252 THE SALMON FLY. 



that, in the brightest sun, these little gems retain, and will for long retain, 

 their deadly significance. 



In nearly all cases, a short black hackle is employed at the throat ; 

 but two, or even three, turns in excess of what is usual are to be allowed. 

 Sometimes, however, I use only a Gallina throat, as, for instance, on the 

 Wye and Spey. 



The best natural black hackles for the purpose are termed " bastard 

 hackles." These are often found on the back or in the neck of a 

 common grey-speckled cock, and on an imperfect Plymouth Eock. They 

 are best on account of their sheen and depth of tone. But as regards 

 black hackles, should warm weather set in early, that is to say, earlier 

 than in the middle of May, a hackle dyed black is recommended. On the 

 other hand, after June a natural black hackle is nearly indispensable, and 

 especially so when the current is somewhat fast. 



Now suppose the dresser has an order for this fly from the Usk, he 

 will adopt red characteristics ; accordingly he works up scarlet silk and 

 scarlet Ibis for the tag and tail. He puts only red, yellow, and black 

 coils in the body ; and uses red Macaw for horns. 



After all that has been said, I think this one example is quite 

 sufficient for the dresser to be almost sure of achievement with any of 

 these variations. I can vouch for the hints enumerated being of service 

 to Anglers on the Lochy, Spey, Tweed, Wye, Usk, Earn, Shannon, 

 Towy, Cothi, Findhorn, Don, Test, Lee, and Blackwater (Cork), South 

 Esk, Helmsdale, Brora, Beauly, Erne, Conway, Torridge, Annan, and 

 Blackwater (N.B.). Thick bodies fail on the Dee. How far it is advisable 

 to be so particular in varying the fly for other rivers I cannot decide 

 from actual experience ; but I doubt if many exceptions will be found. 

 A certain amount of sport may be had with any one variety, but the best 

 of sport can only be obtained by a rigid adherence to the principles in 

 varying the dressing which I have now laid down. 



What now of the " Black Fancy ? " 



As a rule, it is well to try this fly over a fish before the other, but, 

 on that point, the expert had better be left to his own resources. The 

 body of it is of ordinary shape, and is made thick or thin as occasions 

 demand. It is always of black silk ; and, excepting " blue rivers," when 



