Q.—When the tyro has all the materials prepared, and seated at the table, how does he commence to make the fly?
A.—First, the hook is firmly tied on the gut, and one eighth of an inch of the end of the shank left bare to receive the wings (see plate, hook, gut, and tail, tied on).
Q.—How are the wings tied on?
A.—They may be tied on the reverse way first, at the extreme end of the shank, and after the tail, body, and legs are formed, turn up the wings, divide and tie them down, and form the head.
Q.—Is there any other way of placing on the wings of a trout fly?
A.—Yes, by forming the tail, body, and legs first, and tie on the wings last.
Q.—Having the wings the reverse way, to appear in strict proportion over the fly when turned, what is the next part to be performed?
A.—Next, I take hold of the shank opposite the barb in my left, and here tie on a short piece of tinsel for the tip, roll it over two or three times evenly, and secure it with a running knot, immediately above this tie on the tail.
Q.—When the wings are tied on reversed, the tip and tail secured, how do you form the body?
A.—I take hold of the hook in my left hand close to the tail, and with my right draw out a small quantity of mohair, twist it round the tying silk close to the hook, draw it gradually full under the fingers to taper it, I then roll it closely over the shank to the root of the wings and fasten it. Leave a vacancy to receive the hackle if rolled on at the shoulder.