SILK-WORM GUT. 275 



flies, which is a very convenient and expeditious way, but 

 the old method is still much in vogue, and both plans 

 have their advocates. 



Too much care can not be exercised in selecting the 

 leader, for upon its soundness and excellence depend much 

 of the pleasure and success of fly-fishing. It should be 

 carefully examined in every inch of its length, and the 

 knots closely inspected. The leader should always be 

 stained some suitable neutral tint ; either a slightly green- 

 ish, grayish, or smoky hue will answer. Strong green 

 tea, diluted black ink, or a weak solution of indigo, make 

 good stains. The leader should have a loop at each end, 

 for attaching the reel-line and stretcher-fly. 



I will not enter into the details of making leaders, as 

 they can now be purchased so cheaply, and of such superior 

 excellence, that the amateur can hardly hope to equal them, 

 even were it necessary. The leaders known as "mist- 

 colored " are all that can be desired, and the angler can 

 have them sent by mail from any first-class dealer, who 

 will select them "upon honor." I will only add, beware 

 of double or twisted-leaders ; they are an abomination to 

 the Black Bass fly-fisher. 



SNELLS, OK SNOODS. 



For utility and convenience, hooks are tied on short 

 pieces of gut, gimp, or sea-grass, called snells, or snoods. 

 The best material for snells is silk-worm gut, as it is light, 

 strong, and nearly invisible. It should be stained of a 

 similar color, and in the same manner as the leader. 



The length of snells for Black Bass angling should be 

 from six to eight inches ; and they should be composed of 



