[46 



feathers, seals' fur, etc., is comparatively trifling, and such that is 

 nearly, if not quite, unnoticeable to the inexperienced eye. There is 

 a greater difference in the mechanical ingenuity and skill in placing 

 the finer wing materials in regular succession from the foundation to 

 the topping, but the greatest difference is seen in the make and for- 

 mation of the loop, upon which, more than upon anything else, the 

 life and behaviour of the fly entirely depend. ' 



A long loop soon hinges, and consequently causes the fly to 

 droop its tail, in which case it is less attractive and soon becomes use- 

 less ; whereas a small loop, properly t\yisted with sound gut, will last 

 longer than any other part of the fly. The thickness of it is, of 

 course, an important item. 



If the dresser applies himself closely to the following directions, 

 instead of his loop being the first cause of complaint, it will produce 

 the natural effect of rendering the play and animation of his fly more 

 realistic. 



Let it not be supposed, however, tiiat because so much impor- 

 tance is attached to this item, and because so few trouble themselves 

 to discriminate between a good and bad loop, that the question 

 relating to feathers, etc., is of little moment ; on the contrary, it is 

 well-known that proper feathers are the most alluring to the fish, and 

 should liave the highest claim on the dresser. 



The size of the gut absolutely depends on the size of the hook 

 selected, and it is just here tiuit one cannot be too particular. 



