FLIES AND FLY-DRESSING 205 



with regard to the tyiiig-silk. It may be 

 of less consequence for a floating fly, 

 which presumably is to be used dry, but 

 for a fly or nymph which is to be fished 

 wet it is essential that its base colour 

 should be harmonious with the colour of 

 the natural insect, and that it should 

 retain this colour relation under water. 

 Experiment will show the transparency 

 of fur and feather when wet, and the 

 strong part played by the tying -silk 

 in determining the colour and tone of 

 the fly. Again, it will be often found 

 that two small hackles of different colours 

 will together give a more satisfactory 

 colour impression than a single one of 

 large size, which, individually considered, 

 approaches nearer to the tone desired. 

 This mixed hackle method is capable ot 

 infinite extension. 



From personal experience I would 

 strongly recommend celluloid for making 

 bodies. This can be obtained in very 

 thin sheets, and when cut in tapering 

 strips ribs beautifully. It will, moreover, 

 take a dye well, but perhaps is most useful 

 when tied clear, thus making a transparent 



