AMERICAN TROUT-STREAM INSECTS 



warmth of the finger and thumb to soften the wax, 

 and allow the silk to draw freely. Cut off the rem- 

 nant of the silk, varnish the knot thoroughly, and if 

 in this operation the eye is filled with varnish, do not 

 neglect to clear it." 



It will be advisable to state here, for the benefit 

 of those not used to eyed hooks, that these direc- 

 tions apply exclusively to eyed hooks, and not to 

 plain hooks lashed or tied on gut. Artificials tied 

 on eyed hook are in every way superior. They can 

 be tied on the gut and taken off for a change of fly 

 at any time desired. If properly tied they are sure 

 to wear better and give more satisfaction in every 

 way. 



THE WAY TO TIE A FLY 



You can much more readily grasp the method of 

 making a fly from diagram sketches than from a 

 long, detailed description, which would only prove 

 wearisome and confusing. 



The amateur must be content to master first the 

 simple, easy flies with upright wings and flat bodies, 

 hke the commercial flies. Those bodies of different 

 thicknesses — that is, fat in the middle or tapering 

 down thin — are best left till the plain, even body is 

 understood. 



After you are past the rudimentary stage you can 

 then make efforts to copy the natural insects, no two 

 bodies of which are alike in thickness. Then, after- 



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