46 NORTH-COUNTRY FLIES. 



is the advantage that one of them will outlast three or four 

 minnows. But inasmuch as a minnow is brighter to the 

 eye and better to get, he is to be preferred. 



A word may be useful as to the best way to preserve 

 minnows when it is impossible to ensure a supply of the 

 live fish. If they are put direct into strong spirit they 

 assume a dull white clouded appearance, owing to the effect 

 of the spirit on the slimy secretion with which the skin is 

 covered. This utterly ruins their brightness. The minnows 

 should be killed by a fillip on the head, sprinkled with 

 salt for not more than ten minutes, and then put into 

 spirit. By this means the slime appears to be dissolved, 

 and the fish retain much of their natural sheen. 



