274 THE SALMON FLY. 



the most difficult of all systems in the use of flies, but pretty well enough 

 has been said on this part of our subject. 



" Exaggeration " in fly dressing proceeds from a true insight into 

 Salmon-angling affairs. It is known under several headings. In one sense 

 " exaggeration " means the largest and most showy feathers shortened 

 in their quills or roots of fibres to fit hooks which some people would set 

 forth as absurdly large for any purpose whatever. In another it means 

 the longest of the less marked feathers to extend far beyond the bend of 

 hooks of the size in use. But the truest definition really is that there 

 must be some excess or repetition of our most gaudy feathers and other 

 materials tied separately upon the hook ; as, for instance, in the case of 

 the " Black Prince " and " Golden Butterfly." 



When we are unable to see the effect these flies have over fish we 

 take it for granted that the work is done. The assumption is sometimes 

 justified by the result which the puny productions bring immediately 

 afterwards. These were called " condensations," but as this utterance of 

 olden times lends itself most inconveniently to misrepresentation, we now 

 call them " modifications." 



The term, however, is often misapplied. To ordinary flies of sombre 

 appearance, or to patterns simply lacking lustre, the word has no legiti- 

 mate bearing at all. To "modify" a wing composed of very showy 

 strips is a practice in fly-dressing which would not trouble the patience 

 of the veriest novice. Only a small portion of each strip is taken for 

 mixing in fibres, by which means the effect is distributed and consequently 

 reduced. 



The excellence of " exaggeration " consists in the quality of startling 

 attractiveness, and is not governed by any known law. One of the most 

 important items to consider in " modifications " is size. It should 

 always be remembered that, in ordinary pools where the bed of the river 

 is rocky, the smallest patterns in reason should be used, and that such 

 decided feathers as Jungle and Summer Duck of the duller shades must 

 be employed with unerring regard to the size of the hook. The smaller 

 the hook the smaller should be the markings. If the weather as well as the 

 water be very bright, a little lustre, by the means of a couple of strands 

 of Bustard, or even of Peacock wing, may be added with advantage. 



