86 THE SALMON FLY. 



below) that the points of the upper strip extend a little. Hold them, so 

 applied together, at the points by the left fore-finger and thumb , and, 

 with the right fore-finger and thumb, gently press and hold the roots 

 together (which may not be the same in length), and let the points free. 

 To form the union, stroke and coax with the left fore-finger and thumb 

 the two strips, so held, from the roots along their whole length, when it 

 will be soon found that their edges cohere naturally and firmly by the 

 interlocking of the tiny, fluffy filaments at those edges. 



Put silk in CATCH. Take in the right fore-finger and thumb the 

 married strips intended for the far side wing, and lay them, bright side 

 out, with their root ends against the shank at the tyirig point, and at such 

 an angle to the shank that, not only the lower edges of the married strips 

 may conform themselves to the upper curve of the under-wing, but also 

 that the tips shall extend in gradation beyond its extreme point. 



The shape of wing desired is illustrated in the Analytical-fly, 

 Chapter II. 



Section IV. At this stage we arrive at what is undeniably the crux 

 of fly dressing ; the above-described operation, however, being mastered, 

 the student will easily tackle any kind of wing. He will give the wing 

 that compactness, that graceful curve, and will exhibit in its destined 

 place each constituent fibre or strip of feather that is so pleasing to the 

 veteran Fisher's eye and so fatal to the fish. 



The correct curve is obtained by laying, or offering, the wing-strips 

 at their destined angle, at first only temporarily, for the purpose of 

 ensuring their proper length by measurement. Then, without disturbing 

 their natural coherence in the least degree, the married strips are gently 

 brought up into a nearly erect position i.e., at nearly right angles to the 

 shank. Hold them so to the shank with the right fore-finger and thumb, 

 which grip both strips and hook-shank ; seize with left fore-finger and 

 thumb the main part of the strips, and, by a curving stroke, press them 

 down taihvards, and hold them, with the underwing, well down nearly 

 upon the hook. This position is such that a slight hump, like a cat's 

 arched back, is created in the strips, close to the grip of the right fore- 

 finger and thumb. Gradually relax the right grip, and at the same time 

 apply the left STOP, to preserve the " hump." Release the silk, and tie 



