MISCELLANEOUS OBSERVATIONS. 55 



and shorter in the bristle, than those of the common 

 fowl. 



I am not fond of broad shining tinsel in any 

 case, except occasionally in deep, dark, cold, winter 

 water, and then I prefer gold to silver twist, as it is 

 not so showy ; and, except on a large hook in dark 

 water, a silk thread, or a piece of gut rolled round 

 the body, to give the fly a maggot appearance, is 

 perhaps preferable to any twist or tinsel. In very 

 clear water, and fine weather, I consider all sorts of 

 tinsel unnecessary. 



Pig's wool when it can be got well dyed and of 

 various colours is preferable for tails and tufts to 

 mohair and worsted, being of a brighter dye and 

 more determined colour in the water. 



Much has been said of late of Irish flies, made 

 (like butterflies) of parrot, golden-pheasant, and other 

 bright fancy feathers ; and even broad clear tinsel, 

 with rough, red, blue, and white hackles, has been 

 occasionally used on the Tweed with success. Hence, 

 inexperienced fishers are very unwilling to believe in 

 the general propriety of sober coloured flies. Yet, 

 if the matter be observed and considered, it will be 

 found resolvable into the principle of light colours 

 for deep dark waters. Partial success in high or 

 agitated waters is an exception to the general rule, 



