used in "Jock Scott") about eight strands broad of the feather, as 

 described for that fly. Lay these together, dull sides inwards, that is to 

 say, " back to back." 



The turns of silk which tie the throat hackle should have occupied 

 about half the space intended as foundation for the wings ; the other 

 half, for the time being, is bare. 



With the right fore-finger and thumb take the strips (which should 

 lie close alongside each other, and accurately coincide along their edges 

 and at their points) and coax them with the left fore-finger and thumb 

 into proper curve. Hold their stumps in the right hand during the 

 process, so as to allow the upper strands to be increased in length if 

 necessary. (By this means only can these wing-feathers be so shaped as 

 to form a fairly regular line at their extremities, as shown in the 

 Analytical Diagram, Chapter II.) Then, holding the hook in the left 

 fore-finger and thumb by' its bend, place the arranged strips in their 

 proper position upon the foundation intended for them, with their lower 

 points measured to extend just beyond the extremity of the " tag." The 

 right fore-finger and thumb (which are then to grasp the strips from 

 above) will seize, in the same grasp with them, the head-end of the hook- 

 shank also, and hold them upon it. The left fore-finger and thumb grasp 

 loosely (also from above and right up to the hackle tie) both the strips and 

 the body of the fly. Then, working from the tcrist, draw the left fore- 

 finger and thumb, with a curving movement over the wing, so as to 

 conform it to the bend of the hook. Having done this, hold the strips 

 close down upon the top of the body-work in the left grip. 



If these strips of feather in hand are at all intractable, I guide them 

 (after they are grasped and the left fore-finger and thumb are well ex- 

 tended for tying down, the left hand being so level as to permit a tumbler 

 resting on it) down to envelope the hook bend, each on its own side of the 

 shank. This should not crumple them ; and when liberated they should 

 easily assume their proper position before being finally fixed. 



Release the right hand from its grip, and proceed to tie down the 

 wing thus : A turn of silk is passed lightly over the wing, close to the 

 hackle, and put into CATCH. In this case, the CATCH fingers are brought 



