This past summer I received a catalog from England advertising some items that might be of interest to the group. First, though, I must add that I have not ordered from this firm, nor am I promoting them, but some things advertised are most intriguing. The company address is:

Ellis Slater
Quality Fly Tying Materials
47 Bridgecross Road
Chase Terrace
Walsall W57 8BU
England

Telephone: Bruntwood (05436) 71377

In a handwritten note, Mr. Slater said, "As you will see, I still have some Fl. Bustard. (The swan subs are real swan and very good quality.) My substitutes are of best quality and sell well all over the world."

His terms: "Cash with order. Add 35p post and packing for all orders. All cheques and postal orders made out to Ellis Slater and crossed." His guarantee: "If not fully satisfied, all monies refunded provided the goods are returned to me undamaged."

There are numerous items of interest to the general fly tier such as a variety of different deer, fur bearers and birds not necessarily available in the U.S.

Of specific interest to the salmon fly tier: Red ibis sub, 38p per dozen; Florican bustard, large - E1.70 per pair; Florican bustard, medium - E1.50 per pair; goose stiff shoulders for mixed wings - white, red, blue, green, yellow or orange - 45p per pair; heron hackle sub, black or gray, large - E1.20 per dozen, medium - 95p per dozen, small - 85p per dozen; turkey cinnamon tails - E1.20 per pair; turkey speckled cinnamon tails - E1.20 per pair; turkey black tails - E1.20 per pair; turkey oak speckled tails used for speckled bustard - E1.60 per pair; turkey tails for mixed wings, same colors as goose - 55p per pair; swan stiff shoulders, sub for mixed and built wings, same colors as goose - E1.00 per pair; spey hackles for salmon flies, natural black or white or dyed colors - 70p per dozen; substitutes for Indian crow, blue chatterer, toucan breast, cock of the rock, vulturine gallena all at 35p per dozen; floss silk--red, black, white, green, yellow, orange, lemon, gray, light blue, dark blue, olive, cream, purple, pink, insect green, brown, magenta - 26p card; also numerous hook styles, tinsels, etc.

Again, I have no experience with this firm, but it might well be worth pursuing if you are in need of any of these items, as well as much more, most at reasonable prices.

- Wayne Luallen